PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF ORANGE COUNTY
AND IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE PRESENT

Bach Meets Bluegrass: Tessa Lark and Michael Thurber

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 8pm

Eclectic Orange Series sponsored by:
Jelinek Family Trust

Part of Distinctive Experiences co-presented with Philharmonic Society of Orange County

Tessa Lark: Violin
Michael Thurber: Double Bass

This performance is presented without an intermission.

This program attempts to capture all of our musical influences in one cohesive body of work.  When creating the program, our first step was to look for a solid concept that would anchor all of the musical selections.  Our minds immediately went to J.S. Bach.

Bach's music has always been our musical home base and a benchmark of musical perfection.  In particular, his Two-Part Inventions have occupied a central place in our hearts. These beautiful bite-sized works of counterpoint illuminate the full expressive possibility for two musical voices.  You can hear these melodies laugh, mourn, swoon, and argue as they meticulously intertwine.

In the spirit of these Inventions, we have "invented" our own set of duos. Just as Bach's Inventions are explorations in counterpoint, our duos explore the full range of what is possible with our specific two voices: violin and bass.  Both the violin and bass have played an integral role not only in European music but in all forms of American music, from Appalachia to New Orleans. In our compositions, we explore these different styles and dive into our own musical heritage—as Classical musicians, but also as Americans.  -Tessa Lark & Michael Thurber 

• Tessa LARK and Michael THURBER: Wooden Soldier
• BACH: Two-Part Invention No. 1 in C major, BWV 772 (arr. for violin and bass)
• Tessa LARK and Michael THURBER: Tumble Time
• BACH: Two-Part Invention No. 4 in D minor, BWV 775 (arr. for violin and bass)
• Tessa LARK and Michael THURBER: Cedar & Sage
• BACH: Two-Part Invention No. 2 in C minor, BWV 773 (arr. for violin and bass)
• BACH: Two-Part Invention No. 8 in F major, BWV 779 (arr. for violin and bass)
• Tessa LARK and Michael THURBER: Weather Vane
• BACH: Two-Part Invention No. 10 in G major, BWV 781 (arr. for violin and bass)
• BACH: Two-Part Invention No. 15 in B minor, BWV 786 (arr. for violin and bass)
• Tessa LARK and Michael THURBER: Om & Nancied
• BACH: Two-Part Invention No. 6 in E major, BWV 777 (arr. for violin and bass)
• Tessa LARK and Michael THURBER: Until We Meet Again

Violinist, composer, arranger, commissioner, Stradgrasser

Violinist Tessa Lark is one of the most captivating artistic voices of our time, consistently praised by critics and audiences for her astounding range of sounds, technical agility, and musical elegance. In 2020 she was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Classical Instrumental Solo category, and she is also a highly acclaimed fiddler in the tradition of her native Kentucky.

Highlights of Lark’s 2023-24 season include the world premiere of Carlos Izcaray’s Violin Concerto–written for her–under the composer’s baton; and concerts with the Stuttgarter Philharmoniker that mark her European orchestral debut. She reprises Michael Torke’s violin concerto, Sky–also written for her, and the 2020 recording of which earned her a Grammy nomination–with Oklahoma’s Signature Symphony and the Sarasota Orchestra; returns to South Carolina’s Greenville Symphony, the Virginia Symphony, the Buffalo Philharmonic and England’s City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra; and performs as a chamber musician in duos with double bassist Michael Thurber and jazz guitarist Frank Vignola.

Lark’s newest album, The Stradgrass Sessions, features a mix of original compositions by the violinist and her collaborators–double bassist Edgar Meyer, pianist Jon Batiste, mandolinist Sierra Hull and fiddler Michael Cleveland–with a sonata by Eugène Ysaÿe, Bartók violin duets arranged for violin and mandolin and the world premiere recording of John Corigliano’s STOMP. Her debut commercial recording was the Grammy-nominated SKY, and her discography also includes Fantasy on First Hand Records; Invention, marking the debut album for the violin-bass duo made up of Lark and her fiancé, Michael Thurber; and a live performance recording of Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires with the Buffalo Philharmonic.

The violinist has performed with orchestras, recital venues and festivals around the world. She is a recipient of the Hunt Family Award, one of Lincoln Center’s prestigious Emerging Artist Awards, as well as a 2018 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship and a 2016 Avery Fisher Career Grant.

In addition to her performance schedule, Lark champions young aspiring artists and supports the next generation of musicians through her work as Co-host/Creative of NPR’s From the Top. She also serves as Mentor and board member of the Irving M. Klein International Strings Competition.

Lark is a graduate of New England Conservatory and completed her Artist Diploma at The Juilliard School. She plays a ca. 1600 G.P. Maggini violin on loan from an anonymous donor through the Stradivari Society of Chicago.

Michael Thurber is a Drama Desk-nominated composer of musical theater, popular song and concert music. As a theater composer & lyricist, Thurber made his international debut with his score for Antony and Cleopatra, a co-production between The Royal Shakespeare Company and The Public Theater directed by Academy Award winner Tarell McCraney. He has since composed scores for numerous Public Theater productions, including the 2021 Shakespeare In The Park adaptation of Merry Wives; and Romeo Y Julieta, a radio play starring Lupita Nyong'o. Michael wrote music and lyrics for the Broadway bound musical Goddess, co-authored with Saheem Ali and Jocelyn Bioh, which had its World Premiere in 2022 at Berkeley Repertory Theater. 

As a bassist Thurber has made a name for himself through his intrepid exploration of genre. He was the original bass player on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert under the leadership of Jon Batiste. He has performed around the world with a plethora of diverse artists including Chris Thile, Inon Barnatan, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Mavis Staples, Alisa Weilerstein, Edward Aaron, Paul Watkins, Louis Cato, Jacob Collier, Lawrence and many more. He tours internationally with award winning violinist Tessa Lark. In 2022, he co-produced Lark's solo album Stradgrass. 

Michael teaches at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute and operates his own recording studio in Williamsburg, BK where he writes and produces songs for himself and other artists. He studied music at Juilliard and the Interlochen Arts Academy. 

The Philharmonic Society of Orange County gratefully acknowledges the following donors for their generous support of the Fund for Music during the past twelve months. These contributions make up the difference between the income generated from ticket sales and the actual cost of bringing the world’s finest orchestras, soloists and chamber ensembles to Orange County and inspiring 160,000 K-12 students each year with quality music programs. Gifts range from $70 to more than $100,000, and each member of the Philharmonic Society plays a valuable role in furthering the mission of this organization.

YOUTH MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM SPONSORS

Bluebird Legacy Inc.

The Crean Foundation

Chapman University

The Davisson Family Fund for Youth Music Education

The William Gillespie Foundation

Hearst Foundation

Thomas J. Madracki Memorial Endowment

Orange County Community Foundation

Pacific Life Foundation

U.S. Bank

Anonymous

SERIES SPONSORS

Donna L. Kendall Foundation

Dr. and Mrs. Howard Jelinek/Jelinek Family Trust, Eclectic Orange Series

Henry T. and Elizabeth Segerstrom Foundation

PHILHARMONIC CIRCLE ($100,000+)

The Committees of the Philharmonic Society

Donna L. Kendall and the Donna L. Kendall Foundation

Dr. Howard Jelinek/Jelinek Family Trust

Philharmonic Foundation

Henry T. and Elizabeth Segerstrom Foundation

The Segerstrom Foundation

MAESTRO CIRCLE ($50,000+)

Colburn Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kohl

Mr. and Mrs. William F. Podlich

Gail and Robert Sebring

Ms. Dea Stanuszek

CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE ($25,000+)

Bluebird Legacy, Inc.

The Crean Foundation

Valerie and Hans Imhof

The Isidore and Penny Myers Foundation

National Endowment for the Arts

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas H. Smith

Al Spector and Tatjana Soli

U.S. Bank

     Mr. Stephen Amendt

PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE ($10,000+)

Sabra and Peter Bordas

Mr. James J. Brophy

City of Laguna Beach

Marjorie and Roger Davisson

The Dirk Family

Sam B. and Lyndie Ersan

Karen and Don Evarts

Hung Fan and

   Michael Feldman

Mrs. Jean Felder

Mrs. Joanne C. Fernbach

Mr. John D. Flemming

   and Mr. Mark Powell

Margaret M. Gates - in

   memory of family

Mr. Richard A. Goodman

Ms. Joan Halvajian

Maralou Harrington

Milli Hill

Carole Innes-Owens

Gary and Betsy Jenkins

Helen and Fritz Lin

Phillip N. and Mary A. Lyons

Cheryl Hill Oakes

Lauren and Richard Packard

Mr. Patrick Paddon

Richard and Deborah Polonsky

Ellen and Vasily I. Semeniuta

Dr. Bob and Mao Shillman

Steven M. Sorenson MD

   and J. Eric Shay

Richard and Elizabeth Steele

   Endowment Fund

Waters Edge Winery

Gayle Widyolar

PLATINUM BATON ($6,000+)

Dr. Richard D.

   and France Campbell

Suzanne and David Chonette

Frome Family Foundation

Marcia Kay and Ron Radelet

Mr. and Mrs. James G. Reynolds

Barbara Roberts

Diane and Michael Stephens

Edward and Anna Yeung

GOLDEN BATON ($3,000+)

Mr. and Mrs. James Alexiou

Diane and John Chimo Arnold

John W. Benecke

   and Lee Marino

Mr. Gary Capata

Carl and Kathy Greenwood

Jane and Joe Hanauer

Stephanie and Don Harrell

Ellen Pickler Harris

   and Ron Harris

Elizabeth Evans Henry

Ms. Elizabeth Jones

Vicki and Richard Lee

Marshall Fund for Dramatic

   Arts and Classical Music

Marlene and Chris Nielsen

Tommy and Julie Phillips

Christopher Quilter

Mr. and Mrs. Philip E. Ridout

Ms. Harriet Roop

Samueli Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. David Seigle

Dr. Emmanuel Sharef

Dr. and Mrs. Henry Sobel

Ms. Barbara Tanner

The William Gillespie Foundation

SILVER BATON ($1,200+)

Dr. and Mrs. Daniel L. Abbott

Nancy Arnold

David and Frances Nitta Barnes

Ms. Michelle Brenner

Mr. James Carter

Dr. and Mrs. David Casey

Dr. and Mrs. Shigeru Chino

Mr. and Mrs. Stewart A. Clark

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Clemmer

Crevier Family Foundation

Susan and Kevin Daly

Eve and Timothy Donovan

Dr. Harvey Eisenberg

Deborah and Cody Engle

Dr. and Mrs. Sidney A. Field

Petrina Friede

David Gartley

Dr. Anna Gonosova

Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Gordon

Teresa Gordon

Barbara Hamkalo

Dr. Daniel E. Haspert

   and Mr. Gerard Curtin

Barbara and Don Howland

Anne Johnson

Dr. Nancy L. Kidder

LaDonna Kienitz

Dr. and Mrs. Tae S. Kim

Cathy and David Krinsky

Hank and Bonnie Landsberg

Janet Laurin

Mrs. Barbara Macgillivray

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Malcolm

Mrs. Linda Lipman Mandelbaum

Karen McCulley

Danny and Kristy Melita

Patricia Morgan

Elizabeth Morse

Richard and Dot Nelson

Elaine and Carl Neuss

Leslie and Gus Ordonez

Michael and Meili Pinto

Susan Qaqundah

Les Redpath

Mr. and Mrs. Glen L. Reeves

Leona Aronoff-Sadacca

Deborah and Robert Schlesinger                 

Eva and Fred Schneider

Dr. Ellis Schwied

Igal and Diane Silber

Walter and Masami Stahr

Dr. Daniel and Jeule Stein

Edith Tonkon

Ms. Sally Westrom

CONCERTO ($600+)

Janet Lee Aengst

Richard Alexander

Beard Family Foundation

Lauren and Cor Claus

David and Victoria Collins

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Delman

Michael DeVries

Walter C. Fidler

Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Fowler

Mr. and Mrs. Donald French

Dr. and Mrs. Mark W. Gow

Terry Hanna

Grace Holdaway

Kevin Huoh

Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Ivey

Mr. Greg Kwan

Katsuhiko and

   Meiko Maeshige

Dr. Lani and

   Mr. David Martin

Mater Dei High School

Kelly and Susan McClellan

Mrs. Janine McMillion

Mrs. Gordon Niedringhaus

Mr. Keith Polakoff

Mr. and Mrs. John Prange

Deborah and Tom Rapport

Karyn Rashoff

Mrs. Vicki de Reynal

Suzanne Sandmeyer

   and Wes Hatfield

Carol Schwab

Ms. Barbara Sentell

Arkady and Ella Serebryannik

Mr. John Shaak

Ann D. Stephens

John and Mary Karyl Thorne

Dr. and Mrs. Harvey S. Triebwasser

Edith and Thomas Van Huss

Kathryn and David Wopschall

SONATA ($300+)

Brien Amspoker

   and Ellen Breitman

Dr. Lori Bassman and

   Mr. Harley C. Bassman

Tod and Craig Beckett-Frank

Mr. and Mrs. Tony Bedi

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Boice

Mr. Scott Brinkerhoff

Evelyn Brownstone

Mr. and Mrs. Tyke Camaras

Ross Conner and

   Emmett Carlson

Mr. and Mrs. Gustave S. Chabre

Mary E. Chelius

Mr. Randall K. Chun

Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Compton

Peter Conlon and

   Deborah Shaw

Mr. Anthony Ede and

   Mrs. Louise Upham

Resa Evans and Dave Theil

Joan Fang

Reuben H. Fleet Foundation Fund

Cheryl Garland

Marvin Goecks, Jr.

Dr. Alan L. Goldin

Howard and Carol Hay

Marlene Hewitt

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Horgan

John and Julia Houten

Mr. Paul A. Schmidhauser and Ms. Cindy R. Hughes

Ms. Kathryn Hummel

Stanley and Mary W. Johnson Foundation

Ms. Sumie Jossi

Mr. and Mrs. Eric M. Kadison

Kari Kerr

Dr. and Mrs. William P. Klein

Elliott Kornhauser and

   Joe Baker

Kent and Ami Kreutziger

Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. Kriz

Bruce Larson and

   Dinny Beringer

Dr. and Mrs. Gary C. Lawrence

Yueshii Lee

Sijie Ling

Elsie M. Little

Francis McClain and Sandra Campbell-McClain

Mr. H.W. McKee

Lisa Miller

Chris Reed and Pat O'Brien

Dr. Kevin O'Grady and

    Mrs. Nella Webster O'Grady

Mary and Lee Olsen

Mr. Richard Parslow

Sidney and Nancy Petersen

Mr. Craig Poindexter

Robbie and Steve Prepas

Lucinda Prewitt

Coralie Prince

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rose

Herbert and Joyce Rosenblum

Deborah and Frank Rugani

Mrs. Kathleen Sangster

Ms. Suzanne Schaumburg

Pamela Sefton

Dr. James Shelburne

Nick and Donna Shubin

Mrs. Karen Smith

Mr. and Mrs. John Stevens

Diane Stovall

Dr. Agnes Szekere

Mary and Peter Tennyson

Ms. Carole Uhlaner and

   Mr. D Brownstone

Annabel Wang

Mike Tompkins and

   Lynn Weiser

Dr. and Mrs. Fritz C. Westerhout

Ivy Yan

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS

Frieda Belinfante, in memoriam

Jane K. Grier, in memoriam

John M. Rau

OFFICIAL WINE SPONSOR
Waters Edge Winery

Long Beach

List current as of 1/29/2024

The Philharmonic Society deeply appreciates the support of its sponsors and donors, and makes every effort to ensure accurate and appropriate recognition. Contact the Development Department at (949) 553-2422, ext. 233, to make us aware of any error or omission in the foregoing list.

ESTERHAZY PATRONS

The Philharmonic Society is proud to recognize our dedicated patrons who have made a multi-year Esterhazy Patron pledge. We are grateful for their support, which has been largely responsible for enabling us to present the world’s most acclaimed symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles and soloists.

Mr. and Mrs. James Alexiou

Mr. and Mrs. Darrel Anderson

A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation

Mr. Gary N. Babick

Ms. Tricia Babick

Mrs. Linda Beimfohr

Mr. and Mrs. John Carson

Cheng Family Foundation

Mrs. William P. Conlin

Mr. Warren G. Coy

Marjorie and Roger Davisson

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Delman

The Dirk Family

Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Duma

Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Emery

Catherine Emmi

Lyndie Ersan

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Freedland

Margaret M. Gates—In memory of family

Mr. Milton S. Grier, Jr.

Maralou Harrington

Dr. Howard J. Jelinek

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Chapin  Johnson

Dr. Siret Jurison

Donna L. Kendall Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Venelin Khristov

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Kirwan

Capt. Steve Lutz and

   Shala Shashani Lutz

Professor Robert and

   Dr. Adeline Yen Mah

Mrs. Sharon McNalley

Dr. Vahe Meghrouni

Mrs. Michael D. Nadler

Elaine and Carl Neuss

Mr. Thomas Nielsen

Milena and Milan Panic

Helen Reinsch

Barbara Roberts

Mrs. Michelle Rohé

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen L. Salyer

Elizabeth Segerstrom

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas H. Smith

Mrs. Elaine Weinberg

Mr. and Mrs. George Wentworth

Bobbitt and Bill Williams

Anonymous

LEGACY CIRCLE MEMBERS

Mr. and Mrs. James Alexiou

Dr. and Mrs. Julio Aljure

Diane and John Chimo Arnold

Estate of Edra E. Brophy*

Mr. James J. Brophy

Mr. Douglas T. Burch, Jr.*

Mr. William P. Conlin* and

   Mrs. Laila Conlin

Pamela Courtial*

Mr. Warren G. Coy

Richard Cullen and Robert Finnerty

Mr. Ben Dolson*

Camille and Eric Durand Trust*

Karen and Don Evarts

Erika E. Faust*

James and Judy Freimuth

Ms. Carol Frobish*

The William Gillespie Foundation*

Mr. and Mrs.* Milton S. Grier, Jr.

Mr. Edward Halvajian*

Ms. Joan Halvajian

Ms. Marie Hiebsch*

Mildred and James* Hill

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Hull*

Mr. Leonard Jaffe

Judith* and Howard Jelinek

Dr. Burton L. Karson

Donna L. Kendall

Hank and Bonnie Landsberg

Mrs. Carla Liggett

Dr. William Lycette

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Michel

Mr. and Mrs. Bart Morrow

Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Nadler*

Eva Cebulski Olivier

Mrs. Frank M. Posch*

Marcia Kay Radelet

Marjorie Rawlins*

Mrs. Ladislaw Reday*

Elaine M. Redfield*

Mr. Richard M. Reinsch*

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen L. Salyer

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sebring

Mr. H. Russell Smith*

Al Spector and Tatjana Soli

Ms. Dea Stanuszek

Diane and Michael Stephens

Vas Nunes Family Trust*

Betty M. Williams*

Anonymous

*Deceased

Bold type indicates gifts of $50,000 or more.

Please call the Philharmonic Society Development Department if you have included either the Philharmonic Society or the separate Philharmonic Foundation in your will or trust so that we may honor you as a member of the Legacy Circle. For more information, call (949) 553-2422, ext. 202 or visit: www.PhilharmonicSociety.org/SupportUs and click on Planned Giving.

DONORS TO THE PHILHARMONIC FORWARD CAMPAIGN

The Philharmonic Society’s campaign is the first of its kind in the organization’s history. It will grow the Society’s endowment—providing greater opportunities for the presentation of the world’s leading orchestras and other musical performances while expanding our educational and community outreach—and also establish a current needs fund for organizational sustainability and flexibility. We are proud to recognize those who are helping secure the Society’s future with a gift to the Philharmonic Forward Campaign. We are grateful for their support, which will help fuel the Society’s growth and provide a legacy of incomparable music and superb music education programs in perpetuity.

CO-CHAIRS

Donna L. Kendall and Douglas H. Smith

$1,000,000+

Mr. James J. Brophy

Donna L. Kendall

   and the Donna L. Kendall Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sebring

Anonymous

$500,000+

Richard Cullen and

   Robert Finnerty

James and Judy Freimuth

$250,000+

The Davisson Family Fund

   for Youth Music Education

Margaret M. Gates—In

   memory of family

Mr. and Mrs.* Milton S. Grier, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas H. Smith

$100,000+

Pete and Sabra Bordas

David and Suzanne Chonette

Karen and Don Evarts

Milli and Jim* Hill

Marlene and Chris Nielsen

Richard and Deborah Polonsky

Diane and Michael Stephens

Anonymous

$50,000+

Mr. Douglas T. Burch, Jr.*

Dr. Richard D. and

   France Campbell

Erika E. Faust*

Mrs. Joanne C. Fernbach

Joan Halvajian

Elaine and Carl Neuss

Marcia Kay Radelet

Mr. and Mrs. Philip E. Ridout

Ms. Dea Stanuszek

Dr. Daniel and Jeule Stein

$25,000+

Douglas Burch Classical

   Programs Fund

Mr. William P. Conlin* and

   Mrs. Laila Conlin

Mr. and Mrs. Donald French 

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Fuerbringer

Mr. and Mrs. Noel Hamilton

Dr. and Mrs. Chase* Roh

Up to $24,999

Eleanor and Jim* Anderson

John W. Benecke

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Burra

Ana and Ron Dufault

Hung Fan and Michael Feldman

First American Trust

   Kimberly Dwan Bernatz

Mr. John D. Flemming and

   Mr. Mark Powell

Duke Funderburke

Carolyn and John Garrett

Karin Easter Gurwell

Maralou and Jerry M.* Harrington

Mrs. Alice E. Hood

Huntington Harbour

   Philharmonic Committee -  

   Marina Windjammer Group

Kevin and Judith Ivey

Ms. Lula Belle Jenkins

Doris and Jim Kollias

Mrs. Elizabeth C. Kramer

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lewis

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Madracki

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Mastrangelo

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Michel

Charles Mosmann

Carl Neisser*

Joan Rehnborg

Dr. and Mrs. Henry Sobel

Dr. and Mrs. Julio Taleisnik

Marti and Walter Unger

Gayle Widyolar, M.D.

Sandi Wright-Cordes

U.S. Bank

Anonymous

*Deceased

LEAVE A LEGACY

Estate gift s allow our long-time subscribers and donors to leave an enduring legacy that helps ensure the long-term financial strength of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. Please consider including us in your will, as either a percentage of your

estate or a fixed amount. Doing so will support our commitment of presenting world-class programming and music education that enriches the cultural life of Orange County for generations to come.

For more information, please contact (949) 553-2422, ext. 233, or email support@philharmonicsociety.org.

PRESIDENT AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Tommy Phillips

ARTISTIC OPERATIONS

Emily Persinko, Artistic Operations Manager
Julia Tan, Production Coordinator
Kathy Smith, Piano Technician

DEVELOPMENT

Mark Saville, Vice President of Development
Halim Kim, Senior Director of Development
Nicole Gonzales, Special Events Manager
Paige Frank, Development Coordinator

EDUCATION

Katherine Yang, Vice President of Education & Community Engagement
Courtney McKinnon, Manager of Volunteer & Education Services
Jennifer Niedringhaus, Education & Engagement Operations Manager
Chloe Hopper, Education Associate & OCYS Coordinator
Penny Arroyo, Huntington Harbour Office Manager & Finance Coordinator

FINANCE

Roan Alombro, Vice President of Finance
Fay Hu, Finance & HR Associate

MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Jean Hsu, COO / Vice President of Communications
Daniel Acosta, Director of Marketing
Marie Songco-Torres, Senior Marketing & PR Manager
Adaora Onyebeke, Marketing & PR Associate

PATRON SERVICES

Jonathan Mariott, Director of Patron Services
Angelica Nicolas, Marketing & Patron Services Manager
Randy Polevoi, Musical Concierge

ORANGE COUNTY YOUTH SYMPHONY AND STRING ENSEMBLE

Johannes Müller Stosch, Music Director & OCYS Conductor
Lucy Lu, OCYSE Conductor & OCYS Strings Coach
Danielle Culhane, Operations & Personnel Manager
Hana Kurihara, Operations Assistant

OFFICERS
John Flemming, Chair/CEO *  
Donna L. Kendall, Deputy Board Chair *
Sabra Bordas, Vice Chair *  
Stephen Amendt, Secretary/Treasurer *

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John W. Benecke, Development Chair
Sabra Bordas, Nominating and Governance Chair *
Jim Brophy
Lauren Claus
Hung Fan, Laguna Beach Music Festival Chair
Jean Felder, Artistic and Marketing Chair
Margaret M. Gates
Kari Kerr, President, The Committees *
Douglas H. Smith, Member at Large *
Steven M. Sorenson, MD
Kathryn Wopschall
Sandi Wright-Cordes, Orange County Youth Symphony Chair

IN MEMORIAM
Douglas T. Burch, Jr.
Jane Grier
Wesley Kruse

* Executive Committee

Bob Romney, Chairman
Community Leader

Gary Fabian, Treasurer
Chief Financial Officer
Kind Lending

William Parker, Secretary
Professor Emeritus Physics and Astronomy
University of California, Irvine

DIRECTORS

Eugene Choi
Betty Martinez Franco
Harason Horowitz
Terry Jones
Mike Kerr
Jennifer Klein
Dr. Tiffany Ana López
Bonnie Lubock
James Mai
Sherry L. K. Main
Jerry Mandel, Ph.D.
Christopher Ramsey
Richard and Cheryll Ruszat
Kathleen Treseder, Ph.D.
Stuart Winston
Anu Worah

HONORARY

Larry Agran
Mayor, City of Irvine
 
Howard Gillman, Ph.D.
Chancellor
University of California, Irvine

Public Partners
City of Irvine and UC Irvine

Official Health Care Partner
UCI Health

Corporate Sponsor
Haskell & White LLP

$50, 000+

Tom and Mayumi Adams

Paul and Bonnie Lubock

Thomas Rogers and Sally Anderson

Worah Family Foundation

$25, 000-$49, 999

Gerrit and Amy Cole Foundation

The Hiland Foundation

Bill and Carolyn Klein

The Richard and Elizabeth Steele Fund

Judy and Wes Whitmore

$10, 000 -$24,999

Gregory Bates and Joann Leatherby

Clifford and Jennifer Cheng

Eugene and Carol Choi

Paul and Anne Devore

Farhang Foundation

David and Trudi Gartley

Mike Gordon

Haskell & White LLP

Harason Horowitz

Mark Chapin Johnson Foundation

Terry and Judy Jones

Mike Kerr and Jenny Backhaus

Liza Krassner

Jerry and Whitney Mandel

Goran Matijasevic

Dot and Rick Nelson

Mary Watson-Bruce

William and Janice Parker Family Fund

William and Pat Podlich

Robert E. Romney

Richard and Cheryll Ruszat – Montessori Schools of Irvine

Al Spector and Tatjana Soli

Greg Zaret

Charlie and Ling Zhang

$5, 000 - $9, 999

Stephen and Mary Auerbach

Robert and Lillyan Cendejas

Rohit Deshpande and Anita Watumull

Gary Fabian and Deb Solon

Chuck and Janet Henze

Eleanor Jaffy and Andrew Vollero

Jack and Joy Kayajanian

Robert Kazer and Jill Richter

Ken and Chantelle Labowe - Labowe Family Foundation

Josh Martin, Emerald Real Estate Partners, and Tom Politowski

James McGaugh

Natalie Miles

Tom Newmeyer

Andrei Olenicoff Memorial Foundation

James and Lynn Payne

Christopher and Lynne Ramsey

Salwa Rizkalla

Adreana Souleles

Craig and Kirsten Springer

Alexander and Sachiyo Stimpson

Ms. Renee Walter

Brian and Beth West

$2,500 - $4, 999

Terri Beber and Terry McDonald

Ellen Breitman and Brien Amspoker

Terry Causey

Albert and Anne Encinias

Arlene and Steven Fienberg

Douglas and Kathleen Forde

Greg and Sumie Haase

Michael and Charisse Lyseight

Patricia M. McIntyre Foundation Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation

Mark J. Nielsen

Marcia Novegrod

Arthur Ong and Ginger Sun

Bill and Joyce Perrone

Ron and Jan Redmond

Bob and Jo Anne Simon

Eric and Donna Stovner

Kurt and Ellen Youngs

Robert Zasa and Judy Amiano

$1,000 -$2,499

Beth and Michael Adler

Charlotte W. and Richard D. Alexander Charitable Foundation

Scott and Katherine Arbuckle

Diane and Dennis Baker

James Carter

Alice and Dennis Creighton

Brad Crosley

Gail Doe

Jeanne Egasse and Boyd Philpot

Francis and Ruby Foo

David and Judy Fukuda

Stanford Gertler

Gary Good and Jackie Charnley

Roger and Patt Grable

Geeta and Sanjiv Grover

Loren Hansen and Lorraine Caukin

Karen Kewell Jacoby

Dr. Elliott Kornhauser and Mr. Joe Baker

Rachel Levin

Lutz Moeckel

Janis and Dave Murray

James Pick and Rosalyn Laudati

Jill M. Prentice

Diana Putz

Joel B. Rothman

Debbie and Frank Rugani

Phil and Joy Ruggiero

Arkady and Ella Serebryannik

Sally Anne and Don Sheridan

Walter and Masami Stahr

Robert and Veronica Start

CarolAnn Tassios

$500 -$999

Dana and Angelika Aswad

John W. Ballantyne

Michelle Bentcliff and Ann Litke

Judy Bloomingdale

Wayne and Nancy Broadhag

Robert Cassidy

Esther Cervantes and Steve Rivero

Denise B. Chilcote

Michael and Melanie Cooper

Joan Donahue

Ann Donat

Nancy Eisenberg

Christine Fluor and Walter Scacchi

Margaret Gates, with gratitude for your education commitment

S. Glass Family

Gleicher / Chen Family Foundation

Marcus Hickerson

Melvin and Hazel Hoshiko

Kathleen Koch

Sally Kurnick

Holly Larsen

John LaRue

John Long and Tamara Taylor

Han Dinh and Martin Le

Patti Martinez

Dr. & Mrs. John Middlebrooks

Susan M. Mason

Kenneth Niedziela

Rey O'Day

Mike Peak

Arnold and Nancy Raymon

Bebe and Otto Reyer

Karen Rook

Kent Sentinella

Joe Simrell

Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Sutton

Dr. Anthony Vasek

Fred and Patricia Viele

Emily Crean Vogler

Chuck and Marilyn Wright

$250 - $499

The Aber Group Inc

Mark Achong

Fredric and Lisa Albert

Mike Baginski and Kim Ling

Mrs. Kaui Balderston

Pat and Kate

George and Linda Bauer

Ms. Suzanne M. Becker

Bruce Beckman

Sally Bender

William and Annette Blaney

Ms. Nancy Braden

Peter and Kari Bretschger

Mr. Jelle Brons

David and Lisa Butler

Robert and Valerie Carter

Michael Casey

Luisa Cano

Eileen and Henry Cohen

Anahid Crecelius

Mike Davis

Myrtle Deakins

Mary Susan Denley

Don and Debra Drysdale

Kent and Irene Dunlap

Doug Elliott

Kelly YuehChun Feng

Joanne Fernbach

Ilone and Darin Gibson

Aimee Gromfin

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Hollingsworth

Haylee Homs

Harason Horowitz and Mark Chapin Johnson

Korey Jorgensen

Jessica Kaltman

Judy Kaufman

Kerry Krisher

Bruce Larson

Michael Lawler

Vicki and Richard Lee

Edward Luedke

Ramon Lugo

Capt. Kevin M. Mac Donnell

Dr. Frank and Mrs. Linda Meyskens

William D. Miller and Florence E. Miller

Daniel Morrison

Mr. Ramon Munoz

Ms. Maryellen Musgrave

Susan O'Brien

Cyrus Parker-Jeannette

Jorge Perez Valdes

Mr. and Mrs. Rivadeneyra

Josh and Carolyn Roberts

Dr. Stephen Rochford

Gary and Melanie Singer Charitable Fund

Kris and Geraldine Shah

Kim Smith

Dorothy J. Solinger

Tina Sommers-Bernhardt

Michael and Marilyn Staffieri

Daniel and Jeanne Stokols

Ingrid Strayer

Sullivan Family

Kim Tang

Cindy Tyan

Alvin Umeda

Jeanne Villacorte

Beth Waterman

Nella Webster

Carl and Deborah Weinert

Mark and Lou-Ann Weltman

Hemantha and Sophie Wickramasinghe

Jim and Sandra Williams

Dexter and Gisele Winzey

Gary and Cathy Wyatt

Kelley Yasbek

Andy and Wendy Yurcho

$100-$249

Brian and Gloria Abrams

Susan Adleman

Hoku and Kalani Aichele

Lillian Aranda

Theresa Battel

Rosanne and William Beam

Melissa Beck and Daniel Pugh

Chris Blank and Josie Badeaux

Paul Blank

Carol Boot-Storie

Kerry and Paul Boulian

Mr. and Mrs. J. Boyer

William and Lindsay Brennan

Mr. Steven Brenneis

Gary and Wendy Bryan

Dawn Burdick

Mr. & Mr. Christopher Cabrera

Peggy Campbell

Patrick J. Chambers

Chara Orthodontics

Grace Chen

Jeff Corp

David Coscia and Mark Armstrong

Donna Cox

Vivian Daniel

Charles Davison

Matt and Jane Delorenzo

RJ, Rita, and Timmy De Rama

Rhea Dorn

Ernest Duarte

Ron and May Duff

Eduardo and Elise Espinosa

Jim and Diane Ewing

Aviva and Fred Forster

Ms. Ellen Fujikawa

Eileen Garbutt

Charles Gates

Mr. John Gibbs

Ian and Kari Gibson

Ben and Sandie Goelman

Michael and Kristina Golden

Kevin and Candice Gomez

Anna Gonosova

Ms. Judith Guffey

Patricia Hansen

Gayle and Phil Harp

Jennifer Hart

Fred and Cheryl Heinecke

Edwin Henderson

Richard and Jacqueline Heyendal

Julie Hill

Peter Holden and Angela Howley-Holden

Holmes Family

Rita B Hopper

Dr. Dena Hulbert

W. Itoga & Sons

Gary Jackson and Linda Globerman Jackson

Laurie Jacobs

Judy Jones

Audrey Kapelinski

John Keating

Angela Kraus

Arlene Kato and Mike Kurihara

Kyle and Cherrill Kawakami

Kenneth Keller

Lynne Koffler

Colin and Joan Koransky

Karen Kotake

Mr. Richard Krey

Jennifer and Robert Langer

Lorna Larson-Paugh

Robert and Karen Lechich

Paul E. Len

Cheryl and James Lewis

Amy Li

Anne Llewellyn

Willard and Bettina Loomis

Mr. Robert Lopez

Lorena Mague

Dr. Sari Mahon

Ms. Amira Mansour

Christine A. Marx

Robert Mashihara

Thomas and Glynett Mcteer

Erica Morikawa

Dr. and Mrs. John Mull

Elaine and Cameron Mummery

Tasha and Owen Naccarato

Richard Nakai and Cindy Wederich

Virginia Olson

Lisa Osako

Judy Oswald

Hon. Julie Owen

Lauren and Richard Packard

Tom and Diane Pardue

Gerald Parham

Thomas and Davida Parham

Ms. Julie Patterson

Karin S. Paul

Dr. Dolly Platt

Brian Paegel and Jeremy Pyle

Lois Rake

Paul Ramey

Elaine Ramsay

Brad Rawlins

Kenneth Reinhard and Julia Reinhard Lupton

Anita and Bruce Reisman

Dennis and Marie Richman

In Memory of Irene DeNoia

Paul Schmidhauser and Cindy Hughes

Paul and Kristen Schmidt

Jack and Katharine Schoellerman

Jill Sekiguchi, DDS

Michael Sheffield

George Sidorakis

Tom Slickelman

John L. Smith and Mary Anne Anthony-Smith

Karen R. Speros

Jack and Molly Spiegel

D. Stroebel

James and Nadine Turner

Joanne Vargas

Linda Venezia

Kathy Vickers and Jeremy Freimund

Elliot Vogelfanger

Michele and Irwin Walot

David and Renee Warren

Bruce and Susie White

Steven and Elizabeth White

Roxanne Wong

Henry and Yen Yang Wu

Susan Yee

$150+

Mark Achong
Nancy and Wayne Broadhag
Hoku and Mark Aichele
Mrs. Kaui Balderston
Gregory Bates and Joann Leatherby
Melissa Beck and Daniel Pugh
Paul Blank
Christopher Blank and Josie Badeaux
Laura Brandlin
David Coscia and Mark Armstrong
Charles and Maureen Davison
Susan Lindquist de la Parra
RJ, Rita, and Timmy De Rama
Mark and Kathi Denny
John Elwood
Eduardo and Elsie Espinosa
James Evans
Ian and Kari Gibson
Kevin and Candice Gomez
Roger and Patt Grable
Judith Guffey
Patricia Hansen
Gayle and Phil Harp
Arlene and Mike Kato
Kyle and Cherrill Kawakami
Kathleen Koch
Duane and Kathie Mauzey
Janis and Dave Murray
Hon. Julie A. C. Owen
Julie Patterson
Christopher and Lynne Ramsey
Brad and Susie Rawlins
Jill Sekiguchi
Tom Slickelman
T. Sommers-Bernhardt
Michael and Marilyn Staffieri
Cindy Thomas
Fred and Patricia Viele
David and Renee Warren
Roxanne Wong
Andrew and Wendy Yurcho

$10 monthly

Mr. and Mrs. J. Boyer
Vivian Daniel
Karen Kotake
Traci Shirachi and Cory Chhiap

$75 month

As a partner in the annual National Choreographers Initiative, Irvine Barclay Theatre is also pleased to acknowledge all those who support this important contribution to American dance.

National Choreographers Initiative 2026
Molly Lynch, Artistic Director

Honorary Producer 

Bobbi Cox

Joanne and Dennis Keith

Barbara Roberts

Michelle Rohé

Richard and Elizabeth Steele Endowment Fund

Choreographer Sponsor

Terry Causey

Sophie and Larry Cripe

Judi Gorski

Diane Silber

Dancer Sponsor

Ellen Breitman and Brien Amspoker

James Carter

Croul Family Foundation

Janet and Henry Eggers

Mary and Andrew Franklin

Artistic Sponsor

Alan Andrews and Molly Lynch

Betsy Andrews and Alex Moad

Diane Diefenderfer and David Hanlon

Gale Edelberg and Bob Butnik

Gillian Finley and Robert Labaree

Carol Hamilton

Nancy and Ned Kriz

Dr. Rosalyn Laudati and Dr. James Pick

Kathryn Lynch and Robert McDonnell

Rachelle Menaker and Eddie Schuller

Marica Pendjer and John Miller

Andrew Rose

Sally Anne and Don Sheridan

Paula Tomei and David Emmes

Lynn Weiser and Mike Tompkins

Patron Sponsor

Dr. Michael Bear

Stacie Brandt

Laurie and Bart Brown

Gail and Denis Kalscheur

David Carmichael

Joseph Herron and Dana Klein

Chuck Johnston

Margi and John Murray

Diana Putz

Kim Smith

Jenny Szabo

Karen and Gary Thorne

Barbara and Jack Tingley

Dance Shoe Sponsor

Diane and Dennis Baker

Darci Bodin

Bronny Daniels

Roberta Fox

Sharon McNalley

Ivar Roth, Concierge Podiatry & Spa

Katy and Jack Schoellerman

Ann and Richard Sim

Linda and Steve Weitz

Dance Partner

Ellen Fujikawa

Mike Kerr and Jenny Backhaus

Maurice and Alexandra Mandel

Edward McPherson

Rita Mitchell

Mitsuhiko and Reiko Nakano

Dr. Janice Gudde Plastino

Rosalind Russell

Joseph Sheridan

Dan & Jeanne Stokols

Robert Strang

Mary Vensel White

Update as of 7/14/26

DONATE TODAY

Please consider making a donation to support the work of the National Choreographers Initiative. We need your contributions to support the dancers and choreographers involved in the project. Be an angel to the arts-dance! Thank you!

Send your donation to: NCI 3334 E. Coast Hwy #276, Corona del Mar CA 92625