The next outstanding live performance of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra’s 35th season will take place Sunday, Feb. 19, at 5pm in Rudder Theatre. CHI St. Joseph Health is the official sponsor of this “Positively Wicked” 2016-17 BVSO Season, while The Ham Family Trust are sponsoring this particular concert. Music Director Marcelo Bussiki has chosen an enchanting evening of varied compositions beginning with American impressionistic composer Charles Griffes’ The White Peacock. The BVSO will perform works from the Oscar®-winning film score Schindler’s List, as well as Foss’ Night Music for John Lennon. A newly commissioned work will debut this evening featuring a highly talented and ultra-cool ensemble from Chicago, Matt Ulery's Loom, including bassist and composer Matt Ulery and pianist Rob Clearfield. This concert is dedicated to the life of Ruth Clearfield, an avid symphony supporter for many years.
What “Crossing Musical Borders”
When Sunday, Feb. 19, at 5pm
Where Rudder Theatre on Texas A&M University Campus in College Station
Program
Griffes The White Peacock Ulery The Remanent of Everything – World Premiere Ulery Somebody Somewhere Ulery There’s a Reason and a Thousand Ways Ulery Pictures in Grey Foss Night Music for John Lennon Williams Three Pieces from Schindler’s List
Guest Artists Matt Ulery’s Loom Matt Ulery, composer and bass Rob Clearfield, piano Grazyna Auguscik, vocalist Michael Caskey, drums
Concert Sponsor The Ham Family Trust
Maestro Bussiki conscientiously crafts each concert for audiences. Each music program typically begins with one spark and is built from there. For this concert, that “spark” was Ruth Clearfield who suggested working with Loom.
“We’ve been thinking about this program for several years. Ruth Clearfield first talked to me about commissioning this piece. She had mentioned that the group had come here and showed interest in working with the symphony. They were doing very well and wondered if a commission would perhaps be possible,” says Bussiki. “When we had finally decided to firm up the commission, it was then that she passed away. Ruth has made such an impact on the symphony: from the very beginnings of the symphony, and throughout the 30 something years, she has been there with us. We thought that maybe this would be an opportunity for us to honor her, and we dedicate this concert to her,” continued Bussiki.
Matt Ulery’s Loom includes himself as a composer and bassist, and also Rob Clearfield, who happens to be Ruth Clearfield’s grandson as well as a talented pianist. “Rob himself is working with some of the best jazz musicians in the Chicago area, and he also just released a CD that was very well received,” says Bussiki.
Loom’s lineup also includes a sultry vocalist, Grazyna Auguscik and percussionist Michael Caskey. Loom’s ethereal makeup mimics its somewhat un-definable sound, which the Maestro describes as, “a creative combination of crossover styles”.
Defying definition is what this musical program is all about. “I thought that maybe that is the path that we should take. Finding a repertoire that is unique in itself and that somehow creates a mood, I was looking more for the mood of it: a more reflective mood,” says Bussiki.
The Williams, Griffes, and Foss works reflectively round out the program centered on the World Premiere written by Ulery called “The Remanent of Everything”. Ulery also re-arranged and orchestrated several of his other compositions to be played with the BVSO.
“We are so honored to be hosting this group from Chicago, including Ruth Clearfield’s very talented grandson, Rob,” says Executive Director Mary Koeninger. “The result of all these transcendent works performed live in combination will be truly unique and magical. A perfect way to honor the life of Ruth, who was a unique and magical spirit to all that knew her.”
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 guest artists are scheduled to attend these socials as well!
Individual tickets to all concerts are on sale now at the MSC Box Office, $39/adult and $13/student advance; $44/adult and $16/student at the door. Call (979) 845-1234 or go on-line to boxoffice.tamu.edu. Visit bvso.org for more information or call the Symphony Office (979) 696-6100 with any further questions.
