The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra announces its schedule for the upcoming 36th season. The 2017-18 subscription series includes five symphonic performances and will feature compositions from the titans of classical music, along with exclusive guest artists, and the world-class BVSO musicians. Music Director Marcelo Bussiki and the professional orchestra will bring a collection of exciting programs. There is certainly something for all to enjoy in the BVSO’s upcoming season of “Tenors and Titans”. BVSO will once again partner with CHI St. Joseph Health as the official sponsor for the 2017-18 Season.
Maestro Bussiki used the audience to inspire him in creating Season 36. “The season is made FOR them . . . always. We don’t own this — it’s about what we bring to others and to our community,” explained Bussiki. “There are constantly two concerns in my mind: ‘Is this pleasant for our audience?’ and ‘Is this pleasant for our musicians?’”
The 2017-18 “Tenors and Titans” season promises to deliver on the Maestro’s goals for a pleasing season with an epic opening concert set for Sunday, Oct. 22, at 5pm in Rudder Theatre on the Texas A&M University campus. The first performance of the season, “Cliburn Gold” will feature the newly crowned 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Gold Medalist, Yekwon Sunwoo of South Korea. As a “Cliburn Orchestra”, the BVSO has obtained priority booking for Cliburn artists and secured the Gold Medal winner well before the competition took place in early June. Maestro Bussiki shared, “We will be making music with one of the top pianists in the world, one that, over the span of three weeks, was tested in every aspect of his musical abilities and won this prestigious competition.”
The subscription season closes in terrific style with The Texas Tenors on April 29, 2018 at 5pm in Rudder Auditorium as Bussiki and the BVSO present another outstanding pops concert to close the season after last year’s stunning performance with the Wicked Divas. Featuring America’s new favorite tenors and Billboard’s #10 classical musical act in the world: The Texas Tenors will be performing live with the BVSO. These favorite finalists from NBC’s America’s Got Talent have collaborated with some of the most prestigious symphonies in the US, and are topping charts, and presenting world-wide sold out concerts to dedicated fans.
“We enjoyed an amazing pops season finale last year, so why not do it again,” explained Bussiki. “Our audience will be dazzled by the performance and how gifted The Texas Tenors sound in concert. The concert will be a blend of country, classical, and Broadway selections. I think that this combination will explore this group’s full potential and make for a very entertaining show.”
The following is a summary of the entire subscription series.
“Cliburn Gold” When: Sunday, Oct. 22 at 5:00pm Where: Rudder Theatre on Texas A&M University Campus in College Station Program:
- Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3, Op. 30, D minor
- Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3, Op. 56, A minor, “Scottish”
- Guest Artist: Yekwon Sunwoo, piano, 2017 Cliburn Gold Medalist
- Concert Sponsor: Rose P. VanArsdel and Derby Day 2017 Fund-a-Concert Donors
“Major Masterpieces” When: Sunday, Nov. 19, at 5:00pm Where: Rudder Theatre on Texas A&M University Campus in College Station Program:
- Mozart: Symphony No. 40, K. 550, G minor
- Beethoven: Symphony No. 3, Op. 55, Eb major
- Concert Sponsor: Population and Survey Analysts
“Russians and Ravel” When: Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018 at 5:00pm Where: Rudder Auditorium on Texas A&M University Campus in College Station Program:
- Borodin: Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dances
- Ravel: Bolero
- Stravinsky: Petrushka (1947 version)
“Bach’s Brandenburgs” When: Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 5pm Where: Rudder Theatre on Texas A&M University Campus in College Station Program:
- Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, BWV 1047, F major
- Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, BWV 1048, G major
- Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, BWV 1049, G major
- Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, BWV 1050, D major
- Guest Artists: Amy Burgus, oboe; Robert Chambers, trumpet; Javier Chaparro, violin; Matthew Dirst, harpsichord; Adrianne Greenbaum, flute; Penny Zent, flute
- Concert Sponsor: The Ham Family Trust
“The Texas Tenors” When: Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 5pm Where: Rudder Auditorium on Texas A&M University Campus in College Station Program Selections Include:
- God Bless the USA
- Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera
- The Texas Tenors Original Hit Songs “Bootdaddy” and “Rise”
- Bring Him Home from Les Miserables
- Any many more Tenor favorites!
- Guest Artists: The Texas Tenors (J.C. Fisher, Marcus Collins, John Hagen)
BVSO patrons can also enjoy free pre-concert talks one hour prior to each subscription performance in the Rudder Theatre Complex. Ann Thompson will again present her delightful and witty insights into the composers, the history, and meaning behind the music. Then after each subscription concert, a patron social hour at Napa Flats will keep the enjoyment going to top off an exquisite evening of music and entertainment. The Maestro and select guest artists are scheduled to attend these socials as well.
The orchestra is additionally pleased to present the 9th Annual Holiday Pops Concert, which is designed to offer patrons a way to start their holiday season with great, festive music at the premiere holiday concert of the community. The Canticle Ringers and Sanctuary Choir of Christ United Methodist Church, organist James Faith, and the CSHS Varsity Women’s Choir will join BVSO musicians for a beautiful as well as fun, holiday themed concert on December 10. This concert plays to nearly sold-out crowds and continues to instill audiences with more and more holiday spirit each year.
Maestro Bussiki explained, “I see the Holiday Pops Concert as an opportunity to have a good time with the audience. A good performance is all-encompassing, the audience is part of the performance. The musicians and the conductor can ‘feel’ the audience and there is a magical something that happens in quality live performances that is irreplaceable ... there is no more conducive music for that experience than familiar holiday songs.”
The Holiday Pops Concert is an add-on to the season and not included in the price of season tickets. Cost for this concert is $25 for adults and $10 for children. This concert is sponsored by Sterling Auto Group, Spirit of Texas Bank, and Systek Computing.
“Our theme for this year is ‘Tenors and Titans’ due to the key elements of our season featuring composers considered to be the titans of classical music, as well as monumental guest artists at the top of their game,” according to Symphony Executive Director Mary Koeninger. “I have heard nothing but amazing things about The Texas Tenors and people even from out of town have been calling our office excitedly, to purchase tickets for what is sure to be an amazing season finale.”
Patrons can purchase season tickets securely online at www.bvso.org or by phone through the Symphony Office (979) 696-6100. A full season adult ticket is $170 and the full season student ticket is $60, a $10 processing fee is added to each order. Individual tickets to all concerts go on sale August 25 at the MSC Box Office. Call (979) 845-1234 or go online to www.boxoffice.tamu.edu. All programs are subject to change. Call the Symphony Office with any further questions.
