Springfield Symphony Orchestra2012-2013

Touching the SoulE n r i c h i n g t h e C o m m u n i t y

SpringfieldSymphonyOrchestra1 3 5 0 M a i n S tS p r i n g f i e l dM A 0 1 1 0 3

SpringfieldSymphonyOrchestra1 3 5 0 M a i n S tS p r i n g f i e l dM A 0 1 1 0 3

SpringfieldSymphonyOrchestra1 3 5 0 M a i n S tS p r i n g f i e l dM A 0 1 1 0 3

2012-2013OfficersMs. Kristina Houghton, President Mr. John Chandler, Vice President Mr. Michael Gregory, TreasurerMr. Thomas Creed, Chairman Mr. Ronald P. Weiss, Clerk & General Counsel

Board of TrusteesDr. Mary AdlerMs. Elaine H. Anderson, EdDMs. Vera BakerMr. Sanford BeldenMr. Kenneth BoutinMr. John Chandler* Ms. Judith CollinsMr. Thomas Creed* Mr. Stewart CreelmanMr. Stephen DavisMr. John DiscenzaMs. Janet Egelhofer*Dr. Paul Friedmann*Dr. David Gang*Mr. Michael Gregory*Mr. Jerald Jay Griffin Ms. Marsha Harbison Ms. Helen Caulton HarrisMs. Kristina Houghton* Ms. Kathleen LovellMr. Paul MarcheseMr. James McEathronMr. William MonksDr. Robyn Ann Newhouse*Ms. Debra PurringtonDr. James Rosenthal* Ms. Tani SapirsteinMr. Mark Sayre Ms. Mary Ellen ScottMr. George SergentanisDr. Michael Sorrell Mr. Mark Teed*Ms. Delores Thayer*Mr. Mark ToloskyMr. C. David TraderMr. Patrick TurleyMr. Ronald P. Weiss*Mr. Dudley Williams

* Executive Board

Honorary TrusteesMr. Elliot AronsonMr. Michael CardelloMr. Peter EllisMrs. Dorothy PryorCantor Morton ShamesMr. Andrew Skroback, Jr.Mr. David StarrMs. Peggy Starr Administrative and Artistic StaffMr. Kevin Rhodes, Music Director Mr. Michael Jonnes, Executive Director (June 1 - December 31, 2012)Mr. Peter T. Salerno, Executive Director (January 1 - May 31, 2013)Ms. Susan Bennett, Director of Marketing & Communications Mr. Daniel Boyle, Box Office ManagerMs. Jean Gress, LibrarianMs. Gina Grimaldi, Development AssistantMs. Shari Guyer, Production Stage ManagerMs. Marsha Hassett, SYS ConductorMr. Jonathan Lam, SYO ConductorMs. Karen LaRocque, Administrative & Education CoordinatorMs. Shirley Mannheim, Outsource Mail CoordinatorMr. Patrick McMahon, Youth Orchestra ManagerMs. Eileen Murray, Director of FinanceMs. Linda Cardillo Platzer, Director of Development Ms. Ellen Redman, Orchestra PersonnelMs. Nikki Stoia, Chorus Director Mr. Renato Wendel, Director of Operations

Springfield Symphony Chorus OfficersMr. Alan Aubin, PresidentMs. Kathy Johnston, Vice President Ms. Christina Cronin, TreasurerDr. Jennifer Dorantes, Assistant TreasurerMs. Donna Rollins, LibrarianMs. Carolyn Szafranski, Assistant LibrarianMs. Jean Aldrich-Jones, Recording SecretaryMs. Linda Dapalo, Recording SecretaryMs. Kathy Johnston, Corresponding SecretaryMs. Janet Parslow, President Ex-Officio

S P R I N G F I E L D S Y M P H O N Y O R C H E S T R A

Design: Cardinale Design (In-kind donation)Printing: Hadley Printing (In-kind donation)Concept and Copy: Susan Bennett and Linda Cardillo Platzer

R E F L E C T I O N S O N A Y E A R O F C H A L L E N G E A N D H O P E

In a year when extreme weather as well as economic challenges confronted our region, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra demonstrated the power of music to restore spirits, revitalize a community and strengthen cultural foundations through collaboration. The quality of our orchestra’s musical performance continued to garner praise—both in the spontaneous form of our audience’s standing ovations and in the critical acclaim that has followed every concert. World-class soloists, including pianists Peter Serkin and Alexander Ghindin, violinist Caroline Goulding, and vocalist Judy Collins joined Maestro Rhodes and the orchestra in performances that exhilarated and enthralled.

For those in attendance at Symphony Hall, every concert reaffirmed what a valuable resource we have in our orchestra. Sharing that message with those who were not in attendance this season has been our challenge. Declining audiences for both our classical and pops concerts reflect a national trend that has not abated. The immediate impact of the economy coupled with aging audiences, increased competition from other forms of entertainment, and the decline of arts education in the schools have presented challenges to orchestras throughout the country. We are adapting to this changing environment in several ways—developing new programming and new forms of communication to reach younger and more diverse audiences, extending our outreach to the schools to introduce students to live classical music and musicians, and collaborating with other organizations in the region to strengthen the cultural life of the community.

Although the year has had its challenges, it was also filled with solid accomplishments and bright moments: our “Home for the Follidays” concert in December delighted a packed house with its Tap-Dancing Santas and memorable music; the cutting-edge performance of “Rituals for Five Percussionists” attracted a diverse audience, many of whom had never attended an SSO concert but who left inspired by our great music; we celebrated our inaugural “Take the Stage” gala, exceeding our goal and enthralling guests with a unique experience of Symphony Hall; and every concert of the SSO generated energy within the Hall and a sense of connection within the community.

You will find the details of our accomplishments and the breadth of our activities within these pages.

We are proud of what we have achieved in challenging times and are grateful for your support of all our endeavors.

Kristina Drzal Houghton President Springfield Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees

2012-2013Ref lections

Every concert of the SSO

generated energy within the

Hall and a sense of connection

within the community.

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Springfield Symphony Orchestra

One of the cultural leaders of Springfield and Western Massachusetts, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra was organized in 1944 thanks to the vision of its first conductor, Alexander Leslie, and the enthusiastic support of the local community. Under the charismatic direction of its sixth Music Director, Kevin Rhodes, the SSO is now a fully professional orchestra, with 72 tenured musicians performing annually in three different series of concerts at Symphony Hall—a classical series, a pops series, and a youth concert series for approximately 4,000 elementary-school children. In addition to its Symphony Hall performances, the SSO also performs as the resident orchestra of the Berkshire Choral Festival in Sheffield, Massachusetts, for four concerts in the summer.

During the 2012-2013 season, the SSO classical series featured great masterworks of Russian, German, Hungarian and French composers; explored important themes in American music; and introduced a line-up of exciting internationally known soloists. Pianists Peter Serkin, Ralph Votapek and Alexander Ghindin; percussionists Nicola Cannizzaro, Jeffrey Irving, Nathan Lassell, Rob McEwan and David West; violinist Caroline Goulding; and vocal performers Gustav Andreassen, Eric Ashcraft, Amy Johnson, Stacey Rishoi and Mary Wilson each brought musical magic to Symphony Hall in their performances with the SSO.

The Orchestra’s pops concerts featured the lighter side of music, including programs of Motown and R&B and an eclectic mix of folk and Sondheim. Musical icon Judy Collins and the Las Vegas-based singing group Spectrum joined the SSO on stage in 2013 and brought down the house with their evocative music and inimitable brand of entertainment.

Making Music

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M A K I N G M U S I C

Making MusicSpringfield Symphony Chorus

A volunteer organization of 108 community vocalists, the Springfield Symphony Chorus was founded in 1945 for the performance of major choral works. Led by musically versatile and energetic Choral Director Nikki Stoia and accompanied by Ludmila Krasin, the Chorus performs with the Orchestra in Classical and Pops concerts, as well as recitals in area churches. During the 2012-2013 season, the Chorus joined the SSO for the “Home for the Follidays” Christmas spectacular and the season finale Mozart Requiem.

Youth Orchestras

The Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras (SSYO) are two merit-based orchestral ensembles sponsored by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for talented young musicians from over 40 area communities. The Springfield Youth Sinfonia, an introductory orchestra, develops ensemble skills; the Springfield Youth Orchestra, an advanced orchestra, cultivates standard orchestral repertoire. Marsha Hassett, a music educator, cellist and violin maker, has been the conductor of the Springfield Youth Sinfonia since 1998. Jonathan Lam, a violinist, has been the conductor of the Springfield Youth Orchestra since 2007. During the 2012-2013 season the SSYO demonstrated their mastery of a challenging orchestral repertoire with performances of a Season Premiere concert in November, Handel’s Messiah for City Music Springfield in December, a Winter Concert in February and a season finale concert in Symphony Hall in May.

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A concert series in Symphony Hall specifically for schoolchildren, the Education Connection Youth Concerts invite students to listen and learn as Maestro Rhodes explains the stories behind the music and the SSO plays excerpts from its classical repertoire. The program includes curriculum materials including a Teacher Resource Guide and student newsletters to assist teachers in preparing their students. Although

this season’s concert was cancelled because of severe weather, in the past the program has served as many as 50 schools and approximately 4,000 students in the Springfield public schools as well as Hampden and Hampshire counties.

An after-school instrumental music lesson program open to elementary, middle and high school students in the Springfield Public School District, Mentoring Through Music brings together students, professional musicians and music educators throughout the city to participate

in high-quality individualized music instruction from beginning to advanced levels. During the 2012-2013 school year, Gary Bernice, Band Director at Springfield’s High School of Science and Technology, participated with his students, joined by Maestro Rhodes, Principal Trumpet Tom Bergeron, Principal Percussionist Nathan Lassell, Principal Trombone Brian Diehl, and Percussionist Benny Koonyevsky.

Education Connection Youth Concerts Mentoring Through Music

EducatingE D U C AT I N G Y O U N G L I S T E N E R S A N D P E R F O R M E R S

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra enriches the cultural life of the community with a variety of programs that provide life-changing musical experiences to young people.

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Accent on Music

Accent on Music recognizes music teachers in Western Massachusetts public schools by providing free tickets to selected SSO classical concerts for students participating in their schools’ music curriculum. This allows music students and their families, many of whom come from low-income households, to attend SSO concerts in Symphony Hall. During the 2012-2013 season 800 students from the following cities and towns took advantage of Accent on Music: Agawam, Amherst, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Erving, Lee, Lenox, Longmeadow, Pittsfield, South Hadley, Springfield, West Brookfield, Westfield, West Springfield, and Wilbraham.

Musical Petting Zoo

The Musical Petting Zoo is a fun and informative traveling exhibit that introduces children in grades K-2 to musical instruments via a hands-on opportunity to bow a violin, blow a horn or tap out a rhythm on a drum. One of the SSO’s most popular programs (with a 97% “Excellent” rating), the Zoo made 16 visits during the 2012-2013season, serving a total of 1,172 children.

One of the SSO’s most

popular programs (with a

97% “Excellent” rating), the

Zoo made 16 visits during the

2012-2013, serving a total of

1,172 children.

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CollaboratingW I T H T H E W I D E R C O M M U N I T Y

The SSO is woven into the fabric of the community outside the walls of Symphony Hall and beyond its musical repertoire. The following collaborations are examples of the extended role we play in Springfield.

The Garden of Martyrs Opera

Western New EnglandUniversity

Center for HumanDevelopment

Springfield Public SchoolsRead Aloud Program

Togetherin Song

American Red Cross

Backstage Tour

Francis Michael Casey Concert

Link to Libraries

Ticket Donations

Friends of the Homeless

Stone Soul Festival

UMass Commonwealth Honors College

Rhodes Talk

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The Garden of Martyrs OperaA new work composed by Amherst College faculty member Eric Sawyer with libretto by UMass faculty member Harley Erdman. Kevin Rhodes is collaborating closely with the composer and librettist in preparation for the opera’s premiere.

Francis Michael Casey Concert at Wilbraham & Monson Academy As a prelude the SSO April 13 concert, Kevin Rhodes and Russian pianist Alexander Ghindin performed in the Alumni Memorial Chapel at Wilbraham & Monson Academy, followed by a reception for concert guests.

Western New England University Masako Yanagita, Beth Welty, Delores Thayer and Jing Li, members of the string section of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, performed an evening of chamber music introduced by Maestro Kevin Rhodes. This was a special appearance presented by the Western New England University College of Arts and Sciences, the Office of Student Affairs, and the University’s Alumni Association.

Backstage Tour at Springfield Symphony HallProduction Stage Manager Shari Guyer led over 70 subscribers on an insiders’ tour of the building, from the chandeliers to the pit and from the Mahogany Room to the green room, recounting history as well as how to change the lightbulbs.

American Red CrossThe SSO collected new, unwrapped toys for children at its “Home for the Follidays” concert in December.

Center for Human Development The SSO collected winter hats, mittens and scarves for Greater Springfield families in need at its November concert.

Together in SongA community-minded competition developed and produced by WGBY that celebrates the choral tradition of western New England. Kevin Rhodes hosted the project, showcasing the talents of local singers

Link to LibrariesThe SSO collaborated with Link to Libraries to collect new children’s books suitable for children in pre-school through 6th grade at its April concert.

Rhodes TalkA lecture series by Kevin Rhodes presented at Bay Path College as part of its Kaleidoscope community education program. The series was coordinated with the orchestra’s performance schedule and included interactive talks by Maestro Rhodes on the upcoming concert coupled with short performances to highlight particular themes.

UMass Commonwealth Honors CollegeFor several years, the SSO has had an ongoing relationship with UMass studio art professor John Simpson and his talented students, none of whom is majoring in art. The students use the music of the SSO to inspire their artwork, which is exhibited in the lobby of One Financial Plaza, where the SSO administrative offices are located.

Ticket donationsThe SSO donated concert tickets to 140 nonprofit organizations in the community.

Friends of the HomelessThe SSO administrative staff serves lunch once a month at the Friends of the Homeless shelter in Springfield.

Springfield Public Schools Read Aloud ProgramMembers of the SSO administrative staff participate in the Read Aloud program, sharing their love of books with elementary schoolchildren.

Stone Soul FestivalThe SSO is the annual sponsor and marketing partner of this community celebration that offers a weekend of entertainment, food, artisans, carnival rides, and a health fair.

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WAY S T O V O L U N T E E R• Auction Assistance

Prepare mailings; pick up and catalog items; assist in auction set up and clean up; monitor auction tables; assist in auction checkout.

• Brochure Delivery Deliver subscription and single-ticket brochures to libraries.

• Elevator Operator Run the elevator and assist patrons arriving at the handicapped entrance prior to each concert.

• Feed the Musicians Provide dinner for the orchestra on the first night of rehearsals.

• Mailing Assistance Fold letters and stuff envelopes for a variety of mailings.

• Phonathon Assistance Call potential donors; provide supper for phonathon callers; assist with logistics during phonathons.

• Poster Delivery Deliver posters to downtown establishments prior to each concert.

• Program Book Reach out to potential new advertisers to support the SSO with ads in the program book.

• Raffle Assistance Sell raffle tickets on concert evenings or at offsite locations.

• Reception Volunteers Bake, set up, serve and clean up for various receptions.

Volunteer Coordinators David and Jennifer Vose

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VolunteeringV O L U N T E E R I N G W I T H T H E S S O

They include Spanish, philosophy, and sports psychology teachers; bankers; sales reps; real estate agents; bookkeepers; an insurance industry manager; a concierge; an optician; a software developer; a dentist; a middle school student; a management training specialist; a freelance writer and radio program host; a chemical engineer and an occupational therapist.

What they all have in common is a passion for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and a willingness to give of their time and talents to help the SSO thrive. In the spring of 2012, they answered the call for volunteers and have already rolled up their sleeves, helping to sell raffle tickets, assist at SSO events and offer their energy and enthusiasm to any task that helps the SSO fulfill its mission.

Volunteer Shirley Mannheim

Shirley Mannheim first brought her talents to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra more than twenty years ago as a member of the Symphony Chorus. In addition to adding her voice to Chorus performances that enthralled and inspired the city, Shirley began assisting in the Springfield Symphony Orchestra box office, pitching in to help the Orchestra’s small administrative staff. Her organizing skills and her rapport with Symphony audiences matched her vocal talents, and over time, Shirley took on more and more responsibility for keeping the Symphony infrastructure functioning smoothly. She has developed into an essential element in the Symphony’s long-term survival, despite the economic challenges that have beset our city. Shirley’s roles are myriad. She coordinates mailings for our subscription series, our fundraising appeals and our educational outreach programs; she handles the administration of our community outreach ticketing, fulfilling requests for ticket donations from nonprofit organizations; she maintains the Symphony database, making sure that information is kept current and accurate; she acts as the orchestra archivist, maintaining a library of marketing materials and clippings; she delivers brochures and other informational materials to locations throughout Western Massachusetts; she directs school bus traffic and shepherds students into Symphony Hall on the days the orchestra performs for local schoolchildren; and she still provides backup in the box office, as she did when she first volunteered.

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Betsy and Sandy Belden

When Sandy Belden retired in 2006, he and his wife Betsy moved back to the Pioneer Valley, where Sandy had grown up. “We love the Valley,” he said, “and we believe that as citizens, we should support local nonprofit organizations.”

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is one of the recipients of their philanthropy for many reasons. To start, they truly enjoy and love the music created by the orchestra. “The SSO is extraordinary!” Betsy added. They also see the SSO as critical to the quality of life in the Valley. The SSO is not just a Springfield resource, but a regional one, Sandy emphasized. They also appreciate the history and beauty of the orchestra’s performance space in Symphony Hall. But most of all, they value what the SSO brings to music education. “Without the SSO, the need for music education would not be as well-served. The SSO is augmenting the programs of schools where there would be a significant hole because of austerity cuts.” When their own children were young they took music lessons because Sandy and Betsy felt that music was an important part of a rounded education. The SSO provides that benefit not only by exposing schoolchildren to the joy of music, but “gives all of us a way to continue to have music in our lives.”

Betsy and Sandy see the SSO as a wonderful endeavor that brings vitality to the city and are proud to be engaged partners in that endeavor.

“We give because we believe the

SSO is critical to the quality of life

in the Pioneer Valley.”

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SupportingS U P P O RT I N G T H E S S O

No performing arts organization in America is able to flourish on the income from ticket sales alone. At the SSO, 33% of our operating income comes from ticket sales; 20% from the charitable support of individuals, businesses and foundations; and 15% from sponsorships and program book advertising.

Charitable Giving

The main forms of charitable support for the SSO in 2012-2013 were the Annual Fund campaign, private foundation grants, the Maestro’s Raffle, and special events.

Contributions to the Annual Fund reached a total of $178,435 from 623 donors—individuals, businesses and foundations.

Special Events, which included the Pops Auction and the Take the Stage gala, raised a total of $64,855.

The Maestro’s Raffle, with its prize of a trip for two to Vienna to hear Maestro Rhodes conduct the Vienna State Opera Ballet, raised a total of $28,375 from the sale of 537 raffle tickets plus donations.

Sponsorships

Local businesses and individuals supported our classical and pops concerts and our educational outreach programs with sponsorships totaling $201,700, including major support from local media.

Program Book AdvertisingAdvertising sales in our concert program book provided $49,571.

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S P R I N G F I E L D S Y M P H O N Y O R C H E S T R A C o r p o r a t e a n d F o u n d a t i o n D o n o r s

Season Sponsor: MassMutual Financial Group

Diamond ($20,000-$59,999)The RepublicanAlbert Steiger Memorial Fund Valley Advocate

Platinum ($15,000-$19,999)Baystate HealthClear Channel CommunicationsUnited Bank

Gold ($10,000-$14,999)BusinessWestMassachusetts Cultural CouncilMassLive.comWGBY-TV

Silver ($5,000-$9,999)abc40/Fox NewsBaystate Medical PracticesDaily Hampshire GazetteIrene & George Davis FoundationDisability Management Services, Inc.Falcetti MusicFirst NiagaraFlowers, FlowersCharles Hall FoundationLenoxMarriottPeoplesBankPrideUnited PersonnelWEIB WFCR 88.5

Bronze ($2,500-$4,999)Ann and Gordon Getty FoundationMorgan Stanley Foundation

Friends ($2,499 and under)AAAA to Z MoversArchie A. Burack FundDoherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & MurphyFirst StudentJack and Pauline Freeman FoundationHealth New EnglandEleanor MurphyService League FoundationStudent Prince/The FortYankee Candle

College NightBay Path CollegeSpringfield CollegeWestfield State University

The Women’s Symphony League for supporting our educational programs and youth orchestras from the Florence Center Fund.

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra would like to thank the following organizations for their generous support and sponsorships during the 2012-2013 Season.

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I N D I V I D U A L D O N O R S

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is also grateful to the 623 individuals who helped to support our cultural, educational and community programs with their contributions.

Ticket Sales33%

Corporate Sponsorships

11%

Annual Fund Campaign and Raffle13%

Performance Fees10%

PFD Draw18%

Membership Fees 3%

Fundraising Events 4%

Program Book Advertising 3%

Foundation Grant3%

Interest/Trusts1%

Other Earned Income2%

Orchestra Salaries 31%

Conducting Staff/Music Administration

13%

Guest Artist Fees 5%

Stagehands/Production

2%

Facilities3%

Program Book Expenses

1%

Advertising/Promotion

6%

Administrative Expenses13%

Administrative Salaries15%

Fundraising Expenses5%

Depreciation/Accrued

Vacation 1%

Artistic2%

ProfessionalServices

3%

INCOME

EXPENSE

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Springfield Symphony Orchestra

1350 Main Street • Springfield, MA 01103 • 413.733.0636 • springfieldsymphony.org

Touching the SoulE n r i c h i n g t h e C o m m u n i t y

SpringfieldSymphonyOrchestra1 3 5 0 M a i n S tS p r i n g f i e l dM A 0 1 1 0 3

SpringfieldSymphonyOrchestra1 3 5 0 M a i n S tS p r i n g f i e l dM A 0 1 1 0 3

SpringfieldSymphonyOrchestra1 3 5 0 M a i n S tS p r i n g f i e l dM A 0 1 1 0 3