A suitable symbol for the synchronicity of happy and unifying elements for the future of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra in its 65th season were the two black grand pianos played by Northern Arizona University faculty members Rita Borden and Janice ChenJu Chiang, whose sparkling performances during “Carnival of the Animals” by Camille Saint-Saens were a memorable highlight of the symphony’s opening concert Friday, Sept. 26 in Ardrey Auditorium on campus.
Other highlights of the opening concert with its focus on science and the arts included the “Rhenish Symphony” by Robert Schumann, an innovative contemporary work by Cindy McTee, “Einstein’s Dream,” and “Musical Offering,” a work by 20th Century composer Anton Weber that honors the fugue form by Johann Sebastian Bach.
“We had a great opening to the season, and there is more exciting programming to come!” said Christopher Barton, who become the executive director for FSO in January after moving with his family from his home state of North Carolina.
Great Programs and Conductor Continue
Barton’s arrival in town marked the beginning of a year of good news for the symphony, which included the completion of a highly successful 64th season, the presentation of the popular Link Up educational outreach in February that was developed at Carnegie Hall for grade-school children, the continuation of the four-year-old Student Musician of the Month (SMOM) program that recognizes the musical talents of young people in the community, and the win for FSO in the Performing Arts category at the annual Viola Awards ceremony in March.
Also auspicious news was the signing of Elizabeth Schulze, who assumed the post of conductor and artistic director in 2008, through the 2016-2017 symphony season.
Schulze had replaced Randall Craig Fleischer and quickly won over audiences with her poise, deft skill and enthusiasm. While on the podium in Flagstaff, she has also retained her position as conductor and music director of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra.
Schulze said the diversity of the opening program at Ardrey matched older and more familiar music with newer and more challenging pieces.
“This has always been the recipe of choice for our programming, and that’s what makes the FSO and its incredibly supportive, adventurous and enthusiastic audiences so special,” she said. “It’s a thrill to be starting my seventh year with the FSO. The time has flown by, but I’m so proud of the music we’ve made and meaningful connections we’ve established in our community, especially with our young emerging listeners.”
In addition, Barton says season subscription sales are going very well.
“We beat our subscription revenue budget goal by more than $11,000 and realized a 16.5 percent increase over the previous season,” based on a six-concert subscription series.
Local Couple Endow Oboe Chair
When FSO opened its season in September, it also marked more good news with the gift of $75,000 to the FSO symphony endowment by Flagstaff residents Michael and Karen Kitt.
A newly named position was also created within the orchestra – the Karen Kitt Endowed Oboe Chair, which is currently occupied by Rebecca Kemper Scarnati, principal oboist for the symphony.
“The endowment gift from Michael and Karen Kitt is an incredible vote of confidence in the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra,” Barton said. “The Kitts are so passionate about our mission and the intrinsic value of a professional orchestra in this community. A gift like this builds organizational sustainability by generating earning that will help fund FSO operations into the future.”
Barton added that the generous gift is also a legacy gift.
“The Kitts also see it as a challenge to others to invest in the FSO in a way that truly pays financial and artistic dividends,” he said.
The Karen Kitt chair is now the second position in the orchestra, along with the Nadene Bean Endowed Cello Chair, to be named in recognition of major endowment gifts. These gifts become permanently restricted funds that are invested and provide annual operating revenue for the symphony, Barton added.
Michael Kitt, who serves on the FSO Board of Directors, is a native of New York City who moved here with his family in 2012 but had visited the town for 15 years previously because of association with organizations here.
“The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra is a truly remarkable organization,” he said. “I doubt there is any other town in the United States the size of Flagstaff that has such a unique asset. Karen and I decided to endow a chair because this provides a permanent source of income for the symphony. Ultimately, if enough chairs were endowed, the continued existence of the Flagstaff Symphony would be assured for future generations.”
Kitt says he comes from a family with strong musical tradition and was blessed to attend many performances by some of the greatest artists and orchestras.
He has found a similar passion for the arts in this mountain town.
“The other great thing about Flagstaff is that there are enough residents who are interested in the music the FSO performs to provide the attendance and financial support required to sustain the orchestra,” he said. “There are many cities vastly larger than Flagstaff that cannot boast the same.”
Symphony Looks to Future
Barton says cities much larger than Flagstaff would envy FSO’s two to five year plans for concerts, education programs and community engagement initiatives.
The symphony is currently in the process of developing a three-year strategic plan.
“Our three-year plan is intended to build upon the 65 years of success of the FSO,” explained Carl Taylor, president of the FSO Board of Directors. “We are beginning with a vision of success in three years, and then reminiscing about what ‘happened’ to get us there. Every committee, and many stakeholders, are looking at their work in the context of three primary categories of activity.”
Taylor added those categories “are not ready to be unveiled, yet.”
With two successful concerts under its belt this season, the FSO schedule includes some more wonderful upcoming offerings, including the annual holiday classic, “The Nutcracker” in early December, “Breaking Boundaries” in January, “The Music of the Beatles” in March,” and the season finale, “Carmina Burana” in April.
Information and tickets for all FSO concerts are available at flagstaffsymphony.org or by calling 928-523-5661. FBN
By Betsey Bruner
Flagstaff Business News
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