NEWSLETTER VANGUARD - ALBANY SYMPHONY, INC. AUGUST

NEWSLETTER
VANGUARD - ALBANY SYMPHONY, INC.
AUGUST 2014, NO. 145
RECOGNITIONS TO OUR ALBANY SYMPHONY
Once again our outstanding orchestra has been recognized for its commitment to American music, not by just
one organization but two!
The League of American Orchestras awarded the ASO its “John S. Edwards Award for Strongest Commitment
to New American Music” as part of the ASCAP Awards for Adventurous programming. This award was the
second one in two years!
The ASO also received a major grant from the Aaron Copland Fund for Music to produce a disc devoted to
music by Michael Daugherty.
We are so proud of OUR Albany Symphony Orchestra – CONGRATULATIONS to the musicians and Maestro
David Alan Miller!
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
As I sit at my kitchen table and look out at all the different little birds flitting around going about their
business of gathering seed and nurturing their young, I cannot help but think of Vanguard - so many different
types yet working toward a common goal, to keep life going, the birds their families, Vanguard their beloved
music. So many different kinds of birds, so many different kinds of members, yet each is instrumental in
maintaining a balance in their world.
Vanguard has seasoned members and brand new, eager to help out wherever possible, members. We are so
fortunate to have kind, compassionate elder states people. These individuals may not be able to physically do all
they have done in the past but are willing to guide our younger members in the right direction. They are wise and,
like a mother bird, know that when the fledglings first take flight mistakes may be made. But they are also patient
and give gentle guidance when the need arises. This is how we both, the mother bird and Vanguard, nurture
strong, independent beings.
As I watch I see a Titmouse trying to work a seed out of a crevice the seed has fallen into. The little grey bird
works it one way and then another until it accomplishes its goal. If it had just kept pulling in one direction it never
would have achieved victory but by trying different angles it wins the sought-after prize.
Times are changing. It is a fast-paced, pulled in so many different directions, world out there. We need to find a
new way to work with our busy volunteers. We need to respect their time constraints while achieving our goals.
Perhaps rather than taking one big task and asking one person to commit to a large block of time, we need to
take that task, break it into more manageable time blocks and seek several volunteers to commit to a reasonable
portion of time. This is called 'the new volunteerism' and the method was created out of a need for volunteers in a
world whose people are rushing from thing to thing and can only commit to small blocks of time. The theory is
that if they like what they're doing they may commit to more time as slots open up. With the gentle direction and
positive reinforcement given by our more mature and seasoned volunteers, I think we can help our new members
accomplish great things. What do you think?
Suzanne Waltz
Vanguard Newsletter Issue No. 145, August 2014, published four times annually by Vanguard- Albany Symphony, Inc., 19 Clinton Avenue,
Albany, NY 12207. Mission: All funds support the Albany Symphony Orchestra and its educational programs .
MARK YOUR CALENDARS – ENJOY THE FABULOUS CONCERTS AND SUPPORT THE ASO
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014, PALACE THEATRE
Opening Night With Joshua Bell!
JOSHUA BELL – VIOLIN
CLINT NEEDHAM - THE BODY ELECTRIC
ELGAR - ENIGMA VARIATIONS
BRUCH - VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1 IN G MINOR
Joshua Bell
Joshua Bell’s breathtaking virtuosity and passion makes its triumphant return to Albany on September 6 with a
performance of Bruch’s Violin Concerto, arguably the most famous concerto in the repertoire.
Plus, spend the evening hearing the twists and turns of the theme in Elgar’s Enigma Variations and enjoy an
award-winning, riveting and rich composition from our Andrew W. Mellon Composer Educator, Clint Needham.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2014, 7:30 PM, PALACE THEATRE
JOYCE YANG – PIANO
ANDREW NORMAL - APART
RACHMANINOFF – RHAPSODY ON A THEME OF PAGANINI
TCHAIKOVSKY - SYMPHONY NO 6, ‘PATHETIQUE’
Joyce Yang
Award-winning piano virtuoso Joyce Yang returns to the Albany Symphony for a program featuring two
monumental Russian masterpieces. Hear a violin work turned on its head and into a piano concerto with
Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and witness Grammy Award-winning Maestro David Alan
Miller take the orchestra through the exploration of fate with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique”.
Round out the evening with Andrew Norman’s Apart, a demanding work that the composer says “will never
sound the same way twice”.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS
As Chair of the 2014 Designer Showhouse, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers,
members of Vanguard and non-members as well, who assisted in making this event a success. We received
wonderful feedback from our ‘guests;’ they loved the work done by our designers and decorative artists and
the loyalty and dedication of our volunteers.
Monetarily the Showhouse was a success. We raised $49,947.29 for our outstanding Orchestra. As you all
know, raising funds for non-profit organizations have been a difficult task in the last few years but we made
our goal – donating $51,000 ($50,000 plus $1,000 for nourishment to the musicians) to the ASO.
However, even more important was the good will we spread during our three-week event. We also reminded
the general public about Vanguard and our mission of supporting our wonderful art organization. The visitors
to 6 Schuyler Road were thrilled with the four condos and the ‘extra’ treats that were in store for them namely, the ‘Go for Baroque’ Boutique and the Café (catered by Ben and Bill’s – a New York Style Deli in
Latham).
A special thank you to the owners of The Loudon House Condominiums, Mike and Christine Benson along
with Ken Raymond and Patsy Whitney from Coldwell Banker who ‘brokered’ the deal between the Bensons
and Vanguard.
Again, I cannot thank our wonderful volunteers enough for their assistance. Without them we would not have
been able to meet our $50,000 commitment to the Albany Symphony Orchestra.
Lynne Nisoff
Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. ~Confucius
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR STUDENTS
Vanguard is continuing to solicit donations of
gently used, playable instruments in good to
excellent condition. These will be donated to
various public schools in need in the Capital
District and will then be distributed by their music
teachers to students who might not otherwise be
able to afford their own instruments. We want as
many students as possible to experience the joy
and confidence building stemming from playing
beautiful music. Hopefully they’ll constitute a
reservoir of future ASO musicians, audience
members and supporters in the future!
As a result of an article publicizing this endeavor
which appeared July 24 in the Times Union, we
received
donations
of
approximately
23
instruments. John Keal Music Company will look
them over and repair them at a discount. We have
a small allowance for relatively minor repairs. The
instruments will then be distributed to several area
schools. Search those basements and closets for
musical treasures!
If you’d like to donate an
instrument, please call Jill Rifkin at 439-1843 or
Jan Satin at 767-3509
Jill Rifkin, Chair
“Music speaks to the wounds we have no words for.
It heals when all else fails.”
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
At our Annual Meeting in June, five members of
our Symphony were awarded $500 each to pursue
additional studies of their chosen instruments.
Albert Brouwer (Flute) – lessons with Timothy
Hutchins of the Montreal Symphony
Mitsuko Suzuki (Violin) – private lessons with
Naoko Tanaka of the St. Louis Orchestra
Joseph Demko (Horn) – Study with Rachel
Childers, Boston Symphony
Erik Latini (Trumpet) – Study with Alan Dean,
Westminster, MA (Yale)
Sharon Bielik (Viola) – Study with Ed Gazouleas,
Boston Symphony
If anyone would like to contribute to our Education
Fund which defrays our cost for these worthwhile
scholarships, please contact me at 439-6832.
Rosemary Brown, Chair
Stay up-to-date with all the latest news regarding
Vanguard and its events. Visit its website at
www.vanguard-aso.org to be informed!!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Vanguard invites all members and their guests to
join us at the Tea and Symphony Party on Sunday,
September 14, 2014 from 2–4 pm as we return to
the beautiful and historic mansion we visited two
years ago at 1 Englewood Place, Albany. Our
hosts, Moses Kafka and Ron Nichols, have
embarked on a labor of love in restoring this house.
Built in 1879 for furniture maker Benjamin Wooster,
this stately Victorian landmark was once owned by
the well-known psychologist, Dr. Lenore SportsmanMiller, who died at the age of 97 in 2004. She
bequeathed the house to the All Saints Episcopal
Church in Albany. Mr. Kafka and Mr. Nichols took
ownership in 2011 and, given its history and
connection to Vanguard, have graciously invited us
for a return visit to see the additional extensive
renovations since our last viewing. The house is
listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Parking is available on Englewood Place, located at
the edge of Washington Park.
Joy Emery and Dale Gogan, Co-Chairs
WINNERS OF THE SHOWHOUSE RAFFLE
The following lucky guests of the SHOWHOUSE were
the winners of our raffle:
Little Red Wagon Gift Basket--Norma Redmond, Albany
Tub Gift Basket--Valerie Shanley, Averill Park
Waterford Vase--Bobbie Schemerhorn, Niskayuna
$50 Gift Cards toTJX—Ilene Bergman, Slingerlands &
Paul Sherman, Loudonville
$25 Gift Cards for Provence--Susan Rizzo, Albany &
Agnes Beverly, Loudonville
Two tickets for Messiah performance—Sharon Alley,
East Chatham
The Annual Meeting of the Vanguard membership was
held on June 26 during a dinner at the Fort Orange Club
in downtown Albany. In addition to receiving copies of
Vanguard’s Annual Report, the attendees heard
remarks regarding the Treasurer’s report and
Showhouse 2014 as well as the announcement of
winners of the five scholarships given to Symphony
musicians.
President Suzanne Waltz presented
Vanguard’s annual gift to ASO’s Executive Director
Lawrence Fried and announced that the total
contributions for the year came to $50,000. To elect
officers for 2014-2015, the members who attended voted
to approve the slate presented by the Nominating
Committee. Following the business meeting Woodrow
Bynum, Director of Music at the Cathedral of All Saints in
Albany, spoke about the challenges facing those who
support performances of music. A 50/50 raffle was held
and produced an income of $224. A most enjoyable
evening was had by all. Fifty-one attended the meeting.
Special guests included Mr.Bynum, Mr.Fried and ASO
Board Chair Dr. Marisa Eisemann.
Bernice Allison and Catherine Horvath, Co-Chairs
IT WAS AN EVENING NOT TO BE MISSED!
On August 13, fifty members and friends of Vanguard enjoyed a
wonderful evening at SPAC. The evening began with a delightful
dinner at the Hall of Springs followed by a performance by The
Philadelphia Orchestra and vocalists Stephanie Block & Ryan
Silverman The attendees will not forget this event any time soon!
VANGUARD OFFICERS
President
Suzanne Waltz
Vice Presidents
Administration
Jean Fogarty
Development
Lynne Nisoff
Designer Showhouse
Education & Community Jan Satin
Orchestra Support
Dale Gogan
Recording Secretary
Ruth Cook
Corresponding Secretary Estelle Wall
Treasurer
Reese Satin
Assistant Treasurer
Technology Administrator Lucy Song
Past President
Barbara Richer
ASO Concert
ASO Gala
Tea and Symphony
Board Meeting
Newsletter Deadline
Pre-Concert Prevue
ASO Concert
Board Meeting
Pre-Concert Prevue
ASO Concert
Sunday Symphony
Board Meeting
Holiday Party
Magic of
Christmas
Pre-Concert Prevue
ASO Concert
ASO Concert
Newsletter Deadline
Pre-Concert Prevue
ASO Concert
Board Meeting
Sunday Symphony
Pre-Concert Prevue
ASO Concert
ASO Concert
Board Meeting
Sunday Symphony
Newsletter Deadline
Pre-Concert Prevue
ASO Concert
ASO Concert
Board Meeting
Pre-Concert Prevue
ASO Concert
Preview Party
Board Meeting
Showhouse 2015
Tiny Tots Concerts
Tiny Tots Concert
Pre-Concert Prevue
American Music
Festival
Board Meeting*
Annual Meeting
Board Meeting
VANGUARD/ASO SCHEDULE 2014-2015
Saturday, September 6, 2014, 7 pm
Saturday, September 6, 2014, 8:30 pm
Sunday, September 14, 2014, 2-4 pm
489-5923
438-4740
482-9170
767-3509
867-4011
462-9464
439-5629
767-3509
487-1331
512-3438
Monday, September 22, 2014, 9:30 am
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Friday, October 17, 2014, noon
Saturday, October 18, 2014, 7:30 pm
Monday, October 27, 2014, 9:30 am
Friday, November 21, 2014, Noon
Saturday, November 22, 2014, 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 23, 2014, 3 pm
Monday, November 24, 2014, 9:30 am
TBD
Sunday, December 7, 2014, 3 pm
SEASON
Palace Theatre, Albany
60 State Street, Albany
Home of Moses Kafka & Ron
Nichols, 1 Englewood Pl., Alb
Delmar Reformed Church
Lynne Nisoff
Albany Public Library
Palace Theatre, Albany
Delmar Reformed Church
Albany Public Library
Palace Theatre, Albany
Palace Theatre, Albany
Delmar Reformed Church
TBD
Palace Theatre, Albany
Friday, December 19, 2014, Noon
Saturday, December 20, 2014, 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 21, 2014, 3 pm
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Friday, January 16, 2015, Noon
Saturday, January 17, 2015, 7:30 pm
Monday, January 26, 2015, 9:30 am
Sunday, February 1, 2015, 3 pm
Friday, February 20, 2015. Noon
Saturday, February 21, 2015, 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 22, 2015, 3 pm
Monday, February 23, 2015, 9:30 am
Sunday, March 8, 2015, 3 pm
Friday, March 13, 2015
Friday, March 20, 2015, Noon
Saturday, March 21, 2015, 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 22, 2015, 3 pm
Monday, March 23, 2015, 9:30 am
Friday, April 17, 2015, Noon
Saturday, April 18, 2015, 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Monday, April 27, 2015, 9:30 am
Tuesday, April 28-Sunday, May 17, 2015
Tues. & Wed., April 28-29, 2014
Thurs. & Fri., April 30 & May 1, 2014
Friday, May 15, 2015, Noon
Saturday, May 16, 2015, 7:30 pm
Albany Public Library
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Lynne Nisoff
Albany Public Library
Palace Theatre, Albany
Delmar Reformed Church
Zankel Hall, Skidmore College
Albany Public Library
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Delmar Reformed Church
Palace Theatre, Albany
Lynne Nisoff
Albany Public Library
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Delmar Reformed Church
Albany Public Library
Palace Theatre, Albany
TBD
Delmar Reformed Church
TBD
Museum of Dance, Saratoga
Ohav Shalom, Albany
Albany Public Library
EMPAC, RPI, Troy
Thursday, May 28, 2015, 9:30 am
TBD
Monday, June 22, 2015, 9:30 am
Delmar Reformed Church
TBD
Delmar Reformed Church
APPRECIATION TO VANGUARD
Vanguard received a lovely ‘thank you’
note from John Burmeister (Performing
Arts - Troy Prep):
" Vanguard Volunteers, Thank you so
much for your help at the Tiny Tots
program.
These events only run so
smoothly only because of [your] incredible
support. Thank you on behalf of our
school and especially our Kindergartens.
Tiny Tots is a great program; we can't
wait for next year!
VANGUARD COMMITTEE CHAIRS
ANNUAL MEETING
Bernice Allison
383-0568
Cathie Horvath
477-6162
CONCERT PREVUES
Marcia Cockrell
459-1229
FALL/SPRING LUNCHEON
Judy Ciccio
439-6503
Barbara Zautner
439-4634
GARDEN PARTY/TEA & SYMPHONY
Joy Emery
584-0582
Dale Gogan
867-4011
HISTORIAN
Ursula MacAffer
463-1716
HOLIDAY PARTY
Crystal Gordon
429-7804
Barbara Hallenbeck
765-2004
Jan Satin
767-3509
MAILING
Jean Fogarty
438-4740
MEMBERSHIP AND DIRECTORY
Julia Smart
765-3622
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR STUDENTS
Jill Rifkin
439-1843
NEW MEMBERS
Marilyn Hunter
279-9353
NEWSLETTER
Lynne Nisoff
482-9170
NOMINATING
Ruth Cook
462-9464
Betty Gross
438-8148
ORCHESTRA HOSPITALITY
Pat Corbett
784-4352
David Emanation
235-1775
Joy Emery
584-0582
PUBLIC RELATIONS & PUBLICITY
TBD
SCHOLARSHIPS
Rosemary Brown
439-6832
SUNDAY SYMPHONIES
Lucy Neubauer
869-1088
SYMPHONY GUESTS
Pat Fallek
765-4692
Sylvia Kaminsky
439-7173
TELEPHONE
Sharon Awramik
438-1317
TINY TOTS – ALBANY
Margaret DeJohn-Tolar
237-6740
Jan Satin
767-3509
TINY TOTS – SARATOGA
Jan O’Hare
383-4768
Ruth Weintraub
899-7610
TRAVEL
Gloria VanDerpoel
462-1004
Barbara Hallenbeck
765-2004
USHER LIAISON
Concetta Bosco
456-8030
*Please note change of Day for Board meeting.

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