Inaugural Post

Dear Friends,

I am honored to begin my inaugural season with the Ukiah Symphony as the orchestra celebrates 40 years of bringing the best of classical musical to Ukiah. The concerts of the 2019-20 season are part of a journey that looks to the past while boldly forging new inspiration. This music paints beautiful, thought-provoking pictures of life, love, and the cyclical nature of history and change. Our season explores emotional expressions, confessions, and insights into the fascinating lives of these composers, from our first to our final concert. 
 
I’m excited to welcome friends and new faces as guest artists with the symphony. Our opening concert features a jazz big band and vocalist Shelene Huey-Booker performing interpretations of classical music by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, Ellington’s long-time arranger. Shelene’s soulful talent and style will shine in Black, Brown, and Beige, Ellington’s own suite inspired by classical orchestral and sacred music. Join us for the classical side of Duke Ellington and his Big Band.
            -- Black, Brown, and Beige – Sept. 14–15
            
Our December concert takes us on two very personal journeys. Franz Schubert’s elegant yet brooding and dramatic Unfinished Symphonyreveals his fears and anxieties as well as his resolute individuality. Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto will be an incredible experience, featuring San Francisco Symphony violinist Polina Sedukh. This rich, powerful concerto is an elevated glimpse into the art and emotions of Finnish culture. The stark, open majesty of the frozen north is captured in this music. I can’t wait for you to hear Polina’s stunning interpretation of this masterful and mysterious piece.  
            -- Finnish and Unfinished – Dec. 7–8
 
Composers often look back to the old masters for inspiration. Baroque Revisited explores pieces written in the baroque style by late 19th and 20th century composers. All of the music on this concert was written 125–225 years after the Baroque period (1600–1750). The most recent piece, Alfred Schnittke’s Suite in the Old Style, was composed less than 50 years ago. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra is the oldest piece on the program, written in 1877. Cellist Natalie Raney’s shimmering artistry will be on display with Tchaikovsky’s virtuosic and playful cello concerto.
            -- Baroque Revisited – Feb. 8–9
 
Our season closes with the music of four composers from four neighboring countries that made up Bohemia less than 100 years ago. Gustav Mahler’s (Austria) music suggests drama and journey, capturing extremes of emotions that are worth taking time to examine. Songs of a Wayfarer is a perfect introduction to his personal, lush, and philosophically romantic style. Dazzling and intense mezzo-soprano Melinda Martinez Becker serves as the medium through which Mahler tells his story of “Love and sorrow! And world and dream!” (the final words of Songs of a Wayfarer). Frederic Chopin’s (Poland) piano music-turned ballet music, and a dramatic Beethoven (Germany) overture lead us to the final piece of the season: Antonin Dvorak’s (Czechia) Czech Suite (Dvorak is pronounced: d-Vor-zhack). This piece is a delightful interplay of Eastern European folk music and high art, and reminds us why Dvorak was Johannes Brahms’ favorite contemporary composer.
            -- Bohemian Borders – May 18–19
 
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I am so happy to be here with the wonderful community of musicians and supporters that are the reason the Ukiah Symphony Orchestra is celebrating 40 years of music-making. The 2019-20 season is full of touching, inspiring, and powerful music featuring world-class, breathtaking soloists. Whether you are a long-time supporter or a new member of our audience, we are pleased to welcome you to what promises to be a culturally nurturing experience. I’m looking forward to sharing the journey of this season with you. 
 
“A symphony must be like the world. It must contain everything.” – Gustav Mahler
 
Phillip Semyon Lenberg