TEMPO
Newsletter of the San Antonio Symphony League
Next Membership Social
“Spring Night Out”
Join us on Thursday March 20, 6:30pm, at the Steinway Piano Gallery for an
enjoyable opportunity to delight in fellow­ship, musical renderings and fun. A
wine and hors d’oeuvre reception will precede the personal and professional
conversation with, and musical presen­tation by, a very talented Symphony
musician. You won’t want to miss this experience in a unique setting! Look
for your invitation in the mail next month.
Symphony Ball - March 1st
Honors 2014 Belles and Suzanne & Denny Ware
The 44th Annual Symphony Ball “An Evening in Monet’s Garden” is rapidly
approaching. The event, to be held on March 1st at the J.W. Marriott Golf and
Spa Resort, will feature a live performance by the San Antonio Symphony,
good food, wine, and a night of dancing to Chinatown.
In addition to the presentation of 28 beautiful 2014 Belles, the League will
honor Suzanne and Denny Ware for their outstanding contributions to symphonic music in San Antonio. Since Suzanne and Denny arrived in San Antonio, they have been ardent supporters of both the League and the Symphony,
and they have made significant contributions to both organizations.
As Chair of the Symphony, Denny has skillfully and successfully led the Board
during challenging times. He was directly responsible for a new five-year
contract with its Musical Director, Sebastian Lang-Lessing, a new three-year
contract with its musicians, and a $60,000 surplus for the 2013-2014 season.
Suzanne has been a important supporter of Music at the Museum, the Presentation Ball, our Symphony, and many San Antonio chamber music organizations.
February
2014
Martin Kushner, Editor
Upcoming Events
February 6 - 9 am - 1:30 pm
Paint to Music Judging Day
February 26, 27, March 4 - 9 to Noon
Young People’s Concert # 3
“The Water Cycle/Paint to Music”
Trinity University
Laurie Auditorium
March 1 - 6 pm
44th Annual Symphony Ball
J.W. Marriott Golf & Spa Resort
March 20 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Spring Night Out Social
Steinway Piano Gallery
March 30 - 3:30 pm
Spring Style Show featuring
the 2017 Belle Class
Julian Gold
April 2 - 10 am
New Member Orientation
Home of Kathleen Meriwether
May 15 - 11:30 am
Orchestra Hospitality Luncheon
Majestic Theatre Rotunda
Don’t miss this wonderful evening and your opportunity to thank the Wares for
their support of music in San Antonio. Tickets are still available for the Ball.
For information, call Maureen Hillman (210) 826-2913.
Annual Spring Style Show Coming
Plans are underway for this year's League Spring Fashion Show and introduction of our freshman Belles. The Show will
be held at Julian Gold on Sunday, March 30th from 3:30-5:00pm. We have a wonderful committee of mothers working
on this lovely event: Brandi Hollingshead, Julie Dubrof, Doreen Magoon, Aliza Cantu, Lizzie McFarland, Sharon Adelman, Tricia Steves, Peggy Cervera, Janette Prichard, Lisa Kelleher, Mary Ballantyne, Cristina Simpson, Michelle Shetler
and Sallie Guy. League President David Kinder will introduce the following 2017 Belles to the League:
Katherine Adelman, Kate Ballantyne, Julianna Bathie, Jane Beck, Claire Blecher, Margaret Booke, Bridgette Bowman,
Rita Calvert, Sophia Cantu, Tate Cervera, Arianna Davidson, Katie Dubrof, Abbie Farrimond, Maddie Guy, Micaela Hogan,
Chappell Hollingshead, Abigayle Hughes, Paige Johnson, Caroline Kelleher, Abigail Kerby, Alice Lammers, Peyton Locke,
Andrea Magoon, Hannah Mann, Mia McFarland, Sarah Miller, Lizzy Muller, Eliana Murphy, Helena Oseguera, Lauren Prichard,
Rachel Raines, Aubrey Rosenthall, Blake Shetler, Madeleine Shetler, Margaret Shetler, Audrey Simpson, Julianna Simpson,
Estee Steves, Ali Tolin, Mia Tolin, and Carson Wolff.
Do not miss out on all of the fun and a chance to see all of these amazing young ladies model the latest Spring fashions.
Be sure to mark your calendar!
Submitted by Joy Fuhrmann, Belle Development
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President’s Message
“The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” Mark Twain
If you love classical music and follow the mainstream media, it can be pretty depressing. Over the last several years, orchestras in Philadelphia, Louisville, Syracuse, Albuquerque, and Honolulu went into bankruptcy,
and musicians in San Francisco, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit either went on strike or were locked out
by management. It isn’t a pretty picture.
So what does this all this “news” mean for music lovers in San Antonio? While what happens elsewhere
indicates a general malaise relating to classical music in our country, we are lucky in San Antonio because we
have a vibrant classical music scene and lots of good news.
Yes, we still suffer from the stigma of the Symphony’s bankruptcy over 10 years ago. Yes, the Symphony still struggles to
balance its budget. And, yes, the Symphony still doesn’t pay its musicians nearly enough.
But ... there is good news for classical music lovers in San Antonio. You just don’t hear about it.
The Symphony has had tremendous success, while Symphonies elsewhere have struggled. Just a few of those successes
are:
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the Symphony has a new five-year contract with Sebastian Lang-Lessing.
the Symphony has a new three-year contract with the orchestra.
the Symphony will move into the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts for the 2014-2015 season.
the Symphony had a $60,000 surplus in 2012-2013.
approximately 40,000 students will attend the Symphony’s Young People’s Concerts this season.
That is not only good news, it is great news. But it is not limited to the Symphony. The Youth Orchestra of San Antonio
(YOSA) is also experiencing remarkable success.
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YOSA has six orchestras, including YOSA Prelude Strings, YOSA Capriccio Strings, YOSA Sinfonietta Strings,
YOSA Symphony, YOSA Philharmonic, and YOSA Flute Choir.
More than 1,500 young people representing 115 schools throughout Bexar County and its surrounding communities will participate in YOSA’s programming.
The Roosevelt Compact, sponsored by the Rackspace Foundation, provides an intensive program that is transforming students at Roosevelt High School and its six feeder schools through a world-class orchestra program,
including private lessons, sectional coaches, clinicians, teaching assistants, concert tickets, and other resources.
YOSA Mas is a program that provides free orchestra instruction and weekly private lessons to students who live
on the west side of San Antonio.
The great news doesn’t stop there. San Antonio is the home of five professional ensembles, including Camarata San Antonio, Musical Offerings, the Olmos Ensemble, San Antonio Brass, and the SOLI Chamber Ensemble.
These ensembles feature musicians from the Symphony, from other parts of the country, and special guest artists. The perform classical, jazz, and contemporary music, commission new works, play in unusual and intimate spaces in San Antonio
and surrounding areas, and support varied educational programs. Their performances allow audiences to get up close and
to personally experience their performances.
All of this positive “news” demonstrates that classical music is alive and well in our community. All you have to do is
seek it out. To keep it alive, you need to attend performances. You need to buy tickets. You need to make donations to
keep them strong. By doing these things, you can be an Instrument for Change.
Visit the SASL Website:
www.sasleague.org
Join us on Facebook:
San Antonio Symphony League
David Kinder, President
San Antonio Symphony League
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Presentation Ball Information
We are counting down the days to the 44th Annual Symphony Ball, “An Evening in Monet’s Garden” to be held at the
J.W. Marriott Hill Country Resort on March 1st.
Since this is the 75th year of the San Antonio Symphony and we are already working hard to make sure that this year’s
Ball is a profitable fundraising event for the San Antonio Symphony League. Individual seats for adults this year will be
$275.00 per person, with tables of ten costing $2,750.00. Individual tickets for teens are $200.00 per person, with teen
tables of ten costing $2,000.00.
We are offering additional Symphony Ball sponsorship levels to help raise funds that the San Antonio Symphony League
will donate back to the San Antonio Symphony. We hope that you will participate in one of the various sponsorship levels. The additional sponsorship levels include a table of ten, plus the following:
BRONZE: $3,750
Recognition as Sponsor in Ball Program
SILVER: $5,000
Full-page recognition as Sponsor in Ball Program
Four (4) tickets to a Symphony performance (Classic or Pops)
GOLD: $7,500
Full page recognition in Ball Program
Recognition as a Symphony Maestro Silver Level Donor
Wine tasting with a Symphony Guest Artist
Four (4) tickets to a Symphony performance (Classic or Pops)
Invitation for Two to a Symphony Rehearsal
PLATINUM: $10,000
Full page recognition in Ball Program
Recognition as a Symphony Maestro Gold Level Donor
Dinner with Symphony’s Music Director
Wine Tasting with a Symphony Guest Artist
Eight (8) tickets to a Symphony performance (Classic or Pops)
Invitation for Two to a Symphony Rehearsal
As part of our attempt to stay within budget for this year’s Ball, we are not sending members of the League an invitation
to the Ball. If you decide to purchase a ticket, a table, or participate at one of the sponsorship levels you will receive an
invitation. To purchase tickets or make a donaton please contact:
Maureen Hillman
372 Blue Bonnet Blvd.
San Antonio, Texas 78209-4633
Should you have any questions, you can contact Kelly Strange at 210-316-4080 or [email protected].
On behalf of the San Antonio Symphony League, we thank you for your support of our Belles and the Symphony. We
look forward to seeing you on Saturday, March 1, 2014 to celebrate “An Evening in Monet’s Garden”.
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From San Antonio Symphony President David Gross
It has now been nearly 4 months since my wife Debbie and I came to San Antonio with the expectation of a warmer climate, a new adventure and exciting challenges. Our experience has far exceeded our expectations. The San Antonio Symphony family has been so welcoming and the city is terrific. I was immediately taken with the commitment and dedication
of our musicians, board, volunteers and staff to this great organization.
Classical music and the performing arts are facing tremendous challenges in our country. The arts now compete with the
convenience of video on demand, video games, apps on our phones and a variety of entertainment options. In spite of all
the distractions from technology, the performing arts continue to have a tremendous impact on economic development and
the quality of life in San Antonio.
According to the Americans for the Arts, nearly 3.9 million patrons attended arts and culture related events in San Antonio during 2010 generating over $134,000,000 in spending. Arts and culture organizations accounted for nearly 2,700
directly related full-time equivalent jobs and indirectly impacted another 2,400. Altogether, arts & culture activities produced $7,500,000 in direct and indirect tax revenue for local government.
What does all of this mean? The arts are a great for investment for San Antonio. Arts & culture activities create jobs and
generate revenue for our business community and local government. Collaborations between schools and arts organizations mean better grades, higher graduation rates and increased college enrollment for students. Most of all, the arts
change lives. Experiencing live classical music can be truly profound in that each person has the opportunity to experience great music in their own way.
The “footprint” of all the San Antonio Symphony does is much like an iceberg. Our Classics & Pops concerts are like the
tip of the iceberg, yet our education programs, economic impact and community outreach are less visible much like the
largest portion of the iceberg. It is important that we share with our community all of the great things the San Antonio
Symphony does to impact the quality of life here in our community and beyond.
As we prepare to move to the Tobin Center next year, we remain focused on our relationships in the community. We continue to foster collaboration with our current partners while looking for ways to create new partnerships and collaborations
within a very diverse community.
In my opinion, with Sebastian Lang-Lessing as our Music Director confirmed for the next 5 years, the tremendous talent
that makes up our musicians, our dedicated Board of Directors, great staff and outstanding volunteers, we are a long way
from Our Death Being Greatly Exaggerated. I feel we are closer to “We’ve Only Just Begun”.
News from Membership
We are pleased to announce that, as of the end of January the League has 407 members, of whom 65 are new members.
Thanks to all our wonderful members and new volunteers. Membership renewal letters will be sent out in the Spring.
Please encourage your friends, family, colleagues or anyone you know who is interested in symphonic music to join the
League. Don't forget, members are entitled to a 20% discount on their symphony ticket purchases.
Our Spring New Member Orientation will be held Wednesday, April 2, at 10 am at the home of Kathleen Meriwether, 722
Morningside Dr. We welcome not only new members, but also current members who want a refresher about the League's
activities and volunteer opportunities. It is a fun casual event where you can meet new friends. Please contact Kathleen
Meriwether at 210-824-2082, [email protected].
Please welcome our new members:
• Charles & Melissa Barrett; 610 Bentley Manor, San Antonio, TX 78249; (210) 383-2900; [email protected]
• Morris & Muffin Camp; 2730 Falling Brook, San Antonio, TX 78258; (210) 789-1808; [email protected]
• Christopher & Brenda Li Garcia; 5007 Taylor Kenton, San Antonio, TX 78240; [email protected]
• Veronica Gonzalez; 14039 Fairoak Crossing, San Antonio, TX 78231; [email protected]
• Chris (Christine) Lopez; 107 Amerson Lane; San Antonio, TX 78213; (210) 362-0047; [email protected]
• Carolyn Sanders; 21560 Forest Waters Circle; San Antonio, TX 78266; (210) 651-9542; [email protected]
• Richard & Angela Wagner; 15 Bristol Green; San Antonio, TX 78209; (210) 771-6163; [email protected]
Submitted by Kathleen Meriwether, VP Membership
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Music at the Museum XIV a Joy
Music at the Museum, the annual collaboration of the San Antonio Symphony League and the San Antonio Museum
of Art Docents, was held at the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) on January 27, 2014. Celebrating fourteen years
supporting arts and music education in San Antonio, the event included music, food, beverages, and fellowship. As the
sold-out audience arrived, they were greeted to the music of the Churchill High School Orchestra, directed by Mr. Jason
Thibodeaux. Food was provided by Page Barteau Catering and Cabot Creamery. After time to meet friends, view the
silent auction and participate in the wine pull, the audience was treated to a beautiful Chamber Music Concert.
Since the event was a supporting partner in the Symphony’s Dvorak Festival, the emphasis was on the music of Antonin
Dvorak. The program featured performances by Cellist Drew Bauml, from MacArthur High School, (accompanied by
Dr. Jan Garverick) performing The Hayden Cello Concerto in C Major; Karen Stiles (violin), David DeLambre (violin),
Lechezar Kostov (cello) and Vivienne Spy (piano) performing Dvorak’s Bagatelles Op 47); and Vivienne Spy (piano),
Bassam Nashawati (violin), Lechezar Kostov (cello), AKA The New World Trio, performing Dvorak’s Trio No. 4 in E
minor, Op. 90 “Dumky”.
A surprise feature was the St. Anthony Hotel Piano, a Steinway which was originally commissioned for the Russian Embassy in Paris in 1909. It was purchased by the St. Anthony and “disappeared” many years later. The new owners of the
St. Anthony recently repurchased the piano at auction and have restored it to its original glory. The appearance at M@M
was its first public appearance since the restoration, and will be on display at SAMA until renovations at the St. Anthony
have been completed.
Symphony Office Volunteers Thanked
The San Antonio Symphony League provides an amazing number of services to our Symphony. One that doesn’t receive a great deal of attention is the staffing of the Symphony’s reception desk at their office. Led by BJ Neal, this group
of dedicated volunteers answers phones, meets the public, sorts mail, and performs a number of other important tasks.
This year, at their Holiday Party, the Symphony staff said thanks to the volunteers by way of a large thank you card and
gifts of beautiful candles. Volunteers include Ruth Frederick, Marcia Holliman, Mary Anne Kramer, Martin Kushner,
Ann Maggart, Beverly McDonald, Toni Murgo, BJ Neal, Kathy Rafferty, and Don Wilkinson.
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San Antonio Symphony LeaguePage 6
League’s Holiday Coffee Pictures
The Organizing Committee
One House,
Current and two past owners
All lovers of music!
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Senior Belle Events
San Antonio Symphony LeaguePage 7
Belle News
The San Antonio Symphony League Belle season is in full swing. The first event of the Belle season was chaired by
Cindy Cabello and held at the home of Jenny Gibson. It was a spectacular event catered by Ruth Stone and covered by
Paul Overstreet. We were blessed with perfect weather and perfect company. For their next event, the Belles and their
guests rocked Sam’s Burger Joint on January 19th at the Belle Casual Party. Lulu Zertuche along with her committee that
included Sandra Ford, Annie Gamboa and former Belle Chair, Patty Anderson, made sure the guests were well fed on
burgers and fries and entertained by the house D.J.
Belle rehearsals held at the Alamo Heights United Methodist Church and the J.W Marriott began on January 26st and will
continue until February 22nd. Cathy Siegel will make sure the girls are prepared for their big event at the J.W Marriott.
Lisa Wolff is chairing the Belle luncheon, which will be at the Veranda on February 9 at noon. Our Belle Luncheon is a
special time that Belles and parents share before the Ball.
The entire Belle committee is working to make sure that the Belles and their families have a wonderful 2014 season!
Acceptance Tea
Casual Party
San Antonio Symphony League
P.O. Box 6986
San Antonio, Texas 78209
www.sasleague.org
Return Service Requested
Symphony, League, Public Library Forge New Relationship
Starting with this new year, the San Antonio Symphony, the Symphony League and the San Antonio Public Library
are launching a new initiative. Supplied with the programs for the Symphony’s Young People’s Concerts (YPCs), the
children’s librarians are preparing a reading list entitled “Read More About It” for each concert, designed for students and
others who want to know more about the music and topics presented at the concerts.
Ms. Viki Ash, the Library’s Coordinator of Children’s Services, and her staff have already posted the list for February’s
YPC 3 which is titled “Water Music” and features music related to water written by several different composers. The
reading/media list is wide ranging, including biographies of featured composers and books about scientific aspects of water. The first list the Library developed covered themes related to Dvorak’s opera “Rusalka” which was presented at YPC
2 in late January. The subjects included biographies of Dvorak, books about mermaids, and versions of the story such as
“The Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Anderson. Additionally, Library recordings of “Rusalka” are also listed.
Mr. Jeremy Brimhall, the Symphony’s Director of Education, provides the YPC programs to the Library and when the
reading/media list is ready, he links this list to the Education section of the Symphony’s website where all interested
students, teachers and parents can have access to it. Right now, both lists are also available to everyone through the Library’s website by going to http://guides.mysapl.org/sasymphony.
The Symphony League gratefully acknowledges and thanks Ms. Ash, and librarians Beverly Wrigglesworth and Randi
Jones for their work in producing the “Read More About It” lists complementing the Symphony’s YPCs. We also appreciate and thank Mr. Brimhall for his work in linking the Library’s list to the Symphony’s website. Now, thanks to them,
those who wish to learn more about the music and topics covered at the YPCs can easily avail themselves of the Library’s
rich resources. Additionally, a new relationship between the Symphony and the Library has been formed.
And, what is the role of the San Antonio Symphony League in this? This project was our idea, our initiative, and we
served as the liasion between the Symphony and the Library. As the project moves forward, the League will work with
all parties to spread the word to teachers and parents about the value this initative has to music education.
Submitted by Christine Frank Green, VP Education