Program Notes
Dr. Jacob Chi talks to Siena Heights University  READ THE INTERVIEW

For full details on our 13/14 season, please visit our  CALENDAR OF EVENTS.

For Program Notes, please visit our PROGRAM NOTES page.
Dr. Chi with concerto winner and guest
artist Abigali Elder, MSO board member
Kathy Maynard and sponsor Marquette General Health System's Gary Mueller.
2012 President's Report: By Kathy Maynard

Maestro Jacob Chi directed the MSO to a thrilling performance of French and Spanish Favorites on October 15, 2011. Wei-Wei Le dazzled the audience with her stunning violin playing including Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs) Op. 20 by Pablo de Sarasate. Wei-Wei will return by popular demand for the 2012-2013 Season and with financial support from an anonymous donor.

Sounds of the Holidays, December 17, 2011, included a mixture of secular, Christmas and Hanukkah music. A shorter matinee concert geared towards families was added and supported by local service clubs. This introduced the symphony and symphonic music to many new audience members.

Tragedy & Triumph, February 25, 2012, included Beethoven's Symphony No. 2 as well as Concerto for Viola and Orchestra by Sir William Walton. Abigail Elder, winner of the third annual Youth Concerto Competition, performed brilliantly.

Music of the Ages, May 5, 2012, was a spectacular concert. Mozart's Overture to Idomeneo and Haydn's Symphony #94, both more classical pieces, provided a contrast to Mahler's Symphony #1. The audience consensus was that the MSO reached a new standard of excellence in performing the Mahler.

After getting the Cultural Data Project (CDP) completed, the MSO was able to apply for and received a Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs grant. In January we were notified that the MSO would receive $6000 for operating expenses. The CDP also allows us to compare our organization with those in other communities of similar size to show the impact the arts have on our state.

Jacob Chi's contract was renewed for two more years. His salary was raised modestly to compensate for increased travel expenses. He continues to draw out the orchestra and encourages them to reach for higher standards.

The MSO received a grant from the Marquette Community Foundation to present a 4 lecture series about periods in music history. The first one was held on May 2. This lecture by director Jacob Chi on Baroque music was excellent and was illustrated with audio and visual materials. The Marquette Symphony Orchestra also received an award from The Marquette Arts and Culture Center. The award was for Outstanding Community Arts Impact.

The MSO Bylaws were revised and approved in March to more accurately express what is practiced.

The Board development committee is new. The process for recruiting new board members differs. Time was spent on looking at what skills are needed on the board. The committee recommended three new board members to the Board for vote at the Annual Meeting. The committee activity has increased and the Board is working efficiently.

The partnership with the Besse Center in Escanaba has continued and four ensemble concerts were successfully presented there in the 2011-2012 season.

We have come close to meeting our expenses and budget of about $120,000. This has been accomplished by ticket sales and generous donations from individuals, service clubs, businesses and one corporation. The conductor, musicians and employees have been a very dedicated group and have performed well. Of necessity, their stipends were held to the previous year's levels. Car pools have helped to reduce the travel budget for musicians from out of the Marquette area. The operations manager and business manager continue to work hard and perform well, while their salaries only consume a modest 2% of the budget. Program support and advertising have increased since hiring a marketing person to solicit for these.

Letter to the Editor of the Mining Journal from Board President Kathy Maynard:

To the Journal editor:

It was wonderful to wake up to such a good news article on the front page of The Mining Journal last Sunday, Aug. 26. The Fourtissimo Quartet is truly inspiring. I have heard them and they deserve the praise and notoriety they receive for their hard work and dedication.

They have loved the process and hard work in attaining their achievements in music. Yes, the credit goes to these accomplished students. Their parents have supported and encouraged them. Also, the music program in the Marquette Area Public Schools district is exceptional.

The greater Marquette area has dedicated music teachers who train many individuals. The high school orchestra, chorus and musical performances display many of the talented youth in the Marquette area. High school students have been mentored and have performed with the Marquette Symphony Orchestra.

Some members of the MSO have had their early training in the area schools. Band members in high school and alumni play with the Marquette City Band. Forest Roberts Theater casts students who have graduated from the area schools. This is a tribute to the wonderful music and arts programs in MAPS schools.

Music as well as other arts - theatre, painting, drama and creative writing - serve as a source of joy and self expression throughout life. How wonderful to have this talent to share and enjoy at present and to be able to continue to enjoy in later life. As one of the quartet members said, she may not go into music, but she will enjoy it all of her life.

Marquette is a desirable place to live and retire. The arts organizations contribute to the success of this community and individuals. This begins with what our citizens value and put into our schools and programs. Let's continue to support the arts.

To the Fourtissimo Quartet, I say thank you for the pleasure you give to those who hear you and for the inspiration and courage you give to others to reach for their dreams.
Marquette Symphony Orchestra
Young Artist Concerto Competition
for Strings

First Prize: $1000
and a featured performance
with the Marquette Symphony
Orchestra on March 1, 2014

Second Prize: $500

Third Prize: $250


Competition Requirements:

1. No prior first place winners are allowed to participate.
2. Applicants must be string players and 30 years of age or younger on January 1, 2014.
3. The first place winner will participate in community outreach in accordance with their schedule.
4. Send entrance form, a brief resume, video recording (with accompaniment) of a complete concerto, and a
check or money order for a $35 application fee, made payable to Marquette Symphony Orchestra,
by June 15, 2013.

Winners will be notified by July 21, 2013. Please direct questions regarding your application to the competition coordinator:  Dr. Barbara Rhyneer, brhyneer@nmu.edu, (906)227-2309.

Thank you and we can't wait to hear you!