Federal Way Symphony: Masterpieces from 3 Centuries – 40th Anniversary Celebration
Join us for pieces by Haydn and Dvořák, Schubert’s Symphony No. 5, and more as we celebrate the Federal Way Symphony’s 40th Anniversary! Featuring Federal Way Symphony principal flutist Kate Mondragon performing a trio of American pieces for flute and orchestra.
1:30 pm Champagne Reception
2:30 pm Concert
The Music
Divertimento in G, Hob. II:3
Franz Joseph Haydn, (1732-1809) was an Austrian composer who was one of the most important figures in the development of the Classical style in music during the 18th century. He helped establish the forms and styles for the string quartet and the symphony. More
Notturno, Op. 40
Antonín Leopold Dvořák, (1841-1904) was the first Bohemian composer to achieve worldwide recognition. Noted for turning folk material into 19thcenturyRomanticmusic, his best-known composition was his ninth symphony, better known as“From the New World,” More
Serenade for Flute, Harp and Strings
Howard Hanson, (1896-1981.) was a composer, conductor, and teacher who promoted contemporary American music and was, in his own compositions, a principal representative of the Romantic tradition. More
Nocturne for Flute, Harp and Strings
Gail Kubik (1914-1984) was a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, conductor, violinist and teacher. In addition to his works for the orchestra, he wrote film scores and was the music director of the Office of War Information during WWII. He was a sought-after teacher, joining the faculty of Monmouth College, Columbia University and USC. More
Music Director Adam Stern on his friendship with Gail Kubik:
Gail Kubikwas a dear gentleman whose friendship I enjoyed for the last few years of his too-short life. He was of the generation of American composers slightly younger than Copland, whose music is immediately discernible as American and that has its own unique sound and characteristics. Sadly, not much of Gail’s music is known and performed today. The Nocturne we are performing at this concert was originally for flute and piano (the score had gone out-of-print, and Gail gifted me a rare spare copy), and has not, as far as I know, ever been recorded; I’ve arranged the piano accompaniment for string orchestra and harp especially for this concert.
Poem for Flute and Orchestra
Charles Tomlinson Griffes (1884-1920) was an Americancomposerforpiano, chamber ensembles and voice. His initial works are influenced by Romanticism, but he later relinquished that style. His later works make him the most famous American representative of musical impressionism. More
Symphony No. 5 in B-flat
Franz Peter Schubert (1797-1828) was an Austrian composer who bridged the worlds of Classical and Romantic music. He was noted for the melody and harmony in his songs and chamber music. More
Meet Our Soloist—Kate Mondragon
Kate Mondragon is a Puget Sound area local, growing up in Puyallup, WA. After leaving for her undergraduate and graduate studies, Kate returned to the area to become a prominent private flute instructor and freelance flutist. Kate maintains a private flute studio and conducts flute clinics and sectionals for school districts throughout the region. She works with Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia, is a flute sectional coach for the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association, and is a sought-after adjudicator for solo and ensemble contests throughout the state.
Kate is the principal flute of the Federal Way Symphony, as well as the principal flute of the Bellevue Symphony. She has also performed with Symphony Tacoma, the Olympia Symphony, Lyric Opera Northwest and the Northwest Sinfonietta. She has performed in master classes with Alexa Still, Dr. Kyle Dzapo, and Ensemble Versailles.
Kate received her Bachelor of Music degree in flute performance from California State University, Long Beach and her Master of Music degree in flute performance from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her principal teachers include Dr. Richard Soule, Dr. John Barcellona and Darrin Thaves. When she is not practicing, teaching, or rehearsing, Kate enjoys running, reading, gardening & spending time with friends and family, especially her husband Steven, children Freyja and Magnus, and boxer Raven.
