Getting to Know the WSO: Meet the Eight Musicians of "April in Paris"

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In this SOLD OUT Litchfield concert, April in Paris, Circa 1926: Falling in Love with Music from the City of Lights, the Waterbury Symphony invites you on an intimate journey through this golden era, brought to life by eight exceptional musicians whose artistry captures the spirit and sophistication of the time. From the impressionistic hues of Debussy to the playful charm of Poulenc and the rhythmic vitality of Milhaud, each performance offers a distinct voice—and behind each voice, a story.

Meet the accomplished artists of this program, whose collective talent and individual careers shape an unforgettable afternoon of French masterworks.

ALYCE COGNETTA BERTZ, VIOLIN

Violinist and WSO Concertmaster, Alyce Cognetta Bertz began her musical journey at age five and has forged a uniquely personal path ever since. Balancing serious musical study with a passion for athletics in her youth, she continues to bring that same energy and independence to her playing. A devoted teacher and performer, she finds particular joy in making music with her granddaughter. For more than a decade, she has also performed at Burning Man, embracing the challenges of music-making in an unconventional setting. When not performing, she enjoys hiking, sailing, cooking, and spending time with her

growing family.

JENNIFER BERMAN, FLUTE

Flutist Jennifer Berman has been a vibrant presence in Connecticut’s musical community for decades. She serves as Assistant Principal Flute and Personnel Manager of the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, where she has performed since 1995, and is Principal Flute of the Norwalk and New Britain Symphonies. A graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts and the Manhattan School of Music, she has appeared with numerous regional ensembles and as a soloist with orchestras including Albany and New Britain. A devoted chamber musician, she performs with Harmonia V, a woodwind quintet exploring diverse repertoire. Beyond music, she enjoys reading, film, and trivia competitions.

WILLIAM BRAUN, PIANO

Pianist William Braun has enjoyed a distinguished career as both performer and writer. A longtime pianist of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist in concertos by composers ranging from Gershwin to Rózsa. He has also performed with the New World Symphony and the Florida West Coast Symphony. For two decades, he was a member of the Wall Street Chamber Players and currently teaches opera and lieder at the Hartt School. Braun is also a prolific contributor to Opera News, with more than 300 published articles. He holds a doctorate from Yale University and regularly performs in Italy during the summer season.

JIM FORGEY, CLARINET

Clarinetist Jim Forgey has been a dedicated performer and educator in Connecticut since 1992. He holds degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan and studied with noted teachers John McCaw and Kalmen Opperman. Forgey performs regularly with the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, and the Norwalk and New Britain Symphonies. His versatile career also includes appearances in Broadway touring productions such as Wicked, Ragtime, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. A former band director in Westport Public Schools for 25 years, he now resides in Hamden with his wife and their three cats.

REBECCA PATTERSON, CELLO

Cellist Rebecca Patterson is acclaimed for her “uncommonly warm and rounded tone,” as noted by The New York Times. She serves as Principal Cello of both the Waterbury and New Haven Symphony Orchestras. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the Yale School of Music, she co-founded the award-winning chamber ensemble Antares, which achieved national recognition and performed extensively for over 15 years. Patterson has been a dedicated member of the Waterbury Symphony for nearly three decades. Outside of music, she enjoys creating experiences that combine her family’s Napa Valley winemaking heritage with her passion for food and performance.

KIRSTEN PETERSON, BASSOON

Bassoonist Kirsten Peterson has been a member of the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra since 1990. Originally from Georgetown, Texas, she moved to Connecticut to study at the Yale School of Music and later earned a Ph.D. in music theory and history from the University of Connecticut. Peterson maintains an active academic career, teaching at UConn Stamford and CT State Naugatuck Valley. She is also an accomplished organist and has served as Director of Music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brookfield for over 25 years. In her free time, she enjoys British dramas, reading, and exploring Connecticut’s natural landscapes.

ERIC JOSEPH RIZZO, TRUMPET

Trumpeter Eric Joseph Rizzo is an active performer and educator based in New England. He performs with the Boston Festival Orchestra and frequently appears with regional ensembles including the Waterbury and New Bedford Symphonies. A graduate of the New England Conservatory and the Yale School of Music, he is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Connecticut. Rizzo maintains a dynamic teaching career, with positions at several schools and recent international experience in China. In addition to music, he is fluent in Mandarin and French and has completed four marathons. He joined the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra in 2023.

OLAV VAN HEZEWIJK, OBOE

Dutch-born oboist Olav Van Hezewijk is widely recognized for his refined artistry and expressive tone. A graduate of the Yale School of Music, he has built an international reputation as a principal oboist, serving with the New Haven and Waterbury Symphony Orchestras and the Colorado Music Festival. He has also appeared as guest principal with the China National Symphony Orchestra. A frequent soloist, his repertoire includes major works by Mozart, Strauss, and Sibelius. In 1984, he was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Gillet International Double Reed Competition. A longtime member of the Waterbury Symphony, he brings decades of experience to the ensemble.

MUSICAL PROGRAM:

Debussy, Syrinx (solo flute)

Jennifer Berman

Debussy, General Lavine - eccentric (cl, bsn, tpt, pno)

Jim Forgey, Kirsten Peterson, Eric Rizzo, William Braun

Franck, Violin Sonata, mvt. 4 (vln, pno)

Alyce Cognetta Bertz, William Braun

Poulenc, Trio, mvt. 2 & 3 (ob, bsn, pno)

Olav Van Hezewijk, Kirsten Peterson, William Braun

Gaubert, Aquarelles, mvt.1 (fl, vc, pno)

Jennifer Berman, Rebecca Patterson, William Braun

Honegger, Sonatine (cl, pno)

Jim Forgey, William Braun

Saint-Saëns, The Swan (vc, pno)

Rebecca Patterson, William Braun

Milhaud, Sonatine, mvt. 2 & 3 (fl, pno)

Jennifer Berman, William Braun

Ravel, Piece en forme de Habanera (bsn, pno)

Kirsten Peterson, William Braun

Martinů, La revue de cuisine (vln, vc, cl, bsn, tpt, pno)

Alyce Cognetta Bertz, Rebecca Patterson, Jim Forgey,

Kirsten Peterson, Eric Rizzo, William Braun

About the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra

Creating music since 1938, the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra’s core belief is that music, music education, and shared cultural experiences are essential for humanity. Artistically led by Music Director Leif Bjaland, now in his 31st year with the Symphony, WSO draws more than one hundred professional musicians from across New England and serves communities throughout Connecticut through performances, partnerships, and award-winning education programs.