Lexington Philharmonic 5/10/19 Lexington Philharmonic 5/10/19

The Lexington Philharmonic Proudly Announces the 2019/2020 Season: RESOUND Six Conductor Finalists Join LexPhil for Six Audition Performances

The Lexington Philharmonic Society and Lexington Philharmonic Search Committee proudly announces the 2019/2020 Season, and the six outstanding Conductor Finalists who will lead the orchestra in six audition performances during the 2019/2020 Season, RESOUND.

The 2019/2020 Season is a milestone year in the Lexington Philharmonic's history and the musical life of central Kentucky. The season pairs the diverse voices of today alongside hallmark works of the classical canon, from Tchaikovsky's passionate Symphony No. 6 to Prokofiev's exuberant Symphony No. 5. Each Season Series program opens with a work by a female composer, including a work by composer Julia Perry, born in Lexington's East End neighborhood.

Major stars of the international stage join the orchestra as soloists, including world-renowned cellist Gary Hoffman for Bloch's powerful Schelomo; Hebraic Rhapsody and Lexington-native Richard Deane, principal horn of the NY Philharmonic for Strauss' Horn Concerto. Two Lexington holiday traditions, A Cathedral Christmas, and New Year's Eve at the Lexington Opera House, round out an exhilarating season of possibilities.

“This season, we will fill our city with music and possibilities as we embark on the important work of selecting a Music Director and Conductor. We are confident we have selected six conductor finalists worthy of stewarding our orchestra’s growth and legacy,” says the Lexington Philharmonic Board President, Carol McLeod. “Our candidates are diverse, experienced, and modern in their approaches into how music shapes the life of a community. We are seeking a musical leader who will build on the artistic achievements of our great orchestra, to the benefit and enrichment of the whole region. ”

A search committee of Lexington Philharmonic musicians, board members, and community members embarked on the process of selecting a new Music Director in August of 2018. The search committee received and reviewed over 200 applications in the subsequent months, and in January of 2019, narrowed the application to pool to eighteen. Following multiple interviews, the search committee selected six outstanding conductor finalists, selected for their diversity of experience, style and philosophy.

Each finalist will spend a week in Lexington, working with the orchestra, and getting to know the community. Their audition week culminates in a Season Series performance. Following the audition performance, LexPhil musicians, board members, and audience will have the opportunity to provide immediate feedback on each conductor. The Lexington Philharmonic expects to announce the next Music Director & Conductor in the summer of 2020.

“The 2019/2020 Season is going to be, in one word, thrilling. During our 2019/2020 season, each of the conductor finalists will bring their best to their audition week,” says Allison Kaiser, Executive Director of the Lexington Philharmonic. “We are so excited to share Lexington and all of its riches with our candidates, and are equally excited to have our community engaged in the process of helping LexPhil select an artistic leader that will influence the shape and future of the organization and music-making in Lexington for many years to come.”

2019- 2020 SEASON SERIES CONCERTS

OPENING NIGHT: HOME
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019

Opening Night: Home , conducted by Music Director & Conductor Finalist Thomas Heuser opens the season with Julia Perry’s Short Piece for Orchestra on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Perry was born in Lexington’s East End neighborhood and went on to receive two Guggenheim fellowships, spend nearly a decade in Europe studying with prominent composers including Nadia Boulanger. By the 1960’s, she had achieved critical acclaim, and her works were performed by the New York Philharmonic and other major orchestras. Violinist Stefan Jackiw joins as soloist for Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto, a charming and technically challenging work that embodies all of the warmth and wit of the composer. The evening closes with the passionate emotional depths of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6.

DEEP MUSIC
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019

Music Director & Conductor Finalist Akiko Fujimoto leads the orchestra in a program of moving works at Deep Music on Friday, October 25, 2019. The evening opens with Grammy-award winning composer Libby Larsen’s Deep Summer Music, a textural work inspired by the last days of summer in her home state of Minnesota. Harpist Allegra Lilly, principal harp of the St. Louis Symphony, joins for Ginastera’s Harp Concerto. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 brings the evening to a joyous and boisterous close.

WIND POWER
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019

Music Director & Conductor Finalist Kelly Corcoran conducts an evening of works both powerful and ebullient at Wind Power on Friday, November 22, 2019. Jessie Montgomery’s Caught by The Wind opens the evening with a powerful meditation on the cycle of life. Lexington-native Richard Deane, Principal Horn of the New York Philharmonic, returns to his hometown orchestra as soloist for Strauss’ Horn Concerto No. 1, followed by Brahms’ delightful Symphony No. 2.

BLUE BEETHOVEN
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Friday, February 21, 2020, Music Director & Conductor Finalist Enrico Lopez-Yañez kicks off the second half of the 2019/2020 Season at Blue Beethoven, an evening of some of the most deeply emotive works in the canon. The evening opens with Jennifer Higdon’s beautiful and contemplative blue cathedral, one of the most popular contemporary works of the last decade. Pianist Norman Krieger joins the orchestra for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, followed by Czech master Dvořák’s dynamic Symphony No. 7.

TRANSFIGURATIONS
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020

Music Director & Conductor Finalist Julia Tai leads the orchestra in a night of diverse and spirited works at Transfigurations on Friday, April 17, 2020. Inspired by the industrial landscape of Detroit composer Missy Mazzoli’s River Rouge Transfiguration transforms the grit and noise of Motor City into a resonant and unexpected work for orchestra. World-renowned cellist Gary Hoffman joins LexPhil as soloist for composer Ernest Bloch’s Schelomo; Hebraic Rhapsody, a work that embodies the spirit and sound of traditional Jewish music dating back thousands of years. The evening closes with Mendelssohn’s melodic Symphony No. 3, “Scottish.”

BEYOND THE SKY
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020

The thrilling finale concert of the season Beyond the Sky will be led by the final Music Director & Conductor Finalist, Keitaro Harada on Saturday, May 16, 2020. The evening kicks off with a percussive bang with Loren Loiacono’s Smothered By Sky, commissioned and premiered by the Detroit Symphony in 2017. Rising star violinist Bomsori Kim joins the orchestra for Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 2.

Described by Prokofiev as "a hymn to pure and noble spirit,” his Symphony No. 5 concludes an exuberant season of vast musical possibilities.

2019- 2020 SPECIAL CONCERTS

A CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019
8:00 PM · Cathedral of Christ the King

LexPhil is joined by The Lexington Singers at the magnificent Cathedral of Christ the King for a beloved Lexington holiday tradition. University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra Conductor John Nardolillo guest conducts this much-anticipated program of sacred orchestral and choral works.

NEW YEARS EVE: MARDI GRAS IN NEW ORLEANS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019
7:30 PM · Lexington Opera House
Byron Stripling, Trumpet & Conductor

The phenomenal Byron Stripling returns to Lexington, to make the good times roll with the music of New Orleans from Fats Domino to Louis Armstrong. Inspired by the street parades in the French Quarter and late night jams in the city’s famed clubs, this concert transforms the Lexington Opera House into an unforgettable celebration of New Orleans jazz, with Byron Stripling leading the parade.

LEXINGTON PHILHARMONIC
MUSIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR FINALISTS

OPENING NIGHT: HOME
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019
7:30 PM · Singletary Center for the Arts
Thomas Heuser, Conductor Finalist

JULIA PERRY
A Short Piece for Orchestra

STRAVINSKY
Violin Concerto in D major
Stefan Jackiw, violin

TCHAIKOVSKY
Symphony No. 6 in B minor ‘Pathétique'

ABOUT THOMAS
www.thomasheuser.com

American conductor Thomas Heuser has been widely recognized for his stirring leadership and energetic presence both onstage and in the community. Currently he serves as Music Director of both the Idaho Falls Symphony and the San Juan Symphony, an innovative regional orchestra serving the Four Corners. The son of two molecular biologists, Thomas began violin lessons at an early age and studied piano at the St. Louis Symphony Music School. He graduated from Vassar College and went on to earn his Masters in Conducting from Indiana University and his Doctorate in Conducting from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. Thomas lives in Durango, Colorado, with his wife, violinist Lauren Avery, and their son Theodore.

DEEP MUSIC
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019
7:30 PM · Singletary Center for the Arts
Akiko Fujimoto, Conductor Finalist

LIBBY LARSEN
Deep Summer Music

GINASTERA
Harp Concerto, op. 25
Allegra Lilly, harp

BEETHOVEN
Symphony No. 7 in A Major

ABOUT AKIKO
www.akikofujimotoconductor.com

Akiko Fujimoto is the associate conductor for the Minnesota Orchestra, where she conducts education programs, special events and outdoor community concerts. Additionally, she serves as a link to the community, participating in engagement activities, school visits, and collaborations with other Minnesota arts and cultural institutions. Formerly, she served as the associate conductor of the San Antonio Symphony for five seasons and conducting associate for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. During the 2018-2019 season, Fujimoto made her debut with the National Symphony Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, and the Mid-Texas Symphony. Born in Japan, Fujimoto moved to the United States at age 14 and attended Stanford University where she studied music and psychology. She holds masters degrees in conducting from Boston University and the Eastman School of Music.

WIND POWER
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019
7:30 PM · Singletary Center for the Arts
Kelly Corcoran, Conductor Finalist

JESSIE MONTGOMERY
Caught by the Wind

R. STRAUSS
Horn Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major
Richard Deane, horn

BRAHMS
Symphony No. 2 in D Major

ABOUT KELLY
www.kellycorcoran.net

Named “Best Classical Conductor” in 2015 by the Nashville Scene, Kelly Corcoran is a passionate advocate for the robust place of classical music in our lives and the lives of future generations. Corcoran is Artistic Director of Intersection, a contemporary music ensemble dedicated to redefining the traditional concert experience. Corcoran conducted the Nashville Symphony for nine seasons both as Associate Conductor and Director of the Symphony Chorus where she conducted the orchestra in hundreds of performances. Corcoran has appeared as a guest conductor with many orchestras including The Cleveland Orchestra, The Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, and National Symphonies, often with return engagements. Abroad, Corcoran has appeared with orchestras in Argentina, England, Spain, Mexico and Chile. Corcoran attended the Boston Conservatory and Indiana University. Her primary mentors are Leonard Slatkin and Marin Alsop.

BLUE BEETHOVEN
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020
7:30 PM · Singletary Center for the Arts
Enrico Lopez-Yañez, Conductor Finalist

JENNIFER HIGDON
blue cathedral

BEETHOVEN
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major
Norman Krieger, piano

DVORÁK
Symphony No. 7 in D minor

ABOUT ENRICO
https://www.enricolopezyanez.com/

Enrico Lopez-Yañez is the Assistant Conductor and Principal Pops Conductor Designate of the Nashville Symphony. He leads over 50 performances annually on the Symphony’s Pops Series, Family Series, Young People’s Concerts and Community Concerts. During the 2018/19 season, Lopez-Yañez will make appearances with the Detroit Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, Oklahoma City Philharmonic and Symphony NH, as well as return appearances with the Rochester Philharmonic and Omaha Symphony. An enthusiastic proponent of innovating the concert experience, he has created exciting education, classical and pops concerts that have been performed by orchestras across the United States. Lopez- Yañez previously held the position of Assistant Conductor with the Omaha Symphony. He holds a Master’s in Music from the University of Maryland and received a Master’s in Music and Baccalaureate from UCLA, where he graduated summa cum laude.

TRANSFIGURATIONS
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020
7:30 PM · Singletary Center for the Arts
Julia Tai, Conductor Finalist

MISSY MAZZOLI
River Rouge Transfiguration

BLOCH
Schelomo; Hebraic Rhapsody Gary Hoffman, cello

MENDELSSOHN
Symphony No. 3 in A minor ‘Scottish'

ABOUT JULIA
http://www.juliatai.com/

Praised by the Seattle Times as "poised yet passionate," Julia Tai has conducted orchestras around the world, including the American Youth Symphony, Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic (Czech Republic), Brandenburger Symphoniker (Germany), Orquesta Filarmónica de la UNAM (Mexico), Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil Charlos Chávez (Mexico), and the Seattle Symphony. As the Music Director of Philharmonia Northwest, Julia Tai has established a reputation for her creative programming and community partnerships. Tai is also the conductor and Co-Artistic Director of the Seattle Modern Orchestra. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Tai received her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in orchestral conducting from the University of Washington.

BEYOND THE SKY
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020
7:30 PM · Singletary Center for the Arts
Keitaro Harada, Conductor Finalist

LOREN LOIACONO
Smothered by Sky

WIENIAWSKI
Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Minor Bomsori Kim, violin

PROKOFIEV
Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major

ABOUT KEITARO
http://kharada.com/

Conductor Keitaro Harada maintains a burgeoning career throughout North America, Asia, Mexico, and Europe. His pursuits encompass opera, symphonic and chamber works, pops, film scores, ballet, educational and outreach programming, and multi-disciplinary projects. In his fourth season as Associate Conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops, Harada assists Music Director Louis Langrée, conducts the CSO, POPS, and has assisted James Conlon and Juanjo Mena for the May Festival. He is a three-time recipient of The Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award (2016, 2015, 2014), Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview (2013), the Seiji Ozawa Conducting Fellowship at Tanglewood Music Festival, and was a student of Lorin Maazel at Castleton Festival and Fabio Luisi at Pacific Music Festival. Harada is a native of Tokyo, Japan.

All concerts begin at 7:30 PM, unless otherwise noted, and are presented at the Singletary Center for the Arts, with the exception of New Year’s Eve: Mardis Gras in New Orleans at the Lexington Opera House and A Cathedral Christmas at the Cathedral of Christ the King.

LexPhil is currently accepting renewals for Full Season Series Subscribers. Subscriptions will be available to the public for purchase beginning Thursday, May 2, 2019. Full Season Series Subscriptions include the six Season Series concerts led by the conductor finalists, plus one Special Concert. Single concert tickets go on sale Monday, July 1, 2018. To renew or order subscriptions, or for more information, please contact the Lexington Philharmonic at 859.233.4226, or visit lexphil.org.

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The mission of the Lexington Philharmonic is to foster excellence and innovation in the performance and
presentation of great music; to enrich the lives of our diverse citizenry; to educate current and future
audiences and to bring distinction to our community through the orchestra’s presence and standing. Through LexPhil’s four core values of Artistic Excellence, Innovation, Collaboration and Accessibility, LexPhil will continue to grow artistically and purposefully, providing world-class musical experiences and impactful educational opportunities for Lexington, the Bluegrass Region, and beyond.

All Lexington Philharmonic programs are made possible through the generous support of LexArts. In 2018-2019, the Lexington Philharmonic received $170,000 in unrestricted support. The Lexington Philharmonic is supported by the Dupree Initiative for Innovation, funded by the tremendous generosity of Thomas and Ann Todd Dupree. The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to the Lexington Philharmonic with state tax dollars and along with federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Hamilton Saykaly Garbulinska Foundation funds LexPhil’s commitment to continued artistic growth and brings world-renowned artists to perform with LexPhil and participate in outreach for the Lexington community.

Special thanks to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government for its continued partnership in ensuring a flourishing future for the arts in Lexington and central Kentucky.

Lexington Philharmonic 5/30/18 Lexington Philharmonic 5/30/18

Lexington Philharmonic One of Five Orchestras to Receive League of American Orchestras American Orchestras’ Futures Fund Seed Grant

$6,000 Grants, Made Possible by the Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation, Highlight Array of Inventive Programs Taking Place at Smaller-Budget Orchestras and Youth Orchestras

NEW YORK, NY – Highlighting the groundswell of innovation occurring at smaller-budget orchestras and youth orchestras across the country, The Lexington Philharmonic is just one of five orchestras that have received $6,000 American Orchestras’ Futures Fund seed grants from the League of American Orchestras, made possible with the generous support of the Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation.

“These orchestras are in the forefront of experimentation and visionary problem-solving, and the League is proud to support this work for the benefit of the orchestra field,” commented League President and CEO Jesse Rosen. “I’m grateful to the Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation for enabling orchestras to incubate innovative practice, and look forward to the knowledge and research developed around these exciting initiatives.”

“We’re energized and encouraged by the momentum of our continued partnership with the League through the American Orchestras’ Futures Fund,” added Lisa Delan, Director of the Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation. "The initiatives by smaller-budget and youth orchestras in this round of grants represent the range of innovation, impact, and collaboration we envisioned when we approached the League. And I am personally gratified to witness the commitment by these grantees to reach diverse populations within their communities."

With this generous funding from the League of American Orchestras American Orchestras’ Futures Fund, LexPhil will implement the Orbit Initiative, to engage more diverse communities and partners to build a series of collaborative, intentional music experiences in new venues. The programming will reflect an issue or idea that is important to the local community and be presented in spaces that provide easy and comfortable access for neighborhood residents. Specific programs for this grant will be announced in early summer 2018.

About the League’s American Orchestras’ Future Fund Program:
The Futures Fund grantees from across the country are seizing opportunities in the current environment. These include giving life to contemporary repertoire by American composers; developing imaginative concert experiences and cross-cultural artistic programming; increasing diversity and access to music education; connecting with new immigrants and underserved populations; extending reach via digital streaming initiatives; investing in valuable audience development research; and working with multiple populations in rural and urban regions. Descriptions of the initiatives supported through the American Orchestras’ Futures Fund can be found here.

The $4.5 million American Orchestras’ Future Fund program included a first round of grants for larger-budget orchestras, announced in 2017.

For this second round, smaller-budget and youth orchestras that are based in the U.S. and that are members of the League of American Orchestras were eligible to apply. An independent review panel selected the orchestras based on criteria including significant investments in organizational learning, meaningful partnerships with community organizations, and an ability to assess and adapt practices for continuous innovation.

Seed Grant Recipients ($6,000):

Akron Symphony (OH) – support for work with the city’s immigrant population —refugees from Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, both adult musicians and high school students in the North High School immigrant orchestra.

InterSchool Orchestras of New York – support for a collaboration with the youth division of Ballet Hispanico to create a diverse, cross-cultural, orchestral and dance work for presentation at a major venue in New York City in spring 2019.

Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra – support for Lab Group, a collaborative composing ensemble; high-school student musicians work with staff facilitators to create new work, an entry point into group music-making.

The Lexington Philharmonic (KY) – support for creating a series of collaborative music programs in non-traditional venues, increasing participation and engagement in music by more diverse communities.

Tulsa Symphony Orchestra (OK) – support for an organization-wide review and analysis of the orchestra’s strategic plan; TSO is reviewing and analyzing their innovative model of orchestral governance.

The mission of the Lexington Philharmonic is to foster excellence and innovation in the performance and presentation of great music; to enrich the lives of our diverse citizenry; to educate current and future audiences and to bring distinction to our community through the orchestra’s presence and standing. Through LexPhil’s four core values of artistic excellence, innovation, collaboration and accessibility, LexPhil will continue to move forward, artistically and purposefully, providing world-class musical experiences and impactful educational opportunities for the Bluegrass Region and beyond.

The League of American Orchestras leads, supports, and champions America’s orchestras and the vitality of the music they perform. Its diverse membership of more than 2,000 organizations and individuals across North America runs the gamut from world-renowned symphonies to community groups, from summer festivals to student and youth ensembles, from conservatories to libraries, from businesses serving orchestras to individuals who love symphonic music. The only national organization dedicated solely to the orchestral experience, the League is a nexus of knowledge and innovation, advocacy, and leadership advancement. Its conferences and events, award-winning Symphony magazine, website, and other publications inform people around the world about orchestral activity and developments. Founded in 1942 and chartered by Congress in 1962, the League links a national network of thousands of instrumentalists, conductors, managers and administrators, board members, volunteers, and business partners. Visit americanorchestras.org.

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All Lexington Philharmonic programs are made possible through the generous support of LexArts. In 2017-2018, the Lexington Philharmonic will receive a total of $170,000 in unrestricted support.

LexPhil’s 2018-2019 Season is presented by the Dupree Initiative for Innovation, funded by the tremendous generosity of Thomas and Ann Todd Dupree.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to the Lexington Philharmonic with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Saykaly Garbulinska Foundation, funds LexPhil’s commitment to continued artistic growth and brings world-renowned artist to perform with LexPhil and participate in outreach for the Lexington community.

Special thanks to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government for its continued partnership in ensuring a flourishing future for the arts in Lexington and central Kentucky.

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Behind the Scenes: Celebrating Bernstein Program Notes + Guest Artist Bio

The 2017/18 Season closes with three modern masterworks in Celebrating Bernstein! Presented as a testament to his brilliant career, LexPhil celebrates Leonard Bernstein’s centennial through the music of his inspiration, Gustav Mahler, American contemporary John Corigliano, and his own work. Celebrating Bernstein is an extraordinary concert finale that you won’t want to miss.

PROGRAM NOTES
By: Daniel Chetel

When the great romantic symphonist Gustav Mahler said to his younger colleague, Jean Sibelius, “A symphony must be like the world. It must contain everything,” perhaps he was building the first link of the spiritual connection between himself and the groundbreaking, dynamic American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.

Bernstein was a polyglot artistic genius: interested in everything, rich with enthusiasm, a vivid communicator, and a sometimes surly collaborator. His musical life intersected with the theatre, American identity, his Jewish heritage, the politics of McCarthyism, and the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. As a musician, Bernstein sought to contain everything, and it is no wonder that Mahler’s expansive symphonic vision was such a profound part of his everdeveloping
musical imagination.

Tonight’s program begins with American composer John Corigliano’s “To Music,” which sets the stage of universality that Mahler and Bernstein represent. The composer describes his music as “introspective” and is conceived as a musical deconstruction of Franz Schubert’s song An die Musik which is the source of the musical fragments of the fanfares played from both on- and offstage. Corigliano now serves as a professor of composition at The Julliard School and is an elder statesman of American music, but as a promising music student in New York, he worked on the staff of Leonard Bernstein’s Young People’s Concerts with the New York Philharmonic (in which his father served as the concertmaster).

Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers was a uniquely multi-faceted work of music, drama, and theatre which was commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy and premiered in 1971 as part of the opening of the Kennedy Center in the nation’s capitol. Bernstein creatively reimagined both the textual and musical conventions of the traditional Catholic mass to include a wide range of performers and blend of the classical and popular realms. The three Meditations for cello and orchestra are extracted instrumental interludes from the theatrical work which offer opportunities for prayer and introspection.

Tonight’s program concludes with a work central to Bernstein’s life as a conductor: Gustav Mahler’s epic Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp minor, an expression of Mahler’s all-encompassing vision for music both in terms of scope and in its place in the legacy and tradition of western music making. Bernstein was a champion of Mahler’s works, working to bring these vast musical poems into the modern symphonic canon, and intertwining his musical voice and vision with Mahler’s in the process. From the very first musical gesture of the symphony Mahler makes this relationship to the past clear: as in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 from nearly 100 years earlier, Mahler begins his Symphony No. 5 with a three-note pickup leading to the downbeat, creating a fournote musical motive which will permeate the entire work. Amidst the stirring string melodies, forceful orchestral outbursts, and intimate solos in the winds, Mahler returns, almost obsessively, to this opening motive. In the opening movement alone it is presented proudly in the trumpet, softly in the timpani, aggressively by the full orchestra, and as rhythmic background in the strings.

Mahler divides the five movements of the symphony into three untitled sections: the first consisting of the Trauermarsch (Funeral March) and Stürmisch bewegt, mit grösster Vehemenz (moving stormily, with the greatest vehemence), the second the expanded Scherzo, and the third the sublime Adagietto and triumphant Rondo-Finale. After the dramatic Funeral March, the second movement begins, as we have been promised by the tempo indication, with a storm. Mahler creates this effect not only with the growling triple-forte entrances from the low strings and bassoons and aggressive rips in the violins and trumpets, but also with the rhythmic layering of the entire orchestra to create a sense of instability.

At the conclusion of this movement, Mahler includes the direction folgt lange Pause (a long pause follows) in the full score, hinting at a level of stagecraft that went beyond what most composers of the time included in their concert works. The third movement Scherzo, usually a minor inner movement in a traditional classical symphony, has here been expanded into a fully formed symphonic essay and the entirety of Mahler’s second major section. It evokes both the openness of the countryside and the biting articulations of overlapping city conversations.The Adagietto, labeled as the fourth movement, also serves as the beginning of Mahler’s third and final section. After using the breadth of his orchestral forces in the Scherzo, here Mahler writes tenderly for strings and harp only and, once again, the opening thematic material begins with a three-note pickup gesture.

After the dark unsettled energy of the opening section, rhythmic intricacies of the Scherzo, and serenity of the Adagietto, the exuberance of the Rondo-Finale is palpable. The use of rising motives and excited short articulations build towards ultimate victory. In his exuberance Mahler revisits musical ideas from earlier in the symphony but now integrates them into the triumphant Finale, careening towards the work’s glorious D-major conclusion.

Joseph Johnson has been heard throughout the world as a soloist, chamber musician and educator. His festival appearances include performances in all classical genres at the American festivals of Santa Fe, Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society, Bard, Cactus Pear, Grand Teton, and Music in the Vineyards as well as the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan, and the Virtuosi Festival in Brazil.

Highlights of Joseph Johnson's 2017/2018 fall/winter season include concerto performances of the Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations with the Toronto Symphony. Other concerto appearances include the Dvorak Concerto at the Lakes Area Festival, the Elgar Concerto with the Etobicoke Philharmonic, and Bernstein’s Three Meditations with the Lexington Philharmonic. Recital appearances this year include performances at the Faculty of Music Walter hall series at the University of Toronto, the Chatter series in Albuquerque, Placitas Artist Series, Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, Toronto Summer Music Program, Mountain View Music in Calgary, Noon Concert series at the Canadian Opera Company, the Chamber Players series in Toronto, Mainly Mozart Festival in San Diego, Maui Chamber Music, hurricane relief concerts for St. Thomas and St. John in the USVI, and the Prince Edward County Chamber Music Festival.

Principal cellist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra since the 2009/2010 season, Mr. Johnson previously held the same position with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. He also serves as principal cellist of the Santa Fe Opera, and during the 2008-2009 season, was acting principal cellist of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. Prior to his Milwaukee appointment, Joseph Johnson was a member of The Minnesota Orchestra cello section for eleven years, during which time he performed numerous chamber music works during the orchestra's Sommerfest, both as cellist and pianist. He was a founding member of both the Prospect Park Players and the Minneapolis Quartet, the latter of which was honoured with The McKnight Foundation Award in 2005.

A gifted and inspiring teacher, Mr. Johnson is Assistant Professor of Cello at the University of Toronto, as well as the cello coach for the Toronto Youth Symphony. He has conducted numerous master classes for a wide range of institutions and ensembles, including The New World Symphony, The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, Eastman School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Northwestern University, and the youth orchestras of the Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Toronto symphonies, as well as at The Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Joseph Johnson earned his master's degree from Northwestern University. Awards and honours include a performer's certificate from the Eastman School of Music and first prize from the American String Teachers Association National Solo Competition. Mr. Johnson performs on a magnificent Paolo Castello cello crafted in Genoa in 1780. He uses Jarger Superior brand strings exclusively.

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Celebrating Bernstein, the Epic Finale to LexPhil’s 2017/18 Season

LEXINGTON, KY— The Lexington Philharmonic closes the 2017/18 season with an epic celebration of Bernstein’s musical legacy as a composer and conductor at Celebrating Bernstein, on Saturday, May 19th at 7:30 pm at the Singletary Center for the Arts. The evening begins with American composer John Corigliano’s “To Music,” followed by Bernstein’s Three Meditations from ‘Mass’ featuring cellist Joseph Johnson. The evening ends with Mahler’s expansive Symphony No. 5.

“Bernstein’s genius as a composer, conductor, and educator is the inspiration of this epic close to the season,” says Music Director & Conductor, Scott Terrell. “Bernstein was champion of the music of Gustav Mahler, and we honor that legacy by performing Mahler's iconic Symphony No. 5. With these selections, the evening celebrates the breadth of emotion and expression found in Bernstein’s life and legacy.”

Orchestras throughout the world are performing Bernstein’s works in honor of the centennial year, Bernstein at 100. The global celebration will continue in Lexington with LexPhil’s 2018/19 Season Opener, Bernstein & Gershwin, which features a semi-staged presentation of Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti. This ambitious concert will bring several familiar faces back to Lexington, including Ryan Shirar as soloist for Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and stage direction by John de los Santos.

“This October, we will continue our celebration of Bernstein’s genius with a semi-staged presentation of the not often performed Trouble in Tahiti, featuring expert stage direction by John de los Santos, who staged LexPhil’s 2013 presentation of Maria de Buenos Aires to rave reviews,” says Scott Terrell, Music Director & Conductor.

Following the concert, LexPhil will host a post-concert party, Bernstein Birthday Bash, at The Barrel Room at West Sixth Brewing. Musicians, board, and staff will all be in attendance to celebrate the close of the season. Tickets for the Bernstein Birthday Bash are $25 each, and include two beers, snacks, and cake.

In partnership with WEKU, Celebrating Bernstein will be broadcast live on WEKU 88.9, reaching LexPhil fans who otherwise aren't able to attend the concert. Roger Duvall will also provide pre-concert content, live from the Singletary Center for the Arts.

Cellist Joseph Johnson joins LexPhil as guest artist for Bernstein’s ‘Three Meditations from ‘Mass,’ a piece for cello and orchestra extracted from his multi-faceted dramatic work Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers which was commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy as part of the opening of the Kennedy Center in 1971. Joseph has been heard throughout the world as a soloist, chamber musician and educator. He has been the principal cellist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra since the 2009/2010 season, and previously held the same position with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

Celebrating Bernstein is made possible through the generous support of Bingham, Greenebaum, Doll, LLP, Ovation Concert Partner. The 2017/18 Season Series is presented by Central Bank, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Tempur Sealy International, Inc. All LexPhil Season Series concerts start at 7:30 PM at the Singletary Center for the Arts, unless otherwise noted.

Prior to each Season Series concert, guests have the opportunity to participate in an insightful discussion of the night’s events with Maestro Terrell during LexPhil’s Inside the Score. Maestro Terrell will be joined by guest cellist, Joseph Johnson to discuss the works before the concert. Each Inside the Score starts at 6:45 PM and is held in the President’s Room for concerts at the Singletary Center for the Arts.

Valet parking is available for $10 per car at the Rose Street entrance to the Singletary Center. Capacity for valet parking has been increased. Free parking is available in any E Parking Lot on the UK campus unless otherwise noted, as well as Parking Structure 5 located at 409 S. Limestone, with entrances on S. Limestone and S. Upper Street. A shuttle will run from Parking Structure 5 before concerts beginning at 6:30 PM and after concerts until 9:30 PM to return patrons to the parking garage. In consideration of continued construction on the University of Kentucky campus, please allow for extra time to locate parking.

Tickets to Celebrating Bernstein range from $35-$85, with $11 student tickets available now by calling the Box Office, or at the Singletary Center for the Arts beginning at 6:30 pm on Saturday, May 19th. Subscriptions to the 2018/19 Season are on sale now to the public. To learn more and purchase LexPhil tickets and subscriptions, call 859.233.4226 or visit lexphil.org.

2017/18 Finale: Celebrating Bernstein
Saturday, May 19th, 2018 | 7:30 PM
Singletary Center for the Arts

John Corigliano
To Music

Bernstein
Three Meditations from ‘Mass’
Joseph Johnson, cello

Mahler
Symphony No. 5

Now in his ninth season with the Lexington Philharmonic, Music Director and Conductor Scott Terrell has led the orchestra in a significant transformation to align with the organizational values of artistic excellence, collaboration, innovation and accessibility. Scott is passionate about engaging the broadest possible community in music as listeners, musicians, composers and advocates. Through LexPhil collaborations with high schools, colleges and youth performing arts groups, Scott dedicates time and energy to educating emerging musical artists. His programming has expanded the orchestra’s repertoire and enhanced the national reputation of the organization through commissioning of new music, multi-media and interdisciplinary projects and international guest conducting.

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All Lexington Philharmonic programs are made possible through the generous support of LexArts. In 2017-2018, the Lexington Philharmonic will receive a total of $170,000 in unrestricted support.

LexPhil’s 2017-2018 Season is presented by the Dupree Initiative for Innovation, funded by the tremendous generosity of Thomas and Ann Todd Dupree.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to the Lexington Philharmonic with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Saykaly Garbulinska Foundation, funder of the Saykaly Garbulinska Composer-in-Residence Program, generously brings renowned composer Chris Brubeck to work with the Lexington Philharmonic for the 2017-2018 season.

Special thanks to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government for its continued partnership in ensuring a flourishing future for the arts in Lexington and central Kentucky.

The Lexington Philharmonic Proudly Announces the 2019/2020 Season: RESOUND Six Conductor Finalists Join LexPhil for Six Audition Performances