Robert J. Seebacher, guest conductor
Jonathan Holden, clarinet
Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 2:30 pm
Saenger Theatre
This concert, including intermission, is approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes.
PROGRAM
Leoš Janáček: Lachlan Dances
(1854-1928)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Clarinet Concerto, A major, K. 622
(1756-1791)
Jonathan Holden, clarinet
INTERMISSION
Antonín Dvořák: Symphony No. 8, G major, Op. 88
(1841-1904)
Our Guest Conductor
Robert J. Seebacher
Mobile audiences know Robert J. Seebacher for his years as music director of the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra, and we’re happy to welcome him back as guest conductor for this amazing concert.
Dr. Seebacher is Music Director and Conductor of the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra in Tennessee, Marlene and David Grissom Associate Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Programs at Centre College, and Assistant Conductor of the National Chorale in New York. Previously, he was Director of Orchestras and conductor of opera at the University of South Alabama and Music Director of the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra. He has appeared with the Lexington Philharmonic, Youngstown Symphony, Salt Lake Symphony, Warren Philharmonic, and Mobile Symphony Orchestras.
He has conducted numerous All-State and Honors Orchestras and Bands in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Alabama. His guest artist collaborations have included those with Chee-Yun, Béla Fleck, Mark O’Connor, Midori, The Harlem Quartet, The Canadian Brass, Arlo Guthrie, Lynn Harrell, Bella Hristova, David Ludwig, Joseph Schwantner, Valentina Lisitsa, Gregory Turay, Billy McLaughlin, Tessa Lark, Reggie Smith, and Melissa White.
For the past 18 years, Dr. Seebacher has been the Assistant Conductor for the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre’s summer production of “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,” which recently won two regional Emmy awards.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education (cum laude) from Youngstown State University, a master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting from Bowling Green State University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Kentucky.
Dr. Seebacher has participated in training workshops at The Cleveland Institute of Music and The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at the University of Michigan. He conducted the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra as part of their inaugural conducting symposium. Festival Orchestras.
Comments from our Guest Conductor and Program Notes will be added soon.
Our Guest Artist
Jonathan Holden, clarinet
Jonathan Holden is Principal Clarinetist of the Mobile Symphony. He is also Associate Professor of Clarinet at Florida State University, Principal Clarinetist of the West Michigan Symphony and a member of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. A frequent guest of numerous orchestras, he has performed with ensembles such as the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Baton Rouge and Lansing symphony orchestras, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and the Sarasota Orchestra. He is a founding member of the Vireo Ensemble (clarinet, violin, cello, piano) and the Argot Trio (clarinet, violin, piano).
Holden is an ardent soloist and chamber music collaborator. He has made guest appearances with ensembles such as the Degas, Ciompi and Voxare string quartets and has performed as a soloist and chamber musician by invitation of the British Clarinet Congress, Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium, College Music Society, Music Teachers National Association, Festival South, Festival Contempoaneo (Brazil), Alfredo de Saint Malo Festival (Panama), Chamber Music Wilmington, American Music Festival and Saugatuck Chamber Music Festival. He has given performances, clinics and masterclasses at collegiate establishments in the US and overseas including Vanderbilt, Michigan State University, the national conservatories of Panama and Paris and the universities of Memphis, Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas and Rio de Janeiro.
A proponent of new chamber music, Holden’s latest work with the Argot Trio has yielded notable fundraising success and the commissioning of several new trios to be included on a forthcoming CD, Made in Mississippi, featuring works inspired by the birthplace of America’s music. Contributing composers include Luigi Zaninelli, Michael Burns, Alan Theisen and James Sclater. The Argot Trio’s recording of a new work by Steven Holochwost was released in 2013 on the Albany label. Holden has also prepared and performed works for composers Bright Sheng, Peter Sculthorpe, Ricardo Tacuchian and Judith Zaimont.
Jonathan Holden received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Michigan State University where he studied with eminent soloist and chamber musician Dr. Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr, as well as Nathan Williams and Theodore Oien. He received his BM and MM performance degrees from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama under Joy Farrall, Andrew Webster and celebrated recording artist Dame Thea King.
TakeNote! Learn More, Enjoy More
Enhance your concert experience with Take-Note! Join music experts and explore the world of classical music from an in-depth perspective. This informative pre-concert talk begins at 6:30 p.m. before Saturday classical performances and 1:30 p.m. before Sunday classical performances in Room 1927 adjacent to the Saenger entrance on Joachim Street.
Bring the kids for FREE on Sunday!
Through MSO’s Big Red Ticket program, sponsored by Alabama Power Foundation and the Figures Foundation, students in grades K-12 can attend any classical Sunday matinee FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. It’s a great cultural opportunity and an amazing concert experience! Seats are limited, so please purchase tickets by phone at (251)432-2010. Please no children under 5 and no babies in arms. Want to bring a student on a Saturday? Student tickets are just $10.