Audion Concert #2 Tales of Travelers Maestro Carolyn Watson ~ Program ~ Moon Feather Magic Elena Kats-Chernin (b. 1957 - Voyage John Paul Corigliano (b .1938 - Danzas de Panama William Grant Sll (1895 - 1978) Adios Nonino Astor Piazzola (1921 - 1992) Ruritanian Dances George Palmer (b. 1947 - The Saint Joseph Symphony Strings Violin 1 Chun-Chien Chuang (Concert Master) Andrew Holmes Teresa Edgar Kae Benyo Victor Diaz Violin 2 Rob Paerson (Principal) Mitchell Reilly Marthe Cox Avery Parkhurst Connie Elng Saint Joseph Symphony Orchestra Program Introducon and Notes There were a number of factors influencing repertoire selecon and the design of this program. First and foremost, I wanted to present a program I felt would appeal to both musicians and audience, as well as give a broad indicaon of my approach to programming were I to have the honor of being appointed Music Director of the Saint Joseph Symphony Orchestra. I enjoy variety in all forms, parcularly as it relates to orchestral music. As such, this evening’s program fea- tures a unique combinaon of works including some with which SJS audiences may be unfamiliar, alongside more well- known composers, genres and styles, all connected via a common theme. Tonight’s program is tled Tales of Travelers and is centered around the concept of journeying and travel, with its inher- ent cultural experiences and enrichment. As we emerge from a devastang pandemic which has seen most of us home- bound for more than a year, a future when we can again travel safely and freely is likely something to which we all as- pire. I also wanted to share with the SJS community something of myself and my own journey, namely my passion for travel, and my experience as an immigrant to the United States. As such, the program is bookended by works from my country of origin, Australia. Set between the two Australian works are three from the Americas, one each from North, Central and South America. The concert opens with Moon Feather Magic, a simple but beauful work by Elena Kats-Chernin. This work was commis- sioned by the Hush Foundaon, an organizaon whose aim is to reduce stress and anxiety for paents and families in hospitals across Australia, parcularly those obtaining treatment for long term illnesses. As such it seemed a fing selec- on with which to begin this evening’s concert for indeed, many of us have no doubt relied on the healing power of mu- sic to help us through the challenges of the past year. Following this we hear Pulitzer-Prize winner John Corigliano’s poignant string orchestra seng of Voyage, a work originally wrien as an a capella vocal work. A quietly reflecve and meditave work, it is based around a recurring theme first introduced by a pair of violins. Crossing the southern border we head to Central America for inspiraon for the third work on the program, Danzas de Panama by William Grant Sll, the ‘Dean’ of African American composers. A set of four Panamanian dances based on folk tunes, Sll first conceived this work as a string quartet, only to orchestrate it the following year. An energec set of danc- es represenng various aspects of everyday life, these fun movements incorporate instrucons for players to tap and clap, thereby adding various percussive elements to the overall string color. Heading further south on our journey we find ourselves in Argenna, home of the undisputed master of tango, Astor Piazzolla. Adiós Nonino (Goodbye, Grandad- dy) was wrien in memory of the composer’s father shortly aſter his passing. This arrangement features beauful solos for both viola and cello, mellifluous sonories well-chosen to replicate the mbre of the bandoneon. The final work on the program takes us to the ficonal European land of Ruritania. The Ruritanian Dances are a set of three dances by George Palmer, an Australian composer who has enjoyed a dual career in music and the law, having served as a judge of the New South Wales Supreme Court. Obvious influences in this work are everything from country and bluegrass fiddle tunes, to Eastern European folk dances a la Bartók, Kodály and Enescu. Not wanng to give too much away, but this rousing finale may just call for a degree of audience parcipaon…. Thank you very much for your me and aenon this evening – it has been my privilege and pleasure to perform for you, and to conduct your Saint Joseph Symphony. Carolyn Watson, May 2, 2021 Viola Monty Carter (Principal) Michalis Koutsoupides Alyssa Bell Noel Good Nicolas Arguello Joseph Chan Cello Sascha Groschang (Principal) Amy Harris James Alexander Daniel Yung Janelle Clark Bass Mahew McGrory (Principal) Andrew Book