The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra announces its schedule for the upcoming 35th season. The 2016-2017 subscription series includes five symphonic performances and will feature both new and traditional compositions, stunning guest artists, and the world-class BVSO musicians. Music Director Marcelo Bussiki and your professional orchestra will bring a collection of exciting programs and there is certainly something for all to enjoy in the BVSO’s upcoming “Positively WICKED” season. The BVSO will once again partner with CHI St. Joseph Health as the official sponsor for the 2016-2017 season.
Maestro Bussiki conscientiously crafts each season and concert for the audiences. “There is a certain level of artistry in combining things. I conceive a season as if I were preparing a beautifully, nicely balanced dinner for guests. I try to prepare programs with the same care as if I were a host of a dinner in my house. The balance in that entire evening [and season] is what I look for ... ultimately, they are our guests. The audience is the symphony’s guests and you want to give them something that they would enjoy,” explained Bussiki.
The “Positively WICKED” 2016-2017 season promises to deliver on the Maestro’s goals with a spellbinding opening concert set for Sunday, September 18, at 5pm in Rudder Theatre on the Texas A&M University campus. The first performance of the season, “Russian Masterpieces” will feature all Russian composers: Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, and Prokofiev. The guest artist for the opening concert is Anton Nel, a former first prize winner of the Naumburg International Piano Competition, a Steinway Artist, and an internationally accomplished pianist. Nel is described as “...a definition of pianistic finesse,” (San Francisco Classical Voice) and “...an uncommonly elegant pianist,”(New York Times).
The subscription season closes in positively wicked style with “A Little Bit WICKED” on April 30, 2017 at 5pm in Rudder Auditorium as Bussiki and the BVSO present a decidedly pops performance. Featuring the bewitching Wicked Divas, two talented vocalists from the Broadway production of the Tony Award®-winning musical Wicked will sing break out hits from the wildly popular production as well as many other Broadway favorites. “It was a conscious decision that we really needed one program that was completely ‘pops’ to give diversity to the season,” explained Bussiki. “I think it’s going to be lots of fun with selections from Broadway shows such as Chicago, Phantom, and Wicked. It will be great, and something to bring in an even broader audience.” The following is a summary of the entire subscription series.
What: “Russian Masterpieces” When: Sunday, September 18 at 5:00pm Where: Rudder Theatre on Texas A&M University Campus in College Station Program: Shostakovich - Festive Overture, Op. 96; Tchaikovsky - Piano Concerto No. 1, Op 23, B flat minor; Prokofiev - Selections from Romeo and Juliet; Guest Artist - Anton Nel, piano; Concert Sponsor - Rose P. VanArsdel and Derby Day 2016 Fund-a-Concert Donors!
What: “Festival of Guitars” When: Sunday, October 16 at 5:00pm Where: Rudder Theatre on Texas A&M University Campus in College Station Program: Bizet - Carmen Suite No. 1; Bizet - Carmen Suite No. 2; Vivaldi - Concerto for Four Guitars, RV 580, B minor; Rodrigo - Concierto Andaluz; Guest Artists - Texas Guitar Quartet, Isaac Bustos, Jonathan Dotson, Alejandro Montiel, Joseph V. Williams, II!
What: “Crossing Musical Borders” When: Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 5:00pm Where: Rudder Theatre on Texas A&M University Campus in College Station Program: Griffes - The White Peacock; Ulery - Pathos for Orchestra, A World Premiere commissioned by the BVSO; Foss - Night Music for John Lennon; Williams - Three Pieces from Schindler’s List; Guest Artists - Matt Ulery’s Loom; Matt Ulery, bass/composer; Rob Clearfield, piano; Grazyna Auguscik, vocals; Jon Deitemyer, drums; Concert Sponsor - The Ham Family Trust!
What: “Evening Serenades” When: Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 5pm Where: Rudder Theatre on Texas A&M University Campus in College Station Program: Elgar - Serenade, Op. 20, E minor; Villa-Lobos - Bachianas Brasileiras No. 9; Villa-Lobos - Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5; Tchaikovsky - Serenade, Op. 48, C major; Guest Artist - Mela Dailey, lyric soprano!
What: “A Little Bit WICKED” When: Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 5pm Where: Rudder Auditorium on Texas A&M University Campus in College Station Program Selections Include: Kander - Introduction and All That Jazz from Chicago; Webber - Think Of Me from Phantom of the Opera; Horner & Jennings - My Heart Will Go On from Titanic; Schwartz - Popular, Defying Gravity, and For Good from WICKED; And many more Broadway hits! Guest Artists - Wicked Divas: Alli Mauzey & Dee Roscioli Concert Sponsor - Population and Survey Analysts!
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 8th Annual Holiday Pops Concert, which is designed to offer patrons a way to start their holiday season with great, festive music. 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 11th. 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 actually think that [The Holiday Concert] is a community event and the premiere holiday event in the Brazos Valley. I want our audience to expect that, and plan for it, and have a great time, so that they can come again next year.”
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 the season is ‘Positively Wicked’ and I truly believe, as the title implies, that this season is going to be just amazing,” according to Symphony Executive Director, Mary Koeninger. “The Wicked musical is one of my personal favorites and can’t wait to hear the Wicked Divas sing these iconic songs. I encourage everyone attending our concerts to go ahead and get your tickets now, we don’t want anyone to miss out on this season—I’m positive it’s going to be wicked-good.”
Patrons can purchase season tickets securely on-line 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 29 at the MSC Box Office. Call (979) 845-1234 or go on-line to boxoffice.tamu.edu. All programs are subject to change. Call the Symphony Office with any further questions.
