BVSO™ PRESENTS Illuminations and Glory, November 5th!
Information courtesy of | Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra
The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra™ continues its 42nd season with a spectacular performance. Music Director Marcelo Bussiki will be joined by soprano Bethany Clearfield, soprano Bronwen Forbay, and mezzo-soprano Galina Ivannikova, as well as the Brazos Valley Chorale and Texas A&M Chamber Singers, on the Rudder Theatre stage on Sunday, November 5th, starting at 5 pm.
Before the concert, at 4 pm, the BVSO invites all concertgoers to attend a pre-concert reception with a cash bar and light appetizers. The evening has been made possible by the generous support of the Clearfield Family.
Immerse yourself in the beauty and glory of the Illuminations and Glory concert, which will feature the exceptional talents of soprano Bronwen Forbay and mezzo-soprano Galina Ivannikova. This highly anticipated concert marks a triumphant return of the long-awaited partnership between Texas A&M Choirs, Brazos Valley Chorale, and the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. Prepare to be captivated by a stunning selection of works, including the enchanting ‘Wedding Cantata’ by Bach, the mesmerizing ‘Les Illuminations’ by Benjamin Britten, and the magnificent ‘Gloria’ by Vivaldi. Additionally, the BVSO is thrilled to welcome back versatile soprano Bethany Clearfield, whose seamless artistry effortlessly bridges jazz, classical, and contemporary repertoire. Join us for this unforgettable performance as we celebrate the collective brilliance of these remarkable artists.
Bethany Clearfield: With a voice hailed as “gloriously pealing” by the Chicago Tribune and described as “gleaming shafts of hopeful light” by the Chicago Classical Review, international soprano Bethany Clearfield endeavors to enchant audiences with each performance. Clearfield, a jazz studies graduate from Roosevelt University in Chicago and a masters holder from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland, boasts over a decade of solo and ensemble experience, including prestigious groups like Grant Park Chorus and Chicago Symphony Chorus. She’s featured on numerous recordings and engages in new music projects, composing for bands like Outertown. Clearfield’s recent highlights include solo performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Grant Park Music Festival, earning acclaim from critics. She’s also a dedicated educator, having collaborated with various programs to share her passion for singing. Based in Marseille, France, Clearfield eagerly anticipates her return to the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, following a successful performance during the 2022-23 season. When not performing, she can be found composing and enjoying the Mediterranean Sea.
Bronwen Forbay: Hailed by Opera Magazine as “powerful, radiant, timbrally beautiful, and balanced throughout the range,” Durban-born South African Fulbrighter Dr. Bronwen Forbay has achieved operatic acclaim with notable roles like Mozart’s Queen of the Night. Her performances have garnered critical praise from esteemed companies. As a soloist, she has graced stages worldwide, interpreting both classical and contemporary compositions. Dr. Forbay, an accomplished educator, holds multiple degrees and is the first South African woman to earn a DMA in Voice Performance. She is actively engaged in various professional organizations and has contributed significantly to voice education and research. Currently, an Associate Professor of Voice at Furman University, Dr. Forbay’s research focuses on DEI in Afrikaans Art Song Literature, with notable publications and forthcoming works on the subject.
Galina Ivannikova: Ukrainian-American dramatic mezzo-soprano Galina Ivannikova commands attention for her resonant voice and compelling dramatic interpretations. Critic Bruce Michael Gelbert of NY Art Review lauds her “ruby” timbre and powerful emotional delivery, reminiscent of the Golden Age tradition. Ivannikova remained active during the pandemic, engaging in online concerts, competitions judging, and recording contemporary compositions. Her repertoire spans renowned roles from Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde to Verdi’s Aida, showcasing her versatility and artistry. With a wealth of acclaimed performances and a rich vocal range, Ivannikova continues to leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
Thomas Gerber, conductor of the Brazos Valley Chorale and Texas A&M Chamber Singers:
Thomas Gerber, Assistant Director of Choral Activities at Texas A&M University, leads the Brazos Valley Chorale and Texas A&M Chamber Singers. Originally from Austin, Minnesota, Gerber’s career is marked by achievements in both educational and professional settings. He directed choirs at Bishop England High School, overseeing their Carnegie Hall debut and contributing to notable productions. Gerber’s role extended to the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chorus, where he prepared annual performances, including Handel’s Messiah and a collaboration with the Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series. His academic journey includes studies at Luther College, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and the University of North Texas. Passionate about inclusivity, Gerber strives to expand choral participation and foster community through music. Beyond his musical pursuits, he enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his dog, Chloe.
What: “Illuminations and Glory!”
When: Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Where: Rudder Theatre, Texas A&M Campus
Guest Artists: Bethany Clearfield, Soprano
Bronwen Forbay, Soprano
Galina Ivannikova, Mezzo-Soprano
Texas A&M Chamber Singers
Brazos Valley Chorale
Program:
Bach: Wedding Cantata
Benjamin Britten: Les Illuminations
Antonio Vivaldi: Gloria in D Major RV 589
Concert Sponsor: The Clearfield Family
This concert will be General Admission, patrons can purchase their seats via the MSC Box Office website at boxoffice.tamu.edu or by calling 979-845-1234. Tickets for this event and $55 for adults, $10 for students and children 18 years and younger. Box office processing fees will apply. All programs are subject to change. Please contact the Symphony Office with any further questions.
About the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra: The BVSO™ is a non-profit performing arts organization with the mission to maintain a symphony of high artistic standards, and to promote the musical arts for cultural and education purposes in the Brazos Valley. For more information about the Symphony, please visit the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra Website at www.bvso.org.
The Brazos Valley Symphony Society wishes to recognize and thank our programming sponsors, grant funding providers, and charitable trust contributors:
The Clearfield Family, the Gilbert & Thyra Plass Charitable Trust, The Ham Family Trust, The Rea Charitable Trust, Amarillo National Bank, Becky & B. Don Russell, and Dreamers Land & Minerals, Inc.
This program made possible in part through Hotel Tax Revenue funded from the City of College Station and the City of Bryan through The Arts Council. This project is also supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
These In-Kind supporters provide valuable media partnership, thank you to:
