A Message from Executive Director
Steven P. Haines
I want to extend a very Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to all of our Symphony of the Americas supporters. Your generosity and enthusiasm for music is what keeps Pablo, the musicians, and the staff invigorated and moving forward with a renewed spirit.
As you have heard me say from the stage, “The Music Has Spoken.” Symphony of the Americas has reached a new era – Pablo and the musicians are making beautiful music – and you are taking notice. Your renewed energy and interest in Symphony of the Americas has been heard, loud and clear! We are reaching new audiences, and people are returning to hear for themselves.
We are reaching a new era of growth, and I personally thank you for your support. Music is vital, and the shared experiences of attending The Symphony confirm our partnership with you! There is nothing like attending a Symphony of the Americas performance – from the swell of the strings, the richness of the winds, the roar of the brass, and thunder of the percussion – it truly is, an experience not to miss.
During the Holiday Season, I wish the best to you, your family and friends. Keep the music playing!
We look forward to continuing to share our beautiful music with you, because after all, we are In concert with you!
See You at The Symphony!
Steven P. Haines
Executive Director
Pablo’s Pitch
On January 10th, we present The Father of the Symphony, Franz-Joseph Haydn. Haydn composed more than one hundred symphonies in his lifetime which is incredibly remarkable. For me, I’m always honored to present the works of this composer who changed the history of music by forming the modern day symphony.
There is nothing more interesting for a conductor than to share a concerto with members of the orchestra. In this case, led by our Concertmaster Scott Flavin, we present principal oboist, Robert Weiner, our new principal cellist, Aaron Merritt, and a fantastic young promise of the bassoon, Ethan Shuler. This foursome is a combination of excellence, experience, future and incredible talent.
We start with Il Mondo della Luna Overture, Hob. XXVIII:7 (The World On The Moon), a little piece of fantastic music like a sliver of chocolate that blooms in your mouth and is so full of flavor!
Symphony Concertante follows with our four soloists on violin, cello, oboe and bassoon in B-flat major, Hob. I:105.
Finally, we end the program with one of his best symphonies, Symphony No. 101 in D major, Hob. I:101, The Clock, with its mesmerizing tick, tick, reminiscent of a ticking clock that lulls you into the sounds and elevates the music to a whole new level.
I know you will be as enchanted as I am with the work of Haydn and your Symphony representing these great works.
I hope to see you there!
Fun Fact:
Haydn was a friend and mentor of Mozart and a tutor of Beethoven.
The Father of the Symphony – Franz-Joseph
Form, style, and substance – Haydn didn’t just use these musical tools, he is considered the father of the symphony orchestra. Haydn’s unquestioned creative genius was the foundation for all symphonic composers for the future. The creator of the classical era, his influence on other masters like Beethoven and Mozart is unrivaled.
PROGRAM
Franz-Joseph Haydn – Il Mondo della Luna Overture, Hob. XXVIII:7
(The World On The Moon)
Franz-Joseph Haydn – Sinfonia Concertante for violin, cello, oboe and bassoon in B-flat major, Hob. I:105
Soloists:
Scott Flavin, violin – Concertmaster, Symphony of the Americas
Aaron Merritt, cello
Robert Weiner, oboe
Ethan Shuler, bassoon
——
Franz-Joseph Haydn – Symphony No. 101 in D major, Hob. I:101
January Guest Artists
Scott Flavin, Concertmaster Violin
Scott Flavin is a professor of violin, conducting, and chamber music at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. Flavin was appointed concertmaster of Symphony of the Americas in 2022. He is also Resident Conductor of The Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra and Associate Conductor for Eastern Music Festival.
Robert Weiner, Principal Oboe
Robert Weiner joined The Symphony of the Americas as Principal Oboist in the Fall of 2022. He has been the Professor of Oboe at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music since 1998. Additionally, he has performed as Guest Principal Oboe with the St. Louis Symphony, Florida Philharmonic and New York City Ballet Orchestra, among others.
Aaron Merritt, Principal Cello
Aaron is currently the principal cello for Symphony of the Americas and performs with Miami’s Nu-Deco Ensemble, the Palm Beach Opera, and the Naples Philharmonic, and has performed with the Florida Grand Opera and New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas from 2004-2008.
Ethan Shuler, Guest Soloist Bassoon
Bassoonist Ethan Shuler graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder in May of 2020. At CU, Ethan studied music performance and computer science, graduating with highest honors. Shuler is also an active member of the International Double Reed Society.
Upcoming Symphony Events
Symphony Series 2023
January 10 – Haydn with Scott Flavin, Robert Weiner, Aaron Merritt & Ethan Shuler February 21 – Copland & Piazzolla March 14 – Sondheim with Liz Callaway April 11 – Falla & Rodrigo with Rafael Aguirre May 9 – Schumann & Brahms with Sergei Babayan |
Content Courtesy of Symphony of the Americas
