Young, classical musicians throughout the Central Coast, from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo County, auditioned to take part in the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society’s eighth annual Youth Showcase, held last month in Orcutt. Entry was open to ages 8 to 18, and eight artists were ultimately chosen to perform classical pieces on piano, French horn, cello, and vocals.
The program is headed by Lynne Garrett, a classically trained pianist and violinist and a board advisor to the Philharmonic Society.
“These recitals have become a very popular performance opportunity for youth in our community,” Garrett said in a press release. “The artistry and level of accomplishment of these young performers is astounding.”
Performers who auditioned for the showcase were judged by a jury of professional musicians in technical ability, musical artistry, and other areas. Once accepted into the program, the young artists were provided with professional coaches to prepare for the concert.
Four of the eight chosen musicians are from Santa Maria: pianist Kate Kim (age 8); pianist Suri Kim (age 11); French hornist Joseph Galicinao (age 16); and soprano Bridget Lee (age 17). Three of the young performers are from San Luis Obispo: pianist Francesca Osgood (age 12); pianist Isabella Osgood (age 16); and pianist Andy Shen (age 13). And last but certainly not least, 12-year-old pianist and cellist Colin Foster hails from Morro Bay.
For more info on the Philharmonic’s annual Youth Showcase or tips on how to prepare for next year’s auditioning process, visit santamariaphilharmonic.org. The showcase is part of the Philharmonic’s educational concerts and events programming, which also includes the company’s upcoming After Schools Strings program. Call (805) 925-0412 for more details.
Heeere’s Johnny!
The 40th annual Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series presents Grammy Award-winning violinist Johnny Gandelsman at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Church in Los Olivos on Friday, March 20, at 7 p.m. Appropriately titled A Violinist Explores Bach’s Cello Suites, Gandelsman is set to perform a soloist selection of Bach’s Baroque compositions.
“We are very much looking forward to hearing Johnny Gandelsman’s interpretations of Bach’s timeless and transcendent music,” Robert Cassidy, artistic director of the concert series, said in press materials. “A magical sonic environment will be experienced with the sound of the solo violin resonating off the long-grain fir, high-ceiling interior of the church.”
General admission to the concert is $20, while reserved seating starts at $35. Tickets are available for purchase at the door or online in advance at smitv.org. Admission to students (with student ID) is free, thanks to a grant from St. Mark’s Women’s Guild. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. A complimentary reception with Gandelsman follows the concert. For more info, call (805) 705-0938. St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Church is located at 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos.
More music
The Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez kicks off its weekly country-rock lineup with the Rose Valley Thorns on Friday, March 20, from 8 to 11 p.m. The saloon also hosts local artist Jimi Nelson for two shows in a row: Saturday, March 21, from 8 to 11 p.m. and Sunday, March 22, from 1 to 5 p.m. Entry to all three performances is complimentary. The Maverick is located at 3687 Sagunto St., suite D, Santa Ynez. To find out more about upcoming artists at the saloon, call (805) 686-6785 or visit themavsaloon.com.
Meanwhile, eclectic ensemble Studio C performs at the Cold Spring Tavern on Friday, March 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. The tavern’s weekend concerts continue with solo guitarist John Lyle (from 1 to 4 p.m.) and the RML Trio (from 5 to 8 p.m.) on Saturday, March 21, and blues and rags duo Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan (from 1:15 to 4 p.m.) and classic rock group Low Down Dudes (from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.) on Sunday, March 22. Admission to every show at the Tavern is complimentary. The venue is located at 5995 Stagecoach Road, Santa Barbara. Call (805) 967-0066 or visit coldspringtavern.com for more info.
Up north, local pop musician Nataly Lola performs at Vino et Amicis Wine Bar in Old Town Orcutt on Friday, March 20, from 7 to 10 p.m. Although she’s flying solo for this concert, Lola is well known locally and beyond for her work with pop-rock act Ghost/Monster. Admission to the show is free. Call (805) 631-0496 or visit vinoetamicis.com to find out more. The bar is located at 165 S. Broadway St., suite 101, Orcutt.
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood wrote this week’s Local Notes. Contact him at [email protected].
