December 2023 Concert Program

50th Anniversary Season South Valley Symphony and Maestro Anthony Quartuccio, Jr. Present

Holiday Magic! Concert Program December 16, 2023 3 pm Gavilan College Theatre

Letter from the Board President Dear Families and Music Enthusiasts,

A resounding welcome to our Holiday Program! I am delighted to welcome you and your loved ones on behalf of the Symphony Board and musicians. As we embark on this musical journey together, let the enchantment of the holiday season fill our hearts. This afternoon promises to be a celebration of the season's spirit, brought to life by the incredible talents of our dedicated musicians. The symphony has worked tirelessly to craft a program that captures the magic and beauty of the holidays, and we are thrilled to share this enchanting experience with you. To the young ones among us, we especially extend a special welcome. Your presence adds an extra touch of magic to our gathering. Music has a unique ability to paint vivid pictures in our minds, and tonight, we encourage children and adults alike to close their eyes and let the melodies transport them to a world of wonder and imagination. Imagine the joy of dancing snowflakes, the twinkling lights of holidays, and the warmth of family and friends gathered around. Through the symphony of sounds, we hope to ignite the spark of creativity within each person, inspiring a lifelong love for the beauty of music. Thank you for being part of this musical celebration. May the melodies resonate with the young and young at heart, creating lasting memories for the holiday season. Warmest wishes, Rob Howe President, South Valley Symphony

Board of Directors

Rob Howe, President Michelle Bigelow, Vice President Suzanne Mullers, Treasurer Kristin Carlson, Secretary Tom Brozene, Director

Carl Franzen, Director Mary Anne Groen, Director Lynn Lockhart, Director Susan Rife, Director Trecia Venter, Director

Letter from the Music Director Happy Holidays! Welcome to our continued celebration of the 50th anniversary season. This program you are about to hear is full of wonderful music that is both traditional and new for us. We begin this program in Austria, where we will hear the Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare for brass, played annually in Vienna for gala celebrations such as our own. Continuing this romantic theme, we will provide the three Elgar Bavarian Dances, which are festive, lush, and lovely. Then, to celebrate Hanukkah, we will play a full orchestra medley of some of the most wonderfully reminiscent Hanukkah songs. After this, we will slow things down with the lush and romantic adagio from Spartacus that features the lyricism of our orchestra, with gorgeous melodies and outpouring of emotion. Something new for us will be Christmas at the Movies. Some of the most beautiful themes you have heard from the silver screen are featured in this medley for the entire orchestra loaded with percussion and brass. After intermission, we will take you south of the border and play a Latino-based orchestra piece with familiar Christmas tunes with a rhythmic and festive Latino flair. Then, the great finale of the concert will be the return of our excellent singers, Sandra Marlowe and Ted Sanchez. Back by popular demand, they will sing traditional holiday favorites and a few extras from the big band era for your wonderful enjoyment. And to top things off, you get to join the symphony in a sing-along with Ted and Sandra. Enjoy!

Anthony Quartuccio Jr.

Save the Dates March 9, 2024

NextGen Youth Concert. Fanfare from the LA Neophonic Orchestra by Kenton; Al Navaroli Concert Competition First Place winner; world premiere work composed for the 50th season. 3 p.m., Gavilan College Theatre, Gilroy. May 12, 2024 A 50th Finale. “Summon the Heroes” fanfare by Williams; rousing symphonic favorites; 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky. 3 p.m.,Guglielmo Winery, Morgan Hill.

Muscians

Violin 1 Beverly Olivier-Blount ** Hung Lam Jennifer McNarney John Prichett Barbara Rumsby Ashlie Patri Violin 2 Sue Piccardo* Sally Gerling Mary Anne Groen Kimberly Grundy Gretchen Miescke Peter Thompson Cello Rob Howe* Deb Fenzel-Alexander Nona Jean Childress Sean Roy MacAodha Bass Joe Quintal* Flute Roy Madsen* Jennifer Rozario Christina Conner Gail Miller Jan Ryan Ava Santos Viola Bonny Linnell*

Piccolo Christina Conner Clarinet Walker Blount* Nora Lemmon Bass Clarinet Mark Russo Oboe Steve Knapp* Vini Carter Jina Chon Bassoon John Weaver* Alex Pappas Trumpet Jeff Chambers* Tom Brozene Jack Begley Kaylyn Nguyen Saxophone Walker Blount Greg Chambers Steve Knapp

French Horn Gayle Carlile* Joe Lehnert Jenny Redfern Eric Siverson Tuba Jim O’Briant* Percussion Lilla Szini*

Kirk Berkland John Gerling Tympani Martin Groen Harp Pamela Scholz Keyboard Karen Adkins Kelly Park Assistant Conductor Miguel Ledezma

** Concertmaster *Section leader

Mark Russo Trombone

Miguel Ledezma* Tommy Brozene Trenton Lau Laura Murphy

December 16, 2023 Anthony Quartuccio, Jr., Conductor and Music Director Fanfare for the Vienna Philharmonic (1924) Richard Strauss (1824-1949) Three Bavarian Dances (1897) Edward Elgar (1857-1934) Festive Sounds of Hanukkah (1988) Arranged by Bill Holcombe Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia from “Spartacus” (1954) Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978) -- Intermission -- Fiesta de Navidad Arranged by Dan Goeller Miguel Ledezma, conducting Sandra Marlowe and Ted Sanchez with the South Valley Symphony “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” (1945) Sammy Cahn (1913-1993) and Jule Styne (1905-1994) “Believe” from “The Polar Express” (2004) Alan Silvestri (1950-) and Glen Ballard (1953-) Christmas at the Movies Arranged by Bob Krogstad Miguel Ledezma, conducting

“Fly Me to the Moon” (1954) Bart Howard (1915-2004) “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” (1937)

Irving Berlin (1888-1989) “White Christmas” (1954) Irving Berlin (1888-1989) “Here Comes Santa Claus” (1947) Gene Autry (1907-1998) and Oakley Haldeman (1909-1986) “Christmas Festival” Sing-a-long (1950) Leroy Anderson (1908-1975)

Program Notes Fanfare for the Vienna Philharmonic – Strauss

Richard Strauss’s Fanfare for the Vienna Philharmonic is a majestic musical proclamation that captures the spirit of celebration and grandeur. Composed in 1924 for the 50th anniversary of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, this Fanfare is a short yet powerful work that showcases Strauss’s mastery of orchestration and his ability to evoke a sense of festivity. The piece opens with a triumphant brass fanfare, marked by bold and regal motifs, before transitioning into a lively and spirited section. Strauss’s Fanfare remains a testament to his compositional prowess, providing a fitting tribute to one of the world’s most renowned orchestras. Three Bavarian Dances – Elgar Sir Edward Elgar’s “Three Bavarian Dances” is a charming orchestral suite composed in 1897. Reflecting Elgar’s fascination with continental European folk music, the dances are a delightful fusion of Bavarian themes and the composer’s distinctive style. The first dance, marked “The Dance,” exudes lively energy with its rhythmic vitality. The second, “Lullaby,” offers a contrast with its gentle, lyrical melodies, while the third, “The Marksmen,” is a spirited and rhythmic finale. Elgar’s Three Bavarian Dances showcases his ability to infuse classical forms with folk influences, creating a captivating and accessible work that stands as a testament to his versatile compositional skill. Festive Sounds of Hanukkah – Holcombe Arranger Bill Holcombe has put together a Medley of Hanukkah favorites, including “Rock of Ages,” “Who Can Retell,” “Hanukkah Hanukkah,” “My Dreidel,” “Spin Dreidel” and “Hanukkah O Hanukkah.” Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia from “Spartacus” – Khachaturian The Adagio from Aram Khachaturian’s ballet “Spartacus” is a poignant masterpiece that encapsulates both emotional depth and melodic richness. Composed in 1954, this Adagio unfolds with a lyrical grace that embodies the tragic love story between Spartacus and Phrygia. Its soaring strings and expressive melodies evoke a profound sense of longing and passion. Khachaturian’s use of orchestration, with a prominent role for the cello, adds a layer of intimacy to the composition. The Adagio from Spartacus is a testament to Khachaturian’s ability to convey powerful emotions through music, leaving a lasting impression on listeners with its haunting beauty. Christmas at the Movies This impressive concert medley for orchestra includes music from six classic holiday films, recalling some of the most memorable songs and themes. Included are: “Somewhere in My Memory “(from “Home Alone”), “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Miracle on 34th Street;” “The Polar Express,” “A Christmas Story” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Fiesta de Navidad Fiesta de Navidad is a festive medley of popular Christmas carols arranged in the style of modern Latin symphonic pieces like Moncayo’s “ Huapango” and Marquez’s “ Danzon No. 2 .” Let it Snow! – Cohn and Styne "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" is a classic holiday song written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne. First recorded in 1945, its joyful lyrics and catchy melody celebrate the coziness of being indoors during a snowstorm. The song has become a seasonal staple, spreading warmth and merriment. “Believe” from “The Polar Express” – Silvestri and Ballard "Believe," from the film "The Polar Express," is a soulful and inspiring song composed by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard. Sung by Josh Groban, the poignant lyrics and uplifting melody convey the magic and wonder of Christmas. The song beautifully captures the spirit of belief, adding a touch of enchantment to the holiday season. “Fly Me to the Moon” – Howard "Fly Me to the Moon," a timeless jazz classic made famous by Count Basie’s arrangement and Frank Sinatra’s vocals, creates an iconic rendition of the song. The dynamic interplay between Basie's orchestra and Sinatra's smooth delivery gives the tune a stylish and memorable quality. “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” – Berlin "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" is a jazz standard with enduring charm. Written by Irving Berlin, this romantic tune has been interpreted by various artists. Its catchy melody and heartwarming lyrics convey the joy of love during the winter season, making it a perennial favorite. “White Christmas” – Berlin "White Christmas" is an enduring holiday classic penned by Irving Berlin and famously performed by Bing Crosby. Released in 1942, Crosby's velvety voice, paired with Berlin's nostalgic lyrics, captures the dream of a snowy Christmas. The song's timeless appeal and emotional resonance have made it a seasonal favorite for generations. “Here Comes Santa Claus” – Autry and Haldeman "Here Comes Santa Claus" is a festive song by Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman that exudes holiday cheer. Released in 1947, Autry's spirited delivery and upbeat melody capture the excitement of Santa's arrival. The catchy lyrics and joyful tune have made it a celebratory staple during the Christmas season. “Christmas Festival” – Anderson Leroy Anderson's "Christmas Festival" is a festive orchestral medley that brilliantly weaves together popular Christmas tunes. Composed in 1950, this joyful piece captures the spirit of the holiday season with its lively arrangements, playful melodies, and dynamic transitions. It has become a beloved classic, spreading holiday cheer through its musical celebration.

About Our Soloists – Sandra Marlowe and Ted Sanchez

With a rare versatility in timbre and range, a keen ear, and expressive interpretations that mesh telling a story with jazz sensibilities, acclaimed vocalist Sandra Marlow brings warmth, finesse, power, sass, and an occasional “Edge of your seat” surprise to the stage. Marlowe’s musical background spans classical, opera, theater, pop, sacred, big band, swing and jazz. She arrived front and center in 2012 with a debut jazz CD,

“True Blue,” an eclectic collection of sumptuous standards (with renowned pianist Larry Dunlap) that received critical praise and international play. A member of ASCAP, she has released two originals, “Where Is Bethlehem?” and “A Sweet Wind,” with another full-length recording project in development. Marlowe has performed in concerts and clubs on the West Coast and at U.S. festivals, including the Great Connecticut Jazz Festival, Big Bear Lake Jazz Festival, Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, Jazz in the Olympics, Palos Verdes Jazz Festival, and San Jose Jazz Summer Fest. She teaches voice and performance through private practice and workshops and is a sought-after vocal coach for vocal groups/bands and a director for theater companies.

Singer-entertainer Ted Sanchez has been affiliated with the 22-piece South Bay String Band for many years as their lead vocalist. He studied voice at San Jose State University and engineering at De Anza College. He cites Chuck Myer and Gayle Glines as particular influences on his musical career. Glines invited Ted to sing the National Anthem at the Gilroy Special Olympics in the early 1980s; he continued to sing at that event for 16 years.

He has performed multiple times at the Gilroy Garlic Festival. He also fronts a four-piece ensemble, Ted Sanchez and Friends, and performs solo acoustic guitar.

About the Navaroli Young Musicians Contest The Al Navaroli Young Musicians Competition was established by the South Valley Symphony in 2008 to encourage young musicians to develop their talent and skills. The contest is open to young musicians living or training in southern Santa Clara County, San Benito, Monterey, and Santa Cruz counties. It is named for Gilroy resident Al Navaroli, a passionate music lover and longtime South Valley Symphony supporter who dedicated many years of service to the symphony and died in 2008. Although he was not a musician, Navaroli was a tireless promoter of the orchestra and envisioned an orchestra of between 50 and 60 musicians, two-thirds string players. The competition, which is open to strings, winds, brass, and piano, annually gives musicians between the ages of 10 and 18 the chance to audition before trained professionals, including SVS Music Director Anthony Quartuccio. The lucky winner also earns the opportunity to perform as a featured soloist with the entire ensemble at the orchestra’s spring concert. Winners of this year’s competition, Katelyn Deng, piano with Liszt Piano Concerto No. 2, and Aidan Wong, piano with Rhapsody in Blue, will be featured in upcoming SVS concerts.

About Our Director Anthony Quartuccio Jr. has been music director and conductor of the South Valley Symphony since mid-2006. Under his direction, the orchestra now celebrates its 50th season and has evolved to perform more demanding, diverse, and exciting compositions. During his tenure, the orchestra began the Navaroli Young Musicians Competition; several in-school educational projects; “side by side” performances with local youth ensembles; many world premieres of works by South Valley’s young composers; and highly popular concert opera, youth, and pops programs. Several concerts have featured singers from Opera San Jose and choirs from local high schools. Maestro Quartuccio is music director and conductor for Nova Vista Symphony, associate director of the San Jose Chamber Orchestra, and former conductor at Opera San Jose. He teaches music theory, composition, chorale, and instrumental groups at Kehillah Jewish High School in Palo Alto. In 2006, Quartuccio received an honorary Doctorate of Arts from Santa Clara University and awards from the California State Senate, Santa Clara County, and the Italian-American Heritage Foundation for his contributions to the performing arts in the Bay Area. Quartuccio is an alumnus of the Curtis Institute of Music and studied conducting with Otto Werner-Mueller, Gunther Schuller, and Gustav Meier at Tanglewood. In 2009, he conducted the San Jose Youth Chamber Orchestra in a performance for the 14th Dalai Lama during his visit to the Bay Area and has led the orchestra on several tours.

About the South Valley Symphony History

Gilroy and Morgan Hill musicians formed the South Valley Symphony in the mid-1970s. SVS continues to be the only symphony orchestra in south Santa Clara County. It draws its musicians, board members, patrons, and audience primarily from south Santa Clara, San Benito, Monterey, and Santa Cruz counties. The Symphony performs four concerts annually between October and May, culminating with the popular Mother’s Day concert at Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill. Musicians and Concerts The orchestra performs a wide range of music from classical to modern, including symphonies, film scores, choral works, jazz, and pops. Music Director and Conductor Anthony Quartuccio selects programming with assistance from orchestra members and the SVS board of directors. The 40-plus orchestra members include music educators and music enthusiasts who learned to play an instrument in school and resumed playing in later years when they had more time. Some are students or retirees, while many work full-time. Some play with other ensembles or volunteer their time to work with music teachers in local schools. Before each concert, the orchestra rehearses for six to eight weeks at Ascension Solarsano Middle School in Gilroy. Musicians who wish to join the orchestra are always welcome at rehearsals. Information is available at www.southvalleysymphony.org. Funding Ticket sales, individual contributions, corporate matching grants, and donations from local businesses fund South Valley Symphony concerts and operations. Additional funding comes from generous grants. The Symphony is a 501(c)(3) corporation with annual expenditures between $60,000 and $70,000. Expenses include the music director and conductor’s salary; guest and solo artists’ honoraria; advertising and promotion; music purchase, rental, and management; additional players; programs; and insurance and other professional expenses. Community Outreach The Symphony actively works with area schools to acquaint young people with classical and modern music and to engage them in musical performances. Musicians frequently work with classroom teachers to give master classes and other assistance in the regular curriculum. Students may receive credit for attending performances. Children and students are admitted free to all concerts. This season marks the 13th annual Al Navaroli Young Musicians Competition for young players living or training in south Santa Clara, San Benito, Monterey, and Santa Cruz counties. The winner of the competition will perform with the Symphony in March.

How You Can Support Your Symphony! We want to thank you for your support of South Valley Symphony. During this 50th Anniversary Season, we’re looking forward to another 50 years of live, symphonic music for our community. How can you help us achieve this goal? Thanks for asking. In fact, here are some actions you can take to help us continue our mission: Become a season ticket holder: https://southvalleysymphony.org/purchase-tickets/ Bring friends and family to a concert and introduce them to their community symphony family Help advertise concerts by sharing concert information on your personal social media accounts Make a tax-deductible donation by going to our website here: https://southvalleysymphony.org/donate-2/ Explore more ways to support the symphony through in kind donations, corporate donations, corporate matching, and Legacy Giving: https://southvalleysymphony.org/support-svs/ Join our Board of Directors or help start a Friends of the Symphony organization (a group of volunteers who help the front and back of the house) These are just a few ways to help us reach our next 50 years of making beautiful music for our community. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our South Valley Symphony Board President, Rob Howe, at rch_cello@hotmail.com. Many thanks!

Donors: Crescendo Level ($2,500+) Lynn Lockhart Forte Level (1,500-$2,499) Marie and Stephen Blankley Laurence and Sara Connell Joe Quintal Jenny and Bob Redfern Allegro Level ($750-$1,499) The Symphony Orchestra and Board would like to thank all of our supporters for their continued help during our 2022 - 2023 season. We sincerely thank you for making it possible for us to perform outstanding music for our enthusiastic audiences. We could not do the programming we do without your generous support! Dolce Level ($100-$249) cont. Gayle Carlile Mary and Thomas Conrad Sally and John Gerling Kimberly Grundy Christine and Greg Hopwood Bob and Kim Lyle Monica McClintock Christine and John Osborne Joanne Rife Patricia Robinson Aliisia and Aleksi Roti Pamela Scholz Gisela Steffe Harry and Clarice Wiggins Michael Brecheen John Blaettler Kristen Carlson Rob Howe

Jennifer and Martin McNarney Susan Rife and Steve Kreidler Etrecia Venter Mike Wasserman Carl and Gerrie Reinhardt Andante Level ($500-$749) Don and Chris Bevilacqua David and Nancy Bischoff Jeanette Dickens Susan Hines Johnson Lumber Dr. David and Jovita Barron Reyes Rev. Jose Rubio Mezzoforte Level ($250-$499) Walker Blount Beverly Oliver-Blount

Adagio Level ($25-$99) Anna and Cesar Castillo Jeff Chambers Shelly Coughlin Lorri Paulson Pete Schell Joni Simonsen Michael and Michele Tacchia Laura and Nicholas Tindall Tomoko Wada

Carol O’Hare Endowment: Bill Flodberg Corporate Partners John Blaettler Accountancy, Filroy BookSmart, Morgan Hill City of Morgan Hill Guglielmo Winery, Morgan Hill Mama Mia Italian Restaurant, Morgan Hill and Gilroy Rosy’s at the Beach Restaurant, Morgan Hill

Barbara Bottini John Graham Roy and Linda Madsen Jean Pinard Nancy and Ken McDonald John Weaver Marian Yoder Dolce Level ($100-$249) Maria Albin Peter and Elena Anderson Frank Baudino Roger and Carol Bennett Tom Brozene