On April 14, 1912, one of the greatest and most iconic tragedies of modern history occurred. On its maiden voyage, the largest and most luxurious ocean liner ever built struck an iceberg and sank into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. The commemoration of that event 100 years ago has become the inspiration for the Yakima Symphony Orchestra's entire 2011-12 season: A Titanic Season.
As you may know, one of our institutional objectives of the Classical Series is to provide you, our audience, with a combination of music you already know and love along with some music that you have probably never heard before. The opening night concert is a prime example of this objective. The glorious "Titan" symphony of Gustav Mahler, a staple of the orchestral repertoire, will be combined with the Washington premiere of Titanic by Peter Boyer. You may recall that a piece by Mr. Boyer, New Beginnings, appeared on the opening night concert of the 2010-11 season as well, and it turned out to be an audience favorite. Other concerts on the classical series will also have a "titanic" connection. For example, several of the programs will open with an overture based on a titan of Greek mythology such as Helios and Prometheus. The May concert will feature the titanic choral masterwork Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. Finally, I am very pleased to inform you that, in true titanic fashion, we will be presenting the first fully-produced opera in the history of Yakima! On April 28, 2012, we will present Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, featuring vocalists from the Lamont Opera Theatre of the University of Denver. This production will include beautiful sets, costumes, make-up, staging, the works!
This year we are expanding our Chamber Orchestra Series and have a very exciting line-up for you. Our annual DÃa de los Muertos concert will feature the absolutely gorgeous Requiem by John Rutter as well as a wonderful trumpeter from our sister city of Morelia, Mexico. The second chamber orchestra concert is entitled Like Father, Like Son: Joseph Golan Memorial Concert. Originally, this concert was going to feature my father Joseph, former Principal Second Violinist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and I performing the Bach Concerto for Two Violins and Orchestra. However, on June 27, 2011, my father suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. As a result, instead of the Bach Double, I will, sadly, perform the Bach E Major Concerto for solo violin and orchestra. The concert will also feature our extraordinary Principal Clarinetist Jeffrey Brooks and his father Joseph performing a dazzling concerto for two clarinets! The final chamber orchestra concert will take place on Saint Patrick's Day and will feature music by some very popular Irish-born composers including Victor Herbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. In addition, free green beer will be included with every ticket!
We are also expanding our newly created Pops Series this season to include three exciting and entertaining events. We will begin with a concert called the BIG Big Band, which will include the greatest hits of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw and Duke Ellington! This concert is actually the fulfillment of a promise that I made to one of the YSO's longtime supporters, Virginia Hislop. Ginger told me how much she loved the Big Band era, and I told her I would program an entire concert of Big Band music for her—and here it is. The second concert on the Pops Series will actually be the start of a Yakima Christmas tradition. Each year, the Yakima Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will present a heart-warming, spectacular Christmas pops concert that will feature all of your holiday favorites. We will also invite a different guest group each year to join us and add to the festivities. This year it will be a wonderful handbell choir called the Westminster Ringers. The final Pops concert of the year will truly be a titanic event—in fact, THE Titanic Event! On April 14, 2012, exactly one hundred years to the day, we will commemorate the Titanic by performing highlights from the Academy Award-winning film Titanic, the Tony Award-winning musical Titanic, and the actual music performed onboard the ship! Joining the orchestra and chorus will be two phenomenal vocalists direct from Broadway!
As I am sure you are aware, this is a very ambitious and expensive season. But with your support and our talented musicians, together we can prove that, unlike the Titanic, the Yakima Symphony Orchestra truly is...unsinkable!
Sincerely,
Lawrence Golan
The Helen N. Jewett Music Director
Yakima Symphony Orchestra
The YSO first annual Christmas Pops Concert was a big hit! Fun was had by all, audience and orchestra. One more concert at the Capitol Theatre this year - The Nutcracker 12/10/11 at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets at the Capitol Theatre Box Office 509-853-2787. We will see you again in February 2012 at the Seasons for Like Father, Like Son.
