Still basking in the glow of Saturday’s wonderful concert with the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra. My biggest thanks go out to the incredibly talented musicians who played so passionately, the great staff who put on this fantastic event, and the warm welcome from the audience. Special kudos to soloist Cecilia Tsan, for her beautiful and moving performance of the Elgar Cello Concerto. Bravo and thanks to all!
The YOLA orchestras finished the 2013-2014 season with a two performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall Saturday. Two concerts, five different orchestras onstage in 4 hours, and our oldest students treated to Gustavo leading them in Marquez’ Danzon No. 2. Great day of great music making by all of our kids, including the WDCH debut of the YOLA@LACHSA students! Some of these new students (in the colored shirts) asked, “How do we get in the group with the white shirts?” I told them…”keep practicing and you WILL be in that group!”
The TCSO ended their season last night with a stunning and powerful performance of Berlioz’ “Symphonie Fantastique.” I think our trombonist said it best on Facebook when he wrote “One of my most memorable performances ever! My favorite composition with great players, and great conducting made last night amazing! Thanks Bruce and the Tulare County Symphony!” I agree heartily…(and humbly on the conducting compliment, although I will just have to take his word for it.) Bravo to the whole orchestra for a great night, and a great season. I also have to …
Such an incredible night with the TCSO, as we performed “Casablanca” live with orchestra. The orchestra played beautifully as they accompanied one of the great films of all time. Perhaps best summed up by the comments of this audience member’s social media post: “The audience erupted with will applause for Bruce and the orchestra upon the conclusion of the evening. As an encore, he and the orchestra performed once more to even wilder accolades. A job incredibly well done.” That about sums it up, I’d say! Congrats to the orchestra for this …
Still enjoying the fresh memories of our top YOLA orchestra as they sat side by side with the Simon Bolivar Orchestra of Venezuela last night. The LA Times called it an “inspiring performance” and I have to agree. What a great night of music and connection with our big brothers and sisters in the Venezuelan El Sistema program! More from the LA Times: “Tuesday evening, members of YOLA sat side by side with players from the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra at the cathedral for Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony (“Little Russian”) under YOLA’s conductor, …
Opera highlights blow everyone away with TCSO
4 different programs in 10 days ?!? Wha???
Visalia again didn’t disappoint and turned out in droves…
What a special Sunday afternoon with Gustavo, the LA Phil, and our YOLA kids….
In what’s become one of the central valley’s best ways to celebrate the end of summer, the orchestra enjoyed their annual “Pops in the Park” program in Tulare’s Zumwalt Park. Great crowd and great weather for a really fun evening of great music. Great conducting by more than 20 young people as they each took their turn on the podium!