The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra presents its schedule for the upcoming 38th season. The 2019-2020 subscription series includes five symphonic performances — plus, two add-on concerts this year — and will feature well-known composers, exclusive guest artists, and the world-class BVSO musicians. Music Director Marcelo Bussiki and your professional orchestra will bring a colorful array of exciting programs and there is certainly something for all to enjoy in the BVSO’s upcoming Kaleidoscope of Classics season. They are proud to once again partner with CHI St. Joseph Health as the official sponsor for the 2019-2020 season.
The 2019-2020 season presents an outstanding lineup of symphonic favorites with a monumental opening concert set for Sunday, Oct. 20, at 5pm in Rudder Auditorium on the Texas A&M University campus. The BVSO season opener, Carmina Burana, combines the talents of three stunning soloists, the Brenham Children’s Chorus, and the 120-voice powerhouse that is the Brazos Valley Chorale as they celebrate their 50th anniversary season. Though Carmina Burana has been sampled in songs by the likes of Michael Jackson and Ozzy Osborne, mixed into movies from The Matrix to Shrek, and sprinkled into commercials and all forms of pop culture, chances are most people have heard only the beginning or ending notes of this 24-movement masterpiece. Heralded as one of the most recognizable and iconic choral masterworks, the expanse of sound immerses the audience in dark drama, terrific power, soulful passion, and conveys an unwavering force of destiny. Join Maestro Bussiki and their professional orchestra as they start the season with this classic work and its thrilling emotional experience.
“Every performance is unique — it captures a moment of connection with the audience and performers, but this year’s performance of Carmina Burana is even more special because it marks the 50th year of the Brazos Valley Chorale and its contribution to our cultural landscape,” says Bussiki. “We have performed together many times over the years, but this will have a special meaning to all on stage.”
Bussiki continues, “Soprano Heather Phillips and tenor Justin Berkowitz will join us for the first time in their highly regarded performances of Carmina Burana’s very demanding roles. These soloists were chosen specifically with this work in mind. We are also delighted to bring acclaimed baritone Kelly Markgraf back to the BVSO stage. He has appeared with us several times, including as Escamillo in the concert version of Carmen.”
The subscription season closes with another type of monumental work, Star Wars: A New Hope – A Movie in Concert on April 26, 2020, at 5pm in Rudder Auditorium. Fans will be able to relive the epic and beloved first movie of the Star Wars saga with John Williams’ marvelously memorable score played live by the orchestra and synchronized with the movie.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to conduct this show,” says Bussiki. “Live music has historically held a vital role in supporting, enhancing, or outlining the drama in movies ... I find it fascinating that in the last few years major symphonies all over the world have started to bring back blockbusters with a new twist – live soundtrack.”
“I think CinemaRetro said it best by declaring: ‘To call the resulting event thrilling would be an understatement,'” says Executive Director Mary Koeninger. “The community is already extremely excited to see Star Wars: A New Hope for the BVSO’s out of this world season finale, so purchase tickets early for the very best seats. Season tickets are on sale now and the date of single tickets sales will be announced soon.”
The following is a summary of the entire subscription series.
What: Carmina Burana When: Sunday, Oct. 20, at 5pm Where: Rudder Auditorium Program Selections: Handel - "Awake the Trumpets Lofty Sound;" Haydn - "The Heavens Are Telling;" Brahms - "How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place;" Orff - "Carmina Burana" Guest Artists: Brazos Valley Chorale, celebrating their 50th anniversary; Brenham Children’s Chorus; Heather Phillips, soprano; Justin Berkowitz, tenor; Kelly Markgraf, baritone
What: The Four Seasons When: Sunday, Nov. 10, at 5pm Where: Rudder Theatre Program: Bach - "Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067;" Vivaldi - "The Four Seasons" Guest Artists: Javier Chaparro, violin; Penny Zent, flute Concert Sponsor: The Ham Family Trust
What: Broberg & Beethoven When: Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, at 5pm Where: Rudder Theatre Program: Beethoven - Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 “Pastoral Symphony;” Beethoven - Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 “Emperor Concerto” Guest Artist: Kenny Broberg, 2017 Cliburn Silver Medalist
What: Two Emilys When: Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, at 5pm Where: Rudder Theatre Program: Mozart - "Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K. 183;" Copland - "Eight Poems of Emily Dickinson;" Copland - "Appalachian Spring" Guest Artist: Emily Pulley, soprano
What: Star Wars: A New Hope When: Sunday, April 26, 2020, at 5pm Where: Rudder Auditorium Program: A Movie in Concert! Join Luke, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Chewie in the original intergalactic classic with the BVSO performing the Oscar®- winning John Williams score. © 2019 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © DISNEY. Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm Ltd., and Warner/Chappell Music.
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 the five subscription concerts, a patron social hour with the maestro at Napa Flats will keep the enjoyment going to top off an exquisite evening of music and entertainment.
The orchestra is additionally pleased to present the 11th Annual Holiday Pops Concert, which is designed to offer patrons a way to start their holiday season with great, festive music at the premier 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 and fun holiday-themed concert on Saturday, Dec. 7. This concert plays to sold out crowds and continues to instill audiences with more and more holiday spirit each year.
The Holiday Pops Concert is an add-on to the season and not included in the price of season tickets. Note that this concert will take place on a Saturday evening this year. Advance tickets for this concert are $25 for adults and $10 for children. This concert is sponsored by Sterling Auto Group and Systek Computing.
Another add-on concert and entirely new addition to the season is a very special concert on March 22, 2020 when Asleep at the Wheel takes the stage with the BVSO as part of their 50th anniversary tour. The band has won 10 Grammy Awards since their 1970 inception, released more than 20 albums, and has logged more than 20 singles on the Billboard country charts. See them as never before – backed by the full BVSO orchestra – bringing new excitement to Asleep at the Wheel favorites. This special concert is sponsored by the Clearfield Family.
“Our theme for this year is A Kaleidoscope of Classics due to our season featuring many popular symphonic works and composers, as well as modern classics within their respective genres with Star Wars and Asleep at the Wheel,” says Koeninger. “All these favorites will come to dazzling light under the baton of Music Director Bussiki, so purchase your season tickets now — you get the best price, as well as the best seats.”
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 $230 and the full season student ticket is $105; a $5 to $10 processing fee is added to each order. Individual ticket sales to all concerts will soon be announced. All programs are subject to change. Contact the Symphony office with any further questions.
The BVSO is a nonprofit performing arts organization with the mission to maintain a symphony of high artistic standards and to promote the musical arts for cultural and education purposes in the Brazos Valley. For more information about the Symphony's 2019-2020 season, visit the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra website at www.bvso.org.
