Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra • A Tale of Two Seasons

The Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra (SBSO) is ambitiously expanding its reach while also evolving their programming as they kick-off their 89th season, featuring an expanded lineup of six meticulously structured concerts, up from the previous five, packaged thematically to deliver an exhilarating mix of classical masterpieces, contemporary works, and festive favorites that will delight audiences of all ages.

In addition to the expanded line-up, for their 2024-25 season the SBSO is also introducing  a unique dual series format, with two concerts hosted at the Malcolm Field Theatre at Saginaw Valley State University, forming the "University Series," and four concerts at the historic Temple Theatre, forming the "Temple Theatre Series."  According the SBSO’s Arika Massey, “This exciting new dual series structure aims to reach a broader audience and provide diverse musical experiences in two distinct and beloved venues.”

Kicking off the new University Series on Saturday, September 21st, at Malcolm Field Theatre  is "Beethoven's First," in a program that will also be featuring contemporary composer Phillip Glass's "Company," Haydn's Trumpet Concerto with guest artist George Goad, and expansive beauty of  Beethoven's Symphony No. 1.

According to SBSO Maestro Fouad Fakhouri, for this debut season kick-off performance at SVSU he wanted to program music that would be exciting for the audience season-opener, but also music that would be familiar to the orchestra and easily adjusted. “Because we haven't  performed in that theater, if we run into acoustic issues with that space,  the familiarity of these pieces with the musicians will afford us the ability to make corrections more quickly, so we can adjust acoustically to give the audience a good product.”

Given the early classical nature of early Haydn & Beethoven contained in this season opener, I’m curious as to why the Maestro decided to include a piece by contemporary avant-garde composer Phillip Glass in the program.  “That’s true Glass made a name for himself in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, and he writes very minimalist music,” explains Fakhouri. “He creates these motifs or ideas and then repeats them over and over, gradually altering them throughout the piece.”

“With this composition of his titled Company that we’ll be performing, its strictly a string quartet piece, so there will be no brass. What’s interesting is how the repetition in this piece does not sound complicated, but after studying the core I realized about 6 pages into this 13-minute piece that what Glass does is build the piece by having 4-bar or eight measured phrases, only they start to shift between Point A and B, so while the ideas sound repetitive, you never hear the music shifting. Each time you listen there’s something ever so slightly different unfolding, and it’s really a great piece.  Part of the reason I selected it is because it contrasts with everything else we’re doing in this program.”

The Importance & Beauty of Beethoven’s 1st

When asked how he views the merits of Beethoven’s first symphony when contrasted against the incredible legacy of his symphonic masterpieces, Fakhouri says he finds it immensely interesting. “For me personally it’s one of the earliest works I ever conducted,” he reflects. “I conducted it publicly when I was 20-years old and studied it significantly with my teacher, spending a lot of time on this piece.  I think Beethoven is such a great composer that even his earliest works are well designed and crafted. If you view his work in terms of progression, the difference the 1^st and 3^rd and 5^th Symphony, which is his most famous, is significant and huge.”

“This first symphony is more classically oriented and looks to Haydn more than the Romanticism of his later career, but even the fact this piece is classically oriented you can tell and hear how Beethoven is venturing into the musical territory that we love about him today.”

The background on Beethoven’s 1^st Symphony is an intriguing tale. By his early 20s, Beethoven moved to Vienna, the heart of the music world at the time. Here, he studied under the great composer Joseph Haydn, who had a profound influence on him.

But Beethoven wasn’t just a student who followed in his teacher’s footsteps—he was an innovator. He absorbed the lessons from Haydn and Mozart but soon began to develop his own unique style, one that would push the boundaries of what was considered classical music. It was during this exciting period of growth and learning that Beethoven composed his Symphony No. 1. 

So why should you take the time to listen to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1? "First, it’s a wonderful introduction to Beethoven’s early style and provides insight into how he began to break away from the conventions of his time. Listening to this symphony allows you to hear the seeds of innovation that would later blossom in his more famous works. It’s also a delightful piece of music in its own right—full of energy, humor, and beautiful melodies. Whether you’re a seasoned classical music fan or just beginning your exploration of this genre, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 offers something to enjoy."

"Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major is more than just his first attempt at a symphony—it’s a work that stands proudly on its own. Through this piece, Beethoven showed the world that he was ready to not only honor the musical traditions of the past but also to push beyond them. As we listen to this symphony today, we can appreciate it as the starting point of a remarkable journey, one that would forever change the landscape of Western classical music."

A Tale of Two Seasons

The second concert in this series, "Back Home with Kevin Cole," will be held on Saturday, March 1st. Considered the bet George Gershwin pianist in America today, Kevin returns back home to the Great Lakes Bay Region to perform the world premier of his latest tour with the SBSO, including 'Taking Chances on You, a piece Cole wrote with an Ira Gerswhin lyric. This piece is the first time the Gerswhin family has approved a new piece with Ira's lyrics since his death, and the world-premiere of Cole's latest piece, Cole Porter Medley.

The Temple Theatre Series begins with "Green VS Blue: The Tailgate Concert Experience" on Friday, October 25th. This concert features Catherine McMichael's "Celestial Navigation," Rouse’s Symphony No. 1, Copland's "Lincoln Portrait" narrated by Art Lewis, and Michael Torke’s "Green" and "Bright Blue Music."

On Tuesday, December 10^th the "Holiday: All The Way" concert will delight audiences with Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring," Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers," Tyzik’s "Nutcracker Mini Jazz Suite," and a festive sing-along to Anderson’s "A Christmas Festival," featuring guest artist Michael Brush and his band.

On Saturday, February 8^th,  "Symphonie Fantastique" will captivate concertgoers with Wagner's "Rienzi Overture," Ginastera's Harp Concerto featuring guest artist Jaymee Haeffner, and Berlioz’s "Symphonie fantastique."

The Temple Theatre Series concludes with "The Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius" on Saturday, April 19^th. This concert will showcase Beethoven's "Egmont Overture," Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3, and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5, featuring special guest Elizabeth Pitcairn performing on the world-famous 'Red Mendelssohn' Stradivarius.

For more information about the upcoming season or to purchase season tickets as well as single tickets, please visit saginawbayorchestra.com or contact the SBSO Office at (989) 755-6471 ext. 2.