Coming Events Preview The League sponsors a Preview before each concert. This year we have a unique opportunity to meet the candidates to become the Music Director for our Symphony Orchestra. Our first preview is Friday, Sept. 28, 4:00 - 6:00. We will meet Dr. Robert Tomaro as he shares his approach to Brahms’ “Symphony No. 1” and Nicolai’s “Overture to The Merry Wives of Windsor.” More about Dr. Tomaro can be seen at http://www.santacruzsymphony.org. We will also have the opportunity to meet our soloist, Neil Rutman, as he describes Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 22.” As usual, we will celebrate the start of the season with wine and appetizers. Do plan to join us! Preview admission is $15. Please let us know if you are attending and if you will be donating an appetizer so we may plan accordingly by (1) replying by e-mail to [email protected], (2) mailing a note and check to Norma Domash, 411 Palmer, Aptos, CA 95003 (make checks to SLSCC) or (3) calling Norma Domash at 688-1188. In the note, please include the names of all persons for who you are paying and that you will or won’t be bringing an appetizer. SAVE THE DATE! Symphony League Home tour Saturday & Sunday, November 3 & 4, 12-5 pm The 27th Annual Tour features five unique homes in a small geographic area, as well as information from a historian, live music, a boutique, and much more! For more information, call Mary Ann Orr at 427-0760 Tickets will go on sale in October. The Symphony League’s Home Tour 2012 will feature: The Best Ever Holiday Boutique, And We Need Your Help! -Make Homemade Goodies Make a Gift Basket (minimum value $50) Share Your Succulents or Containers One of the tour houses SepteMber 29-30 Concert’s Conductor and Artist Conductor Robert Tomaro is currently Music Director of the Beloit Janesville Symphony (BSJO) in Beloit, Wisconsin and has produced numerous CD’s with the BJSO. Previously, he served as Music Director of the Elysian Symphony Orchestra. Robert Tomaro’s recent engagements include concerts and recordings with The London Symphony Orchestra, the Slovak Radio Orchestra, The Silensian Philharmonic Orchestra of Poland, the Black Sea Philharmonic of Romania, the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra of the Czech Republic, and many orchestras throughout the United States. Neil Rutman, a native of California, graduated from the Eastman School of Music and Peabody Conservatory, where he worked with Cecile Genhart, Leon Fleisher, and Ellen Mack. Mr. Rutman is Artist-in-Residence at the University of Central Arkansas. Since 2008, his students have won top prizes in the Kappell International Competition, the East West Artist Auditions in New York City, and the Clara Wells Competition. He has appeared in Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Tokyo’s Bunka Kaikan and the Schola Cantorum in Paris with concert tours of the United Kingdom, Europe, New Zealand, Japan, and the Persian Gulf. Recordings include two Mozart Piano Concerti, an all Poulenc CD, with Emmy Award winning actor Tony Randall providing the narration in ‘The Story of Babar the Little Elephant’, and his 2008 all Chopin release on the Pro Musica label. Mr. Rutman has recently authored articles for the Piano Quarterly, The Piano Teacher, an interview with Aiko Onishi in Clavier, and is a contributing author to the book Piano Masterpieces published by Oxford University Press. He is currently writing a book compiling hundreds of interpretative anecdotes and imageries on the piano repertoire entitled Drawing on the He has toured extensively throughout Scandinavia, England, France, and Eastern Europe. In addition to his symphonic conducting career, Dr. Tomaro is a composer and jazz guitarist. He has performed in concert with such jazz luminaries as Bill Evans, Charles Mingus and Stéphane Grapelli. He has also performed in the original Broadway productions of many musicals, including The Lion King, Barnum, Les Miserables, Dancin’, Evita, Tommy, and I Love My Wife. SCSLL 2012-2103 Season Number 1 Imagination: Interpretative Images by the Composer and their Contemporaries. A former collegiate boxer, Mr. Rutman also coaches the University of Central Arkansas Boxing Team and is a volunteer Probation Officer and mentor for juvenile offenders in Faulkner County. In 2012 Mr. Rutman was one of 30 Americans to be awarded the Martin Luther King -President Barack Obama Service Award for his work with troubled youth in his county. For more information about Mr. Rutman, view his DVD’s on You Tube or visit NeilRutman.net. 2 Clyde’s Corner By Clyde Vaughn, President WATCH FOR THE DOWNBEAT Wow, the beginning of a thrilling new season for our Santa Cruz County Symphony. When Dr. Robert Tomaro brings the baton down for the first beat of our new season on Saturday, Sept. 29, we will begin a year of listening, enjoying and paying close attention. Five very gifted conductors are candidates to be the Music Director of our great orchestra. Can it be any more exciting? But the League is already halfway around our first lap. With a very successful golf tournament and the exciting Rare Chair Affair behind us, we are already well into our 2012-13 season. We also enjoyed Connie Adam’s beautiful piano recital, with Virginia Vaquero, soprano, and Avi Sabaduquia, baritone. A number of us shared in a very tasty BBQ at Kurt & Regina Yeager’s beautiful home. And we are just two months into our new season. The League Board has exciting plans for the rest of this season. Your active involvement and support for your League enables us to provide financial support for our County Symphony. It is a real honor and joy to be a p art of our exciting Symphony program. I’m sure you will want to join us at each and every preview as we have a chance to meet our candidates in a less formal setting. Of course the previews are also a wonderful opportunity to meet the soloists and to gain insights into our music. Neil Rutman will be our first soloist, thrilling us with his rendition of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22. With the games of the Summer Olympics just over, it’s time for all of us to get on the blocks and be ready for the downbeat (yes, I know, I’m mixing my metaphors). Watch the conductor . . . Clyde Vaughn, President Symphony League of Santa Cruz Summer Memories Rare Chair Affair Rare Chair Affair Showcases 33 Artists’ Creativity Thirty-three local artists exercised their creativity by decorating a chair and entering it in the Rare Chair Affair, all to benefit our wonderful Symphony. These artistically decorated chairs were displayed at a gallery viewing at the Museum of Art and History in Santa Cruz. The public enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres as they admired and placed bids on the decorated chairs. A panel of well-known local artists (Sally Bookman, Bonnie Stiles Walker, and Nancy Howells) judged these works of art. Connie Adams garnered First Place with her “Homage to Tiffany”. Second went to Bruce Stahl for his “Tribute to Larry Granger,” a chair made to honor the influence Maestro SCSLL 2012-2103 Season Number 1 Granger had on his son’s musical development. (After spirited bidding, Maestro Granger himself purchased the chair. Check out the YouTube video at: http:// www.youtube.com/watc h?v=DCKU6TrQlyA&feature=youtu.be ) A small handmade chair, built and decorated by Edy and Joe Henderson titled “Ode to Joy,” was awarded Third place. The People’s Choice chair award went to Mary Ann Hobbs for her “Lola – A Garden Chair.” A big thanks to the hard-working team of Symphony League members who spear-headed the event: Sheila Vaughn, Chairman, Donna Large, Cheryl Hammond, Danene Forman, Kate Sutherland, and Mary Ann Hobbs, and to the many volunteers who gave generously of their time to make The Rare Chair Affair a great success. 3 MORE Summer Memories Sonata, Songs & Strawberriies Tea and Chocolate Tasting Imagine yourself in a gracious parlor of a fin de siecle Vienna Mansion. You are seated on cushy couches enjoying an intimate evening of performance in a friend’s parlor. Your host has gathered several musicians to play for your enjoyment. After the concert you saunter to the dining room for a sumptuous repast of sweet meats and after dinner wines and conversation with the performers. This was the ambience for Sonata, Song and Strawberries, a lovely 20/20 evening at the home of Mary Ann and Peter Orr orchestrated by Connie Adams who graciously introduced The Bloomsbury Tea Room was ringing with chatter on August 2, as guest modeled hats and waited for Jennifer Coffey, manager of the Tea Room to begin the tea ceremony. She did so with a flourish, describing the three exotic teas that would be poured and paired with tastes of pure chocolate. Most people were especially impressed with the white tea, made with tea buds before they mature and once served exclusively to the Emperor of China. After Jennifer and her helper poured the teas at each table, guests were invited to visit the buffet table and pour their own chocolate infused teas with special desserts like mini-cupcakes Avi Sabaduquia, Virginia Vaquero and Connie Adams Beethoven and Gershwin. The performers included Jan Derecho’s niece Virginia Vaquero, a soprano soloist who performed two songs by Lehar, and Avi, a baritone who sang songs by Schumann and Debussy. Mary Ann Orr’s piano teacher, Heather Morris, played Brahms and three of her own compositions and the evening ended with a dramatic and humorous flourish as Virginia and Avi sang and performed Tom Lehrer’s Masochism Tango . Guests enjoyed strawberry treats by Sheila Vaughn and Norma Domash paired with ports and dessert wines provided and poured by Harry Domash. Summer…Sonata…. Sweet! SCSLL 2012-2103 Season Number 1 Michelle and Mary Jo Dunn-Ruiz and dipped strawberries to complete the tasting. Domenica Schaaf, proprietor of Love Bird Chocolates, offered samples of her hand-made vegan truffles, and many guests bought boxes to take home to chocolate-deprived family members. Let’s raise our tea cups in a toast to thank Jennifer and her non-profit Project 323 for this 20/20 event which may become an annual one! 4 More Summer Memories 2nd Annual “Chip In” Tournament – A Grand Success! .A good time was had by all at this year’s 2nd Annual “Chip In for the Symphony” Golf Tournament. The Best Ball Scramble tournament was lively and featured a variety of prizes. Ten students, sponsored by donors, participated and ran away with the tournament! Since we didn’t want to give etched wine glasses to 10–17 year old students, who came in first and second with scores of 55 and 61 respectively, we gave them certificates for 1st and 2nd place. The first place adult foursome, the Albright trio, Robin, Ronald, Joe Albright, and Dave Hemrick, earned the wine glasses with a score of 61. Dr. Keith McKenzie, Blaine Brokaw, Mike Freitas and John Huffman, took home the 2nd place filled, delightful day At DeLaveaga Golf Course. A special Thank You goes out to Tim Loustalot, the DeLaveaga Golf Pro, and his staff who did everything to make things run smoothly, as well as all the donors, sponsors, golfers, and participants who supported the Tournament and the Symphony. 20 -20 Barbeque - mmmm Good! Saturday, August 18th, folks enjoyed another successful Symphony League 20 –20 event–a good ol’ country style barbeque. The weather was perfect to enjoy Sheila’s savory country style brown beans and Bill Mowatt’s lip smackin’ Baby Back ribs at Regina and Kurt Yeager’s beautiful home up in the Larkin Valley Road hills. Harry and Norma organized the event, and provided and assembled the complementary food, and there was plenty of good wine and chilled beer for everyone. Regina and Kurt were perfect hosts, and led some folks on short tours of the house and the outdoors. Bill Mowatt presenting awards at post toournament dimner honors with a score of 71. However, the big winner was the Symphony League, which netted $8500 from this event Golfers won the following: Men’s Closest to the Pin, Van Smith; Men’s Longest Drive, Matthew DeVageleave, and Women’s, Robin Dunlap. No one got a Hole in One, so the Ford Focus was returned to North Bay Ford. Perhaps the most fun was Hiring a Driver - paying a young man, Stephen French, $5.00 to drive your ball off the 18th Tee. He hit mine 350 yards, just like Tiger Woods! Chef Jon Bei’s superb dinner was enjoyed by all including Anne Hayden’s birthday cake with its spectacular Roman Candle - Carousal ornamentation. A Silent Auction concluded a fun SCSLL 2012-2103 Season Number 1 Bill Mowatt fixing dinner Jayme Kelly Curtis and her friends formed a wonderful trio singing and playing old favorites and entertaining the group. And it was a convivial group indeed with everyone visiting and chatting in the afternoon ambiance. Relaxation was the theme of the day, and nobody had to be persuaded. Chalk another one up for Harry’s 20-20 events creation. Let’s keep it going. remember Preview: September 28th Home Tour: November 3rd & 4th 5 Editor’s Corner By GAil Mowatt Let’s Hear it For Harry! As many of you know, Harry Domash is retiring from the board after initiating and managing two major innovations: the on-line newsletter and the 20/20 Events, his original inspiration. Some League members commented on their appreciation for his inspiration and effort. “Although I am a person who loves to read paper copies while I sip my morning coffee, I have adjusted to the on-line Musical Notes because it is so colorful. I took a friend to the 20/20 wine to keep us all informed of the productions and activities through the on line newsletter and the 20/20 events. We’ll miss his good nature and the pleasure of working with him.” Jim and Ann Haley “Harry, you have been great! It will be difficult to replace you. Thanks for all the hard work.” Jan Davis “Harry’s contributions are stellar. The newsletter is a pleasure to see and to read and the parties have been imaginative and fun. Bravo, Harry.” Nancy Mead “That was an outstanding newsletter! Well written and very informative and newsy. Made me feel like everyone is family. Thank you. I especially enjoy getting it my e-mail, so much easier, no paper waste, and what great colors enhance the newsletter.” Patricia McVeigh “Let’s not forget all the generous time and expenses Harry Domash, Mr. 20/20 himself, has given to the symphony fund-raising events this past two years. Thanks for all you have done, Harry!” Bill Mowatt Harry receiving his award bottling event and she and I had so much fun that she now is my symphony-going companion.” Shirley Greenwood “The league’s newsletter was exceptional. Very informative. And Howard and I really enjoyed the friendly 20/20 events in people’s homes. Thanks, Harry!” Howard and Virginia Law “I thought the 20/20 events were completely charming. It was a brilliant idea. The Song, Sonata and Strawberries was exquisite as was the early one at the Duffus house with its music and lasagna.” Joan Osborne “ Harry Domash has worked quietly and unselfishly SCSLL 2012-2103 Season Number 1 6 meet New League Members by Gail Mowatt Introducing Roger and Roberta Houston locally and has a website for her vocal coaching, women’s singing circles, and retreats. Their three granddaughters, all play piano and sing, and one is composing pieces of her own. Like her parents, Roberta plays piano and is a singer who has sung in all the choirs offered at Cabrillo College over the years. Roger played clarinet in high school and enjoys a variety of musical styles. Roger and Roberta, who are members of a musical family, joined the League seeking an opportunity to volunteer together and to support a cultural institution both enjoy. Roberta says, “I’ve attended the symphony off and on over the years-first with my dear sister, then friends and eventually with my husband as well. I think he needed to be convinced there’s a difference between putting classical music on the stereo while doing something else, and sitting through a concert really listening to the sound live – appreciating what each musician contributes to the whole and how much effort it takes to put it all together.” Both Roger and Roberta have musical backgrounds and have passed on their interests to their daughters and granddaughters. Daughter Heather lives SCSLL 2012-2103 Season Number 1 Both are active volunteers as well. Roger, retired after 38 years with County Environmental Health, is active with the Aptos Community Methodist Church, Cabrillo Lions Club, and the County Employees Credit Union. Roberta has jumped in to league volunteering as a docent going with musicians to the local schools, and comments, “What a marvelous outreach program. We have always supported music in the schools and this was particularly enlightening.” Roger and Roberta appreciate the whole symphony package, and say, “We’re looking forward to what’s to come this next Season with the new conductor auditions and appreciate all that is going into this effort as well. So a huge Thank You to everyone who makes our Santa Cruz County Symphony possible!” And I would add, that now includes the two of you! So thank you for getting involved. 7 Executive committee Cylde Vaughn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Gene Wrignt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past President Roger Knacke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Elect Sheila Vaughn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V.P. Fundraising Donna Large . . . V.P. Ed Programs and Previews Dan Rutan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V.P. Membership Joan Nuttall . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recording Secretary Kate Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corresonding Sec. Connie Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer Danene Forman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At Large Jean Shada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At Large Kate Sutherland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At Large Newsletter Staff Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gail Mowatt Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fred Dunn-Ruiz