Sheboygan Symphony opens 2010-11 season with new music director

Kevin McMahon, the Sheboygan Symphony’s new music director and conductor, takes the lead of the orchestra at the start of the 2010-11 season. The SSO recently announced its lineup for the new season that features a wide array of guest artists showcased on the piano, trumpet, cello, clarinet and vocal solo.

“The start of my tenure with the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra fills me with excitement, joy, and the promise of years of service to the symphony family and the community,” McMahon said.

“I am also thrilled about the exciting season filled with wonderful music and talented guest artists that the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra is poised to offer to our patrons. We invite one and all on our musical journey.”

Established in Sheboygan in 1918, the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra is a 92-year-old symphony. Today the orchestra has a roster of 68 musicians.

The Sheboygan Symphony Chorus is also affiliated with the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra. The symphony chorus is an over-100-voice chorus directed by Janet L. Herrick, professor of music at Lakeland College.

The Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra also sponsors the Sheboygan Area Youth Symphony jointly with the Sheboygan Area School District. This student organization with approximately 65 members is conducted by Walter Rich.

Opening Night with Kevin McMahon – Saturday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.

McMahon’s first concert features Gabrieli’s Canzon Septimi Toni No. 2 and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5 in E flat Major. Arutunian’s Trumpet Concerto will spotlight the talents of guest artist John Urness.

Urness, a Plymouth native, has been principal trumpet of the State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra (OSEM) in Toluca, Mexico, since 1997. The OSEM presents more than 80 concerts each year in the Mexico City area and on tours to China, Germany, Spain, France, and Poland.

The well-traveled musician, who has performed with the Royal Philharmonic of London and the Israel Philharmonic, holds a Master's of Music from Rice University in Houston, Texas, and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin.

A Night at the Movies with Rich Ridenour – Saturday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m.

Rich Ridenour captivates audiences in front of a symphony orchestra or in solo concert. Patrons will experience both sides of Ridenour as they enjoy some of the greatest movie scores of all time including: the Theme from Peter Gunn, the Pink Panther Theme and Ghost Busters.

Ridenour stated, “Sheboygan is one of my favorite places to visit. It all began about 10 years ago when I was called in at the last minute to perform Concerto in F with the Sheboygan Symphony because a scheduled pianist had canceled. At the time, I had not yet performed Concerto in F and had two weeks to learn it. It was a great challenge and turned out to be a rewarding experience to perform with an outstanding, warm orchestra.

“Since the November Concert features a movie theme, I would enjoy revisiting the last movement of Gershwin's Concerto in F since it comes from the great film `American in Paris.’ Some other selections that we will be performing are Addinsell's Warsaw Concerto from `Dangerous Moonlight’ and Brazil from the `Eddie Duchin Story.’ There will be many surprises because I plan time for requests that I poll in the lobby at intermission! What are some of Sheboygan's favorite movie themes that feature the piano? We will find out Nov. 13.”

Celebrate Mahler’s 150th Birthday – Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

As a tribute to Mahler’s 150th birthday, the Sheboygan Symphony’s midwinter concert features Mahler’s majestic Symphony No. 4 in G Major. The orchestra will also present Weber’s widely performed Concertino.

Soprano Joelle Barrett will add emotion to the orchestra’s performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 where she is featured in the last movement in the song, “Das himmlische Leben,” which presents a child’s vision of heaven. Weber’s Concertino will spotlight Matthew Griffith on an extremely challenging work for the clarinet, showcasing his virtuosity.

Barrett is an instructor of music education and voice at Lakeland College and teaches music at Howards Grove Elementary. A former member of numerous choral ensembles, including the Chicago Symphony Chorus and Elgin Choral Union, Barrett received her B.M. degree from Millikin University.

Griffith is co-principal clarinet of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra Senior Symphony, Chamber Orchestra and first chair of the UW-Milwaukee Youth Wind Ensemble. A former student of Dr. Jill Hanes and Todd Levy, Griffith received two exemplary soloist awards at the Wisconsin State Music Association Festival.

Classical Collaborations – Saturday, March 12, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

Deeply inspiring, this purely traditional concert features several of the great classical works of the masters. Enjoy Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, Saint-Saens’ concerto No. 2 and Tchaikovsky’s Andante Cantabile. Cellist Parry Karp’s mastery will enhance the performance of Tchaikovsky’s Andante Cantabile with his unforgettable mellow and rich tone.

Cellist Parry Karp is artist-in residence, professor of chamber music and director of the string chamber music program at UW-Madison. He has been cellist of the Pro Arte Quartet for the past 34 years, during which time he has performed over 1,000 concerts throughout North, Central and South America, Europe, and Japan, and recorded six solo CDs.

The Last Work of the Master – Saturday, May 14, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

The final concert of McMahon’s inaugural season focuses on the last work of Mozart. The Sheboygan Symphony Chorus joins the orchestra for an awe-inspiring production by one of the great composers of all time.

Janet L. Herrick, chorus conductor, explains, “This wonderful piece full of intimate beauty and stirring passion is a favorite of choruses around the world. We all love singing Mozart’s Requiem! The unique circumstances surrounding the completion of the work only add to its drama. I’m thrilled to be able to prepare this work with the chorus for a second time and experience once again the genius of a great master as he stared death in the face.”

Christmas Treasures – Saturday, December 11, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

The Sheboygan Symphony’s semi-annual holiday tradition, Christmas Treasures, delights all ages with its blend of holiday favorites. The orchestra is joined by the Sheboygan Symphony Chorus.

Some of the popular holiday musical selections guests will enjoy are: Gloria by Bass, the Holly and the Ivy by Arnold/Palmer, Carol of the Drums by Davis, Ave Maria by Schubert/Luck, I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Kent/Hayes, and Gesu Bambino by Baron.

For Full Concert Series tickets or the Mini Series, which includes three of the five regular season concerts, call the Sheboygan Symphony Business Office, 920-452-1985.

Individual tickets for the regular season will be available beginning Sept. 20.

Tickets for Christmas Treasures will be available beginning Sept. 20 by contacting the Symphony Office, 921 N. Eighth St., Suite 208, Sheboygan (920-452-1985). Reserved seating.

Auditions for the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra will be held throughout the summer. For more information contact the Symphony Business Office at 920-452-1985 or e-mail shebsym@sheboygan symphony.org.

Interludes Pre-Concert Series, hosted by Maestro Kevin McMahon, is an educational program providing patrons a unique event to connect to the music. Interludes is free for ticket holders. For more information and a reservation, call 920-452-1985.

Master Classes are offered prior to several concerts with selected guest artists for music students from Sheboygan County. Check sheboygansymphony.org or call 920-452-1985 for further Master Class information.

Above & Beyond Children’s Museum is offering children’s programming during performances of the Sheboygan Symphony. Children’s programs that pertain to music, sound, and even storytelling are available for the children while their parents enjoy the symphony. Call 920-458-4263 or 920-452-1985 for more information, obtain fees or to register; space is limited. Please call at least 24 hours in advance of the concert.