Hampton Roads Philharmonic
12th Performing Season
Celebrating Faure’s Centennial Memorial and Holst’s 150th Birthday

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5
Steven Brindle, Music Director 
Reese Tunstall, Guest Conductor

The American Theatre

Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 2:30 pm

Symphony No. 5 - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Tchaikovsky, born in Russia in 1840, was one of the first highly influential Russian composers. He is well known for his beautiful melodies in his ballets, symphonies, and concertos. His Symphony No. 5 in E minor is no different - especially notable in this work is the unforgettable, gorgeous horn solo at the start of the second movement. The third movement is written as a “Valse,” or waltz, rather than the minuet and trio that is typically used in the third movement of symphonies. Tchaikovsky makes full use of the instruments at his disposal in his brilliant orchestration choices, giving each section of the orchestra a chance to shine.

Pavanne - Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)

French composer Gabriel Fauré wrote versions of Pavane for both solo piano and orchestra, but the orchestral version is performed more frequently. The orchestral version, written in 1887, can also be accompanied by optional choral parts but this is not common practice. The work is titled after the 16th-century processional court dance of the same name; this influence can be heard in the stately, elegant, and lyrical melodies and the steady pizzicato strings that give the work a “danceable” feel. It begins with the beautiful main theme presented by a solo flute, which is then shared in an oboe and clarinet duet. This main theme is the basis for the majority of the work, with a contrasting middle section of the piece bringing increased intensity before returning to the original idea.

Two Songs Without Words - Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

Gustav Holst, born in England in 1874, wrote his Two Songs Without Words in 1906. Holst dedicated the work to close friend and fellow composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, whose initials appear on the front of the score. Williams, in response to the dedication, wrote to Holst,

“My Dear V”, It was nice to open your parcel and find my initials over your pieces - I don't know what you owe to me - but I know all I owe to you - if I ever do anything worth doing it will be greatly owing to having such a friend as you "at my command" as the folk-songs say, always ready to help and advise - and someone whose yea is always yea and nay, nay - which is a quality one really wants in a friend and so seldom gets.

The first Song, “Country Song,” opens with a gentle, soaring clarinet melody. This song is reminiscent of the pastorale, a piece of music written to elicit images of rural landscapes and simple ways of life. The second Song, “Marching Song,” immediately stirs listeners with its rousing theme, which is carried throughout the piece among various members of the orchestra to an emphatic cadence.

Author: Claire Vivian

Sustainer ($1,000 or more)
Newport News Arts Commission 
Anonymous
Molly & Forrest Ward 
Mr. John Dorsey
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Guldner 
David & Shu Ling Heddle 
Dr. Robert Howard Jr.
Dr. Christoph Leeman 
George & Janet Nelson 
Paul & Kelly Tiller
Stephen & Eileen Chadis Wood

Benefactor ($500-$999)
Nathan Bennet 
Janna Fitzgerald 
Mark Hendrickson
Joseph & Esther Loch 
Michael & Valerie Marshall 
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Morgan 
George & Janet Nelson 
Lynn M. Sebacher

Patron ($250-$499)
Eugene & Michel Chieffo 
Alice Cryer
John & Isabelle Cummings 
Chelsey Hamm
Patty Price
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Walsh

Sponsor ($100-$249)
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Adams 
William & Roxanna Anderson 
David & Shirlie Anson
David Bason 
Donna Berg 
William Coker 
Lydia Crim
William Davenport 
Robert Doggett
David & Christine Evans 
Katherine Freakley
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Garner 
Mr. & Mrs. Carroll Glasco 
Virginia Glover
Edna Griffenhagen 
Dr. Raymond Jones 
Sharon Katzman
Elizabeth Kim & Allen F. Pugh 
Robert Kimsey
Christopher Matthews 
Mr. & Mrs. Phil Lien 
Ellen McDade
George & Dona McKenzie
Laurie McNemar
Evelyn Perry
Elizabeth Kim & Allen F. Pugh 
Sarah Quemada
Richard Rohrer 
Jan & Jack Ryan 
Camiel Sims
James & Judy Torrey 
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Walsh 
Charlie & DJ Whittaker

Friend (Up to $99)
The Network for Good 
Julie Bednarek
Leo Chan
Joseph Drewry 
Billie Einselen
Catherine Callo Francis 
Shahana Keisler 
Paquitta Laverents
Colonel & Mrs. I.N. McInnis, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. James Savinsky 
Matthew Simon
Larissa Steblen 
Daniel Stuck Peggy Watson
Dr. Richard Wertime

Chair – Mike Marshall
Vice-Chair – Dr. Chelsey Hamm
Secretary – Kerry Moffit
Treasurer – Stephen Wood

Directors
David Bason
Traci Bluhm
Mark Hendrickson
Keri Houser 
Shea Matthews
Lynn Sebacher
Social Media – Emmet Aylor
Music Director & Conductor – Steven Brindle
Executive Director & Orchestra Manager – Gene Chieffo