FANFARE M U S I C AC A D E M Y O F T H E W E S T
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he Music Academy of the West will present a delightful new production of Bedrˇich Smetana’s comic opera, The Bartered Bride, during the 2016 Summer Festival. The Czech opera par excellence will be sung in English. It is a charming tale of village folk life, complete with bohemian dances and a circus, ultimately reminding us that true love always prevails. The Opera will be conducted by Matthew Aucoin who has been revered by The New York Times as “opera’s great 25-year-old hope.” A major sensation in the classical music world, Mr. Aucoin is not only a conductor, but also a pianist, poet, and composer who has been commissioned to write operas for the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Metropolitan Opera. Voice Program Director Marilyn Horne will oversee the
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Bartered Bride production. She shares that, “The Bartered Bride was the very first opera I performed in Los Angeles. I have always loved the wonderful score and the hilarious libretto. We are thrilled that Matt will explore this masterpiece with us.” Warren Jones returns as Vocal Piano Program Director in 2016. Last summer, he was conducting the San Francisco Opera Merola Program’s production of Donizetti’s Don Pasquale. He was praised by the San Francisco Chronicle for his “panache,” and “vivid, crisply emphatic conducting.” The first Mosher Guest Artist to be announced for the 2016 Summer Festival is Emmanuel Pahud. The principal flutist of the Berlin Philharmonic, Mr. Pahud received his appointment from Claudio Abbado at the age of 22. Highly regarded as one of the
Todd Rosenberg
S A N TA B A R B A R A , C A L I F O R N I A
Matthew Aucoin
Alan Gilbert
world’s best flutists, he is also known for his ability to play diverse styles of music, including baroque, jazz, and contemporary music. Mr. Pahud’s residence at the Academy will include a recital, masterclass, and private lessons for the flute fellows.
Chris Lee
Music Academy Doors Wide Open “Through the hard work and ingenuity of the Music Academy’s board and staff, one of the world’s great orchestra’s became, for a night at least, the center of attention for a truly democratic crowd composed not just of veteran Music Academy subscribers, but of average Santa Barbarans of every age and level of interest” Santa Barbara Independent T H E M U S I C AC A D E M Y is passionate about cultivating audiences for classical music. “We threw open our doors last summer, and our community responded,” said President and CEO Scott Reed. “We saw record numbers of visitors at our Academy Open House, sold 6,500 $10 subsidized tickets, and welcomed 500 young people ages 7-17 for free to our events. Our most memorable performance of the summer was the New York Philharmonic concert for 4,500 people, that helped us welcome
New York Philharmonic Santa Barbara Bowl debut
many new audience members to hear about our program. Live streaming also opened doors. 1,746 unique viewers from 47 countries watched live streamed events during the 2015 Summer Festival. An additional 22,000 viewers from 107 countries have watched the videos, that are available at musicacademy.org.
Philip Channing
Scott Reed, President and CEO
Jan 2-12, 2016 Global Academy Scott A. Mount
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
The 68th Summer School
and Festival was our most ambitious yet. Our fellows took part in nearly 200 events, enjoyed by an audience with a total attendance of 38,802, an increase of 18% over last year. Our initiatives to foster greater community involvement were a huge success, especially the memorable New York Philharmonic concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl. The entertaining program was sold out six weeks in advance. It was hailed by the Santa Barbara Independent as, “one of the most exciting and exotic spectacles yet in Bowl History.” The performance was a true community celebration of our ongoing partnership with the venerable orchestra. The renovation of the Marilyn Horne Main House is on track and ready to shine when the 2016 fellows arrive. The Met: Live in HD continues on at Hahn Hall during the construction. Join us for an incredible visual and aural experience as part of the Metropolitan Opera’s global audience. Looking ahead to next season, we are planning a program that will maintain and burnish the Music Academy of the West’s reputation as the top summer school and festival training classical musicians. We are proud to announce that the residential campus will be moved to Westmont College in 2016. It is only 3.5 miles from our Miraflores campus, saving much time in transportation for our fellows. The beautiful collegiate campus offers Steinway pianos and excellent facilities for our Voice Program. Thank you all for your unwavering support. I encourage you to even further engage with the Music Academy family, reaping the benefits of music and friendships for life.
Carl Anderson (double bass), Benjamin Hoffman (violin), Maki Kubota (cello), Nikolette LaBonte (horn), José Martínez (tuba), Rebecca Reale (violin), Rainer Saville (trumpet), Samuel Sparrow (clarinet), Mark Teplitsky (flute), Naho Zhu (bassoon)
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usic Academy instrumentalists selected for the second year of the Global Academy, a 10-day immersion program, will be busy training alongside Philharmonic musicians in New York City in January. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for them. In the words of Anthony Bellino, 2015 Zarin Mehta Fellow, “playing with the New York Philharmonic was inspiring and intimidating in a way, so the first time walking on stage on Avery Fisher, seeing my seat next to the other members of the trumpet section; it was so unreal for me I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time.” This program is part of the partnership between the
Music Academy of the West and the New York Philharmonic, made possible thanks to the generosity of Lead Sponsors Linda and Michael Keston. The four-year partnership, which began in the summer of 2014, combines training of Music Academy fellows by Philharmonic musicians; biennial performances by the Philharmonic at the Music Academy Summer Festival; and Academy Festival Orchestra performances at Music Academy Summer Festivals led by Alan Gilbert. Thirteen New York Philharmonic musicians are alumni of the Music Academy, including the orchestra’s new Concertmaster, Frank Huang.
The Met: Live in HD at Hahn Hall More than 30 Academy Alumni on the roster this season he Music Academy of the West has raised the curtain on the Met: Live in HD’s tenth anniversary season with 10 live performances, and 10 encore screenings, including six new productions that will continue through May 15, 2016. Filmed in high definition, ranging from rarely performed masterpieces to audience favorites, the 2015-16 season features the world’s greatest singers and conductors. More than 30 of our alumni are in the Met Opera's orchestra and on the vocal roster. Further details and tickets are available online at musicacademy.org.
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Verdi’s Otello, Oct. 17 and Nov. 1
A Letter from the Chair hope you enjoyed the 2015 Summer Festival as much as I did. From the outstanding performances of Cinderella to the energizing Picnic Concerts at Hahn Hall, there was a lot of great music making going on in Santa Barbara! The new faces that appeared and the impeccable programming made it one of my favorite festivals so far. Our Finale Campaign has had incredible momentum. $12.7 million has been raised since January 2015, with a total goal of $17.5 million needed to raise, to renovate and expand the Academy’s world-class facilities. The seismic retrofit and historically-informed renovation of the Marilyn Horne Main House began in August. It will be a stunning transformation that will include structural and interior improvements that will greatly enhance the training and performance program for next year’s festival and the years to come. The second part of the project is on
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the horizon; a new teaching studio building will be constructed after the 2016 Summer Festival, if funding benchmarks are met. More hard work is needed to raise the remaining $4.8 million to complete the entire project, incorporating an instrument fund and maintenance endowment. We thank two volunteer leaders, former Board Chair Sharon Westby, who helped us launch the Finale Campaign and project, and Sustaining Board member John Burgee, who continues his work with our architects as an advisor. I am looking forward to seeing our second group of fellows participate in the New York Philharmonic’s Global Academy in January. It is a proud moment for the Music Academy when they take the stage at Lincoln Center. We truly appreciate your support of the Music Academy.
Margaret L. Cafarelli, Chair, Board of Directors
2015 Fellows by the Numbers In 2015, the Music Academy achieved an all-time high record number of 1,838 applications. 140 exceptional musicians were selected for the program from 16 states, 7 countries, and 50 conservatories, colleges, and universities. There were 19 countries of origin represented, including Brazil, Latvia, and Turkey. Fellows came to study in Santa Barbara from as far away as Poland and Australia. The most fellows attending from one school were from Juilliard. Our 2016 application process is already underway, with auditions upcoming in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, Houston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Boston, and London.
1,838 total applicants
140 fellows 19 countries of origin represented
23 is the average age 27 returning alumni 80 males 60 females
Help Us Provide 140 Full Scholarships! Free Yourself of an Unwanted Vehicle Donating a vehicle in support of the Music Academy’s full-scholarship program has never been easier. In 2015, the recipient of a full scholarship raised through vehicle donations was Dawoon Chung, a student at USC from South Korea. She wrote in thanks, “I couldn’t have done this without your support.” Our partner, CARS (Charitable Auto Resources Inc.), handles all of the details associated with your tax-deductible donation, and will even accept non-running vehicles. To learn more, please call 855-500-7433 or visit musicacademy.org/car-donations.
Shop Sustainably, Support Fellows The public is cordially invited to shop Tuesday through Saturdays from Noon to 3 pm, at two lovely resale boutiques, The Rack and the Treasure House, on our beautiful campus at 1070 Fairway Road. The Rack sells fine quality resale designer and clothing, and more, at reasonable prices. At the Treasure House you will discover antiques, china, silver and other fabulous items. Show this newsletter at either shop for a 20% discount any time (not including consignments). The Rack and the Treasure House always accept donations to replenish their inventory. Donations are accepted during regular business hours. Proceeds from sales benefit the Music Academy’s full-scholarship program.
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STAFF NEWS
“Joining the orchestra were 10 instrumentalists from the Music Academy of the West, in Santa Barbara, Calif., a prestigious summer institute for student musicians. These players are taking part in the Philharmonic’s new partnership with that institution, the Global Academy Fellowship Program.”
Lauren Beattie has joined the Institutional Advancement department in August as the Director of Special Events. An experienced event planner, Lauren is from London, England. She relocated to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles over the summer.
“For several summer weeks each year, the mighty Music Academy of the West blows through town and makes Santa Barbara a thrilling, internationally-plugged-in and enlightening place to be for classical music fans.”
Anthony Paggett, Artistic Administrator, joined the Artistic Operations department in April, working closely with fellows and faculty during the Festival. Anthony joined us from New York City, where he was most recently working at Symphony Space.
“Circa 2015, the Music Academy of the West seems to be in the midst of an upsurge and expansion, in terms of bolstering what it offers – in educational and public performance terms – and extending its international reputation as a summer program, way out west, which ranks with the likes of established American programs at Aspen and Tanglewood”
Jonathan Steiner has been promoted to the position of Vice President of Operations and CFO. Congratulations, Jon!
“The arrangement, borne of a four-year partnership that began last year, lends the star power of a major orchestra [New York Philharmonic] to the Music Academy’s annual program and festival.”
22 Golf Invitational Tees Off on October 26 nd
Co-Chair. Gregg Foster, Co-Chair, said, “We’re grateful to all our sponsors and to the Women’s Auxiliary, who will be there to assist us out on the course.” Highlights of the Invitational will include a luncheon, 18 holes of golf, cocktails by the green, and the gala awards dinner and performance by Academy alumnae violinists Les Deux, Chelsea Starbuck Smith (’13-’14) and Clare Elena Semes (’13), who just performed the national anthem for a Mets baseball game in New York last month.
Golf Invitational Co-Chairs Gregg Foster and Board member David Bradford
benefit for the Music Academy’s full-scholarship program, the Santa Barbara Golf Invitational will take place on Monday, October 26 at Birnam Wood Golf Club. “We’re really excited that we’re approaching a full field – a maximum of 80 golfers, and even more people for the dinner and alumni performance in the evening,” said David Bradford, Academy Board member and event
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Many thanks go to our generous sponsors: Title Sponsor: Madelyn and Gregg Foster Corporate Sponsor: Frank Schipper Construction Co. Tournament Sponsor: Engel & Völkers Dinner Sponsor: Whittier Trust Luncheon Sponsor: Sharon and David Bradford and Judy and Ernie Getto Artist Sponsor: Bernard Gondos 19th Hole Sponsor: Robin Schutte Awards Sponsor: Nicole and Steve McHugh To join the fun as a golfer, or to attend the gala awards dinner and performance, please call Lauren Beattie, Director of Special Events, at 805-695-7917.
2015 Compeer Thank You Many thanks to our generous Compeers for making fellows feel at home and for showing their commitment to creating the next generation of great classical musicians. Compeers ensure that this art form will endure, enriching their own lives in the process. 2015 fellow, cellist Natania Hoffman, Compeer Lorna Hedges with shared that, “The Compeer Program fellow Natalie Hoe really sets the Music Academy apart. I think that it is wonderful to have met my personal Compeers, and I feel like they are going to be friends, friends for life.”
How it Works Music Academy fellows are matched in one-on-one friendships with Academy patrons, or Compeers, fostering an intimate community that breaks down the barrier of the stage between performers and audiences, making the festival experience much more meaningful for everyone involved. The Music Academy provides housing and meals for all fellows. For more information, contact
[email protected], call 805-695-7923 or visit musicacademy.org.
Opera Australia, Georges Antoni
Stacey Alleaume
Adam Fisher (’11 and ’12) as Normanno. … Violist John Stulz (’07 and ’08) has recently joined Ensemble InterContemporain, a Paris-based ensemble. … Logan Chopyk (’11) won the 2nd trombone position at the San Diego Symphony. … Joseph Peterson (’15) has a one year appointment as 2nd trombonist with the Charlotte Symphony. … Gabriel Roberson (’15) has been named bass trombonist with the Naples Philharmonic. … Nikki LaBonte (’14 and ’15) has joined the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as Acting Assistant Principal Horn. … Karl Fenner (’06), double bass, has won a position in the Atlanta Symphony. … Kevin Ahfat (’14) has won the first Seattle International Piano Competition. He earned a $10,000 prize, and the opportunity to perform with the Seattle Symphony on their opening night. … Matthew Decker (’12 and ’13) just won the 3rd percussion/assistant timpani position with the Seattle Symphony. Follow us on Facebook for real-time alumni news.
Have alumni news to share? Email us at
[email protected]
Dario Acosta
ALUMNI NEWS
Soprano Stacey Alleaume (’15) will sing the lead role of Leila in The Pearlfishers at the Sydney Opera house. … Luca Buratto (’15) has won the Honens Piano Competition, representing a career development program worth over $500,000 dollars, and $100,000 Canadian as a cash award. … Catherine Chen (’14) joined the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as Associate Principal Bassoon. … Keith Buncke (’13) has been appointed Principal Bassoonist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. …Pianist Michah McLaurin (’14) was named one of the two winners of the 2016 Gilmore Young Artist Award. … Conductor Speranza Scapucci (’96) led the Santa Fe Opera production of La Fille du Regiment in August. … Cellist Fabien Genthialon (’13) has won the position of assistant principal in the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra of Spain. … Andrea Jarrett (’10, ’11, ’14) has been appointed as a new violinist in the St. Louis Symphony. … Soprano Julie Adams (’13), tenor Benjamin Bliss (’12), and bass-baritone Brandon Cedel (’10 and ’11) were awarded 2015 Richard Tucker Music Foundation Grants. Julie Adams also won the Elizabeth Connell Competition in Sydney, Australia: $20,000 and an audition at the Royal Opera House in London. … Aubrey Foard (’05-’07) has won the permanent principal tuba chair with the Britt Festival Orchestra. … Violinist Zeyu Victor Li (’14) won first prize at the 19th annual Schadt String Competition in Pennsylvania. Violinist Clare Elena Semes (’13) won second prize. … Alumni Bruno Lourensetto (’12), trumpet, and Camilla Barrientos (’11 and ’12), clarinet, founders and artistic directors of The Bolivian Chamber Music Society, have completed a successful $5,000 crowdfunding campaign for the support of a new education program for talented young musicians. … Edmonton Opera's production of Lucia di Lammermoor featured Simone Osborne (’08, ’09, and ’11) as Lucia, Megan Latham (’02 and ’03) as Alisa, and
Horne Competition Winners National Tour Alden Gatt and Benjamin Dickerson
Baritone Benjamin Dickerson and pianist Alden Gatt, winners of this past summer’s Marilyn Horne Song Competition, will be touring the United States in 2016. Their national tour begins here in Santa Barbara at Hahn Hall, then goes to Dallas, in a co-presentation with the Dallas Opera, and will move on to New York City, for a performance at the Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, in partnership with WQXR, the city’s classical music station. Winners of the Competition are each awarded the $3,000 Regina Roney Prize, a career-consulting session with New York’s 21C Media Group, and professional photos.
SAVE THE DATES JUNE 13 – AUGUST 6
2016 SUMMER FESTIVAL
MUSICACADEMY.ORG
C O U N C I L S P OT L I G H T
2016 Live Vocal Auditions Sunday, December 6, 2 pm Be among the first to see the world’s most talented young singers vying for 23 positions in the Academy’s internationally renowned Voice Program. Applicants will perform live for Marilyn Horne and other Academy faculty artists. This is a unique opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the audition process and a preview of some of the talented singers you could be hearing during the 2016 Summer School & Festival. (Reserved for donors who contribute $1,000 or more) For more information, please call 805-695-7918. Personal invitations will be mailed prior to each event. Donor-Exclusive CD Available FESTIVAL Donors who contribute HIGHLIGHTS $250 or more to the Music Academy’s annual fund will receive a limited-edition compact disc featuring live recordings from the 2015 Summer Festival. Music selections on this year’s donor-exclusive CD include Ravel’s Boléro, works from Rossini’s Cinderella, and a movement from Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. To make a secure online donation to the Music Academy today, please visit donate.musicacademy.org. ®
2015
C H R I S TO O M E Y H A S AT T E N D E D Music Academy events for years, as he’s been living in Santa Barbara for two decades. The president of an airplane and aerospace parts manufacturer based in Glendale, Chris recently joined the Council of Contributors after attending the annual Ambassador Dinner as the guest of Board Chair Marge Cafarelli. “I honestly always had it in my mind to get more involved,” Chris said. And involved, he did! He also supported a 2015 fellow, cellist Maki Kubota, with a full scholarship, and has pledged a gift to support the Academy’s Finale Campaign. “I grew up in Boston, listening to the Boston Pops, and to some extent the Symphony, but only one of my six siblings had a real interest in music. I found this to be true with Maki’s family, too – when we spoke about his background, he said he doesn’t come from a family of musicians. I find it amazing that against the odds, he has become very successful.” Chris enjoyed getting to know Maki at a Picnic Concert and may visit him if business takes him to Houston, where Maki is studying at Rice University. A favorite event for Chris has been the President’s Circle benefit of sitting on stage during Academy Festival Orchestra rehearsals. He said, “I loved it! I got to see the musicians close up, and even chatted with them during the breaks.” Chris Toomey “I’ve traditionally been more involved with education and social services,” Chris explained. “But over the years, philanthropists in Santa Barbara such as Anne and Mike Towbes and Lady Ridley-Tree have shown us how important cultural institutions are for a great community. We have this jewel, the Music Academy, sitting in our backyard and it’s quite a treat. We need to support all of these organizations that make Santa Barbara great.” For Council membership information, call Sheri Broedlow, Director of Development, at 805-695-7918.
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