Conductor’s NotesSpring is here and time to undo all the winterizing! This concert is called the “Un” Concert. Just what exactly is an “Un” Concert? As we unwind from Winter and dive into Spring I decided to choose repertoire that may help facilitate the change. All the works on the concert today are unconventional in one way or another (except for one!). We begin the concert with a conventional overture, however this one is called “Short Overture to an Unwritten Opera”. It seemed fitting. We will follow that with the “Unfinished Symphony” by Franz Schubert. That is his full Symphony No. 8 that includes movements I and II. While Schubert didn’t finish his work, another composer didn’t exactly begin his work. At least, he didn’t start with movements I and II. The work I’m referring to is Peter Schickele’s “Unbegun Symphony” with his full symphony including movements III and IV. After Schickele’s symphonic quodlibet, our journey will take us to Charles Ive’s “Unanswered Question.” This will conclude our not-so-epic “Un” concert. However, because one of our concerts falls on May the fourth. It is my obligation, on this traditionally pops concert, to present the quintessential “May the Fourth be with You” work, John Williams’ “Star Wars Suite for Orchestra.”

Musically Yours, David OertelProgram Notes: The “Un-”ConcertShort Overture to an Unwritten Opera Don Gillis (1912-1978)Don Gillis graduated from North Texas State University in 1943 with a master’s degree. He later became producer for the NBC Symphony during the tenure of Arturo Toscanini. He held several positions, both administrative and instructional at universities during his lifetime and still managed to be a prolific composer.

Through the titles of his compositions, he clearly had a delightful sense of humor. His works include: Thoughts Provoked on Becoming a Prospective Papa, Symphonic Suite; Symphony 5½, A Symphony for Fun; Intermission – Ten Minutes, Symphonic Sketch for Orchestra; Symphony X (n°10); Big D(allas); and The Secret History of the Birth of a Nation for narrator voices and orchestra – and this is just to name a few.

The work performed tonight does not necessarily have a humorous title – since there are many concert overtures with no affiliated opera. Although, one is led to believe that he never had an opera or libretto in mind and wanted to be sure everyone knew that. Gillis uses catchy rhythms with jazzy syncopations, Latin beats and clearly enjoys switching between a triple and a duple feel.

Symphony No.8 “Unfinished” Franz Schubert (1797-1828)The “Unfinished” Symphony is a work that Schubert started in 1822; he only completed the first two movements. He lived another six years and musicologists surmised that a scherzo was intended as a third movement, but was only written for piano with as few as two pages fully orchestrated. Some also guess that Schubert completed the last movement, but used it instead as incidental music to the play Rosamunde. Nonetheless, the symphony remains incomplete with only movements I and II available. The typical length of a symphony includes four movements. The second movement ends with a quiet fermata, perhaps anticlimactic for a symphony, but a conclusive silence on this unfinished work.

The Unbegun Symphony: A Quodlibet for Chamber Orchestra Peter Schickele (1935-)This work contains only two movements and are listed as “III. Minuet” and “IV. Andante – Allegro molto”. I must add that it is with great and deliberate intent that this “unbegun” work of Schickele follow the “unfinished” work of Schubert. Somehow it gives the feeling of completeness, or perhaps complete incompleteness.

The following program note was furnished by Prof. Peter Schickele [I’m not kidding, this is a directly from the conductor’s score].

“Spending, as I do, a significant part of my waking hours immersed in the music of ‘history’s most justly neglected composer’, P.D.Q. Bach (1807-1742)?, it is not surprising that some of the more salient characteristics of his music should rub off on me; among the many salient characteristics of P. D. Q. Bach’s music, perhaps the most salient of all is that characteristic which has been called ‘manic plagiarism’. Although a certain amount of plagiarism can be found in even the greatest composers, it is my embarrassing duty to warn the listener that the ‘Unbegun’ Symphony does not contain a single original theme; every melody in the entire piece seems to have been thought of previously by somebody else. I hasten to point out, however, that because of this fact, the ‘Unbegun’ Symphony is one of the most consistently inspired works in the repertoire, if I do say so myself.”

The Unanswered Question Charles Ives (1874-1954)The Unanswered Question is scored for three small ensembles playing in musical conversation with each other: a string ensemble, a solo trumpet, and a woodwind quartet. Each of the three small ensembles play independent tempos. Ives described the three ensembles with the strings representing “The Silences of the Druids – Who Know, See, and Hear Nothing.’ The Trumpet intones “The Perennial Question of Existence,” and states it in the same tone of voice each time. But the hunt for “The Invisible Answer” undertaken by the flutes [and oboes], becomes gradually more active, faster and louder through an animando to a con fuoco.” Ives continues by saying that the woodwinds, “The Fighting Answerers,” seem to realize a futility and begin to mock “The Question” – the strife is over for the moment. After they disappear, “The Question” is asked for the last time, and “The Silences” [the strings] are heard beyond in “Undisturbed Solitude.”

Star Wars: Suite for Orchestra John Williams (1932-)“The music of Star Wars is as recognizable as, well, the “Happy Birthday” song. The music of John Williams has permeated the average household with powerful and triumphant music whether it is the Star Wars opening theme, the closing ceremonial march of the Throne Room, Princess Leia’s Theme, or the dark music of The Imperial March aka Darth Vader’s Theme. We celebrate May 4th as the adopted “Star Wars Day.” For those of you new to the world of Star Wars (where have you been?), May the 4th is similar to the first part of the famous phrase, “May the Force be With You” or “May the Fourth be with you.” The music is from the original movies from the 1970s. It is what set the tone for the remaining six movies. Hold on to your seat and listen to the drama unfold!

ProgramStarlight Symphony Orchestra

David Oertel, Music Director

The “Un-”Concert

Friday, May 4thHays CISD Performing Arts Center

Sunday, May 6thWimberley First Baptist Church

Short Overture to an Unwritten Opera Don Gillis (1912-1978)

Symphony No.8 “Unfinished” Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

I. Allegro II. Adagio

The Unbegun Symphony: A Quodlibet for Chamber Orchestra Peter Schickele (1935-)

III. Minuet IV. Andante - Allegro molto

~Intermission~

The Unanswered Question Charles Ives (1874-1954)

Star Wars Suite John Williams (1932-)

I. Main Title II. Princess Leia’s Theme III. The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme) IV. Yoda’s Theme V. Throne Room & End Title

Starlight Symphony OrchestraDirector/Conductor – Dr. David Oertel Concertmaster – Jacob Simmons

FLUTE--------------------------------------------------------*Deanna Harrison Wimberley, TXLisa Gross Dripping Springs, TXPICCOLO ---------------------------------------------------Amanda Noble Austin, TXOBOE -------------------------------------------------------

* o Faith Cuminato Austin, TX*Jennifer Sanford Kyle TX Joanna Millinor Wimberley, TXCLARINET --------------------------------------------------

*Ruth Ann Tanton Dripping Springs, TXNancy Inglish Kyle, TXo+Johnny Torres Austin, TXKaren Walters Kyle, TXBASSOON -------------------------------------------------*Elaina Walzel San Marcos, TXTommy Metzger San Marcos, TXFRENCH HORN -------------------------------------------*Ivan Horne San Antonio, TX*Michelle Winn Kyle, TX Demecio Castilleja Spring Branch, TXJohn Prickett Austin, TXTRUMPET ---------------------------------------------------*Doug Eicher Austin, TXo Darrell Anglin Dripping Springs, TXWilliam Cox Johnson City, TXKadon Fontenot San Marcos, TXMichael Lehmann San Marcos, TXTROMBONE -----------------------------------------------*+Matthew Lawrence Kyle, TX Neal Mallard Wimberley, TX Jonathan Mudge Austin, TXTUBA --------------------------------------------------------*Jonathan Segovia San Antonio, TXPERCUSSION ----------------------------------------------*+Adam Miller Kyle, TX

Eric Dean Kyle, TXAngela Garza Kyle, TXGeof Sloan Austin, TXKyle Garza Austin, TXHARP--------------------------------------------------------*Johanna Hein San Marcos, TXVIOLIN I ---------------------------------------------------- +* Jacob Simmons Niederwald, TX Julie Allevato Austin, TXJerry Niemiec San Marcos, TXFidencio Solis Austin, TXSuzanne Warmack Wimberley, TXVIOLIN II ---------------------------------------------------*Pat Surguy Dripping Springs, TX Rosario Davis Fischer, TXDiedra Hoxie Austin, TXJessica Lenz Dripping Springs, TXRuth Ellen Warrick Buda, TXLiz Watts Driftwood, TXVIOLA ------------------------------------------------------*Nicole Taylor Austin, TXTiffany Hoxie Austin, TXGrace Gum Austin, TXLaura Reyes Austin, TXSusan Thurber Wimberley, TXMatthew Velasquez Austin, TXCELLO-------------------------------------------------------*+Todd Sloan Austin, TXMan May Austin, TXGraham Miller Buda, TXAlex Nghiem Austin, TXAna Roe Seguin, TXLily Roe Sequin, TXElliot Turner Austin, TXWalt Warren San Marcos, TXNeil King Austin, TXBASS --------------------------------------------------------*Andrew Rogers Hutto, TXJoel Cone Austin, TX Joseph Picardat Dripping Springs, TX

* Denotes Principal

+ Denotes Players Committee Member

o Denotes on leave

Starlight Symphony Orchestra PatronsAS OF MAY, 2018

Orchestra expenses are met by donations from our audiences and the generous support of area businesses. We gratefully acknowledge our sponsors.

S U P E R N O V A S $ 1 0 0 0 A N D U P

U N I V E R S E S $ 2 5 0 - $ 4 9 9

I N T E R G A L A C T I C S $ 5 0 0 - $ 9 9 9

G A L A X I E S $ 1 0 0 - $ 2 4 9

JJohn & Carol BenzigerRick & Joanna Millinor, Madrone Point

Properties, LLCJames & Jodi Picardat

Ed & Nancy Pier

Henry Schacht & FamilyTodd Sloan, Westbank String Shop

Lewis M SmithWimberley Community Civic Club

Wimberley Lions Club

Burleson Design Group Inc.Michael & Charlotte Caldwell

Darrell and Gwinn ChunnDick & Jane Dziezyk

Exxon MobilRobert & Mary FultonDon & Sylvia Furtick

Wellborn & Sandra Gregg

Martha Thurber & Dena Willmore (in honor of Susan Thurber)

Lynn Johnson, Cedar Stump, LPSkip & Mary Ann JorgensenJoe and Connie Maverick

Lila McCallMichael & Patricia Morgan

Jonathan M MudgeBruce Olsen & Nancy Hutson

Dr. David Sloan

Pete and Rita AndersonJudy Ansley

Martha BarchfeldClaire & Bruce BillingsleyLyle and Gerre Boardman

Jack & Lynne BozeMarlene & Bruce Bradford

Marilyn BristerJudy Carey

Douglas EicherJanice Fisher (in memory of Jack Fisher)

Barbara GallowayEva Garza-McAdams

Lydia GlisanIan & Norma Green

Tevis Grinstead & Marilee WoodMrs. H.N. Hector

Jeanie KaronNeil King Enterprises

Chris & Merry KruegerThe Leaning Pear LLC

Susan Parker LeighDavid & Cyndee Lindstrom

Judy LyonsMichael & Gayla McNeil

Peyton MillinorJanet L Nedoba

Chris & Lauren NeugebauerBetty Oertel (In memory of John Oertel)

Horace and Beverly RayJanice Rogers

Larry & Lauraine RoseGary & Cindy StadlerSteve & Susan Thurber

Robert C TullWalter & April WarrenLoyal & Anna WhiteBob & Rae Widenor

Peggy and John Wright

C O M E T S $ 5 0 - $ 9 9

S T A R S $ 2 5 - $ 4 9

Gordon ButlerGlenda & Ralph Dreyer

Kathryn W EoffJo Ann GartsideVincent GeraciJames N HallerBill & Susan Holt

Charles and Linda JennettCharlene Johnston

Martha KniesGerald Mackin

Robert & Martha McLean

John MillerPaul and Janice Prasek

Rich & Barb ShollPeggy and J.R. Snodgrass

Sandra & Jimmie StaryTexas Instruments Foundation

James & Sandra ThomasJohn & Dorothy Threeton

Robert & Grace TracyGary & Peggy Welborn

Susan WelchWomen’s Guild of Chapel in the Hills

Chris & Cathy Wuestefeld

Maurice & Juliet GuimontDell & Gerin HoodBarbara JacobsonJeannette Kramer

Vanessa Gordon Lenz & David LenzClark Lyman

Carol PetersMark & Cathy Schultz

Barbara SterlingJodi & Ron StevensonJohn & Anne Stirling

Lanny & Ruth Ann Tanton

Starlight Symphony Board of DirectorsThe Starlight Symphony Board of Directors provides leadership for each concert season.

Each member volunteers their time, efforts and support to ensure that the Starlight Symphony Orchestra presents and performs an exceptional concert season for our hill

country residents and families. Dr. David Oertel Conductor and Music Director Jacob Simmons Concertmaster Susan Thurber President and Operations Manager Wellborn Gregg Treasurer Pat Surguy Secretary and Music Librarian Barbara Sholl Historian Deanna Harrison Facilities Coordinator Michelle Winn Young Artist Coordinator Joanna Millinor Communications Coordinator Ana Roe Publicity Coordinator Suzanne Warmack Advertising Placement Coordinator Cynthia Harris Marketing Coordinator

In Appreciation...

We greatly appreciate the generous support of the individuals and groups below for their assistance in making our concerts possible.

Hays CISD Performing Arts Center - Venue & Rehearsal Space (Don Riecss, Donna Andrade, Zachary Bobrowski)

First Baptist Church, Wimberley - VenuePocketwatch Software, LLC - Website Design, Maintenance & Hosting

Steve & Susan Thurber - Storage/Transport of Starlight TrailerJacob Simmons, Luthier, for providing Dr. Oertel’s Handcrafted Baton

Starlight Symphony Orchestra Players Committee

David Bise� (Willie Clark) “I’m an actor, I have to act.” I was 4 when I was used as a prop in a joke between my rodeo announcer dad and the clown. I was made up like a clown and at the end ran out of the arena to laughter and applause. Probably only polite laughter, but enough for me to feel the pull. A few years ago dad joined me in a reader’s theater performance of giving him his fi rst inside look at my theater life. He loved it. I dedicate tonight

to my father now 88, who, while nothing like Willie, shares the same frustra� ons of a body betraying him and a world that shrinks smaller and smaller. Just for you, Dad.

Frank Follis (Al Lewis) Frank was elected judge of a criminal court in Seguin in 2002 a� er serving twenty years as an Assistant District A� orney trying felony cases. To no one’s surprise, on stage he has played a judge in T

, and . Also, he has played a lawyer in , and . He is delighted

to break out of type cas� ng to play a vaudevillian in the company of these very talented and professional Players. He is par� cularly proud of his daughter, Ellie, and son, Will, who carry on the family tradi� on of ac� ng at Seguin High School. Frank dedicates his performance to his angel and muse, MJ.

Rob Huey (Ben Silverman) Rob is a method actor who has starred in roles ranging from Laertes to Linus. His Wimberley Playhouse credits include as well as

. His recent favorite theatre credit is the lead role of C.C. Showers in where he had the pleasure of working with the talented director Milton Zoth and the Aus� n Actors Studio. Rob made his professional debut in the independent fi lm

Rob is very honored to be working with such an amazing cast, crew and director in such a terrifi c show.

VI

David Bise� (Willie Clark) “I’m an actor, I have to act.” I was 4 when I was used as a prop in a joke between my rodeo announcer dad and the clown. I was made up like a clown and at the end ran out of the arena to laughter and applause. Probably only polite laughter, but enough for me to feel the pull. A few years ago dad joined me in a reader’s theater performance of giving him his fi rst inside look at my theater life. He loved it. I dedicate tonight

to my father now 88, who, while nothing like Willie, shares the same frustra� ons of a body betraying him and a world that shrinks smaller and smaller. Just for you, Dad.

Frank Follis (Al Lewis) Frank was elected judge of a criminal court in Seguin in 2002 a� er serving twenty years as an Assistant District A� orney trying felony cases. To no one’s surprise, on stage he has played a judge in T

, and . Also, he has played a lawyer in , and . He is delighted

to break out of type cas� ng to play a vaudevillian in the company of these very talented and professional Players. He is par� cularly proud of his daughter, Ellie, and son, Will, who carry on the family tradi� on of ac� ng at Seguin High School. Frank dedicates his performance to his angel and muse, MJ.

Rob Huey (Ben Silverman) Rob is a method actor who has starred in roles ranging from Laertes to Linus. His Wimberley Playhouse credits include as well as

. His recent favorite theatre credit is the lead role of C.C. Showers in where he had the pleasure of working with the talented director Milton Zoth and the Aus� n Actors Studio. Rob made his professional debut in the independent fi lm

Rob is very honored to be working with such an amazing cast, crew and director in such a terrifi c show.

VI