The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society has served as a stalwart cornerstone for the musical community in the Santa Maria Valley. The group’s dedication—not just to providing high-quality performances of classical music, but to outreach aimed at young musicians and students—is what makes the society a truly invaluable asset.
With characteristic generosity, the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society presents two concerts for November. The first is part of the new “Rendezvous Series,” which features smaller ensembles in intimate settings; the second features the full orchestra performing several classic works of passion and power.
The Rendezvous Series is the newest addition to the Philharmonic’s season. Featuring small ensembles in intimate house concerts, the series supports the society’s expenses in running the larger orchestral concerts.
“We saw a hole in the world of chamber music here in Santa Maria,” said orchestra liaison and orchestra violinist Lynne Garrett. “We thought it would be an interesting venue for people who support the symphony to gather in a more intimate environment like someone’s home.”
The Nov. 11 concert at the Lake Marie Estates Clubhouse will feature the Favoloso Quartetto. As the name implies, the quartet is brimming with talent. First violin is none other than Santa Maria Philharmonic Concertmistress Brynn Albanese, who’s also first violin in the orchestra and performs with local group Cafe Musique. Second violin is Jim Riccardo, a veteran chamber musician who’s involved with several local ensembles, including the Symphony of the Vines in Paso Robles. The violist, Karen Loewi Jones, is new to the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society, but shares experiences with Riccardo in the Symphony of the Vines, where she’s the principal violist. Filling in the low register of the quartet is Jeanne Shumway, principal cellist for the Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra.
“[Shumway] also has a studio of fine students,” Garrett said. “She will have a student play one of the pieces there. For these concerts, we are bringing students into the performances to make sure the symphony is having an impact on the young artists in the area.”
The Rendezvous Series, besides providing opportunities for young musicians to join in on the art, also gives the listeners a chance to hear musicians talk about the pieces they’re about to perform. Interesting tidbits about composers, the works being performed, and other banter make for an intimate experience not usually part of a larger concert.
And speaking of a large concert, the Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra presents one on Nov. 17 at Grace Baptist Church. The evening is set to be loaded with passion and power. The concert, titled “Changing Seasons,” will feature the largest orchestra of the season due to the repertoire, featuring works from the Romantic and Modern eras.
“This is going to be the concert of the season,” said Garrett. “This is an extremely virtuosic program.”
Included in the program are Salome’s Dance from Strauss’ opera Salome, Frencesca da Rimini by Tchaikovsky, The Grand Canyon Suite by Grofe, and Hector’s Return by Christopher Gunning. The Strauss and Tchaikovsky are both hard-hitting Romantic works featuring stormy chromaticism and passionate energy. The Grand Canyon Suite by Grofe is more modern, having premiered in the 1930s.
“I grew up hearing The Grand Canyon Suite, and it has been one of my favorite pieces,” Garrett said. “It’s programmatic, so it suggests these images and the music makes sounds that make you think you are there, including a storm with lightning.”
The work Hector’s Return is by contemporary British composer Christopher Gunning, who has composed music for several PBS series as well as other works. The Santa Maria Philharmonic will be performing the second world premier of the work, thanks to the maestro and conductor of the orchestra, John Farrer, who is conducting the world premier of the work on Nov. 2 with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra.
The symphony still has plenty to offer for the 2012-2013 season, but November has two outstanding chances to hear live, classical music. The proceeds from these events help the Philharmonic Society continue its mission of quality music and educational outreach to area youth.
Power in numbers
The Allan Hancock College Concert Band, under the direction of Greg Stoll, presents its second concert of the season featuring compositions by a range of composers on Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 2970 Santa Maria Way, Santa Maria. Cost is $10, $5 for seniors and students. More info: 922-6966, Ext. 3252.
Sounds of Brazil
The Lions Peak Tasting Room presents Jon Stephen performing “Tropical Brazilian Guitar” live on Nov. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lions Peak Vineyards, 1659 Copenhagen, Solvang. Free. More info: 693-5466 or lionspeakwine.com.
Rockin’ the Radisson
The Radisson Hotel presents live music every Friday and Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. with Juan Marquez and Sangria. Sunday brunch with guitarist Mike Tibault is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, 3455 Skyway Dr., Santa Maria. More info: 928-8000.
Wine down
The Addamo Tasting Room and Bistro presents “Wine Down Wednesdays” featuring live music on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Addamo Tasting Room and Bistro, 400 E. Clark, Old Orcutt. Free. More info: 937-6400 or Bethany@addamovineyards.com.
Fun at the 510
The 510 Event Center presents a live blues jam featuring local musicians led by Juan Marquez and Sangria Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. DJ Orlando entertains Thursday nights starting at 10 p.m. (dress code enforced). DJ Orlando also spins for “Margarita Night” every Monday from 9 p.m. to midnight. Saturdays feature an open mic from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday nights are Latin night featuring live norteño and banda music. Call for times. The 510 Event Center is at 510 South Broadway, Santa Maria. More info: 928-5510, 510eventcenter@gmail.com, facebook.com/510eventcenter, or 510eventcenter.com.
Chumash country
The Chumash Casino and Resort presents blues master B.B. King in concert on Nov. 1. Asia will perform in concert on Nov. 8. The Chumash Casino Resort is at 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. More info: 1-800-CHUMASH or chumashcasino.com.
Jazz rocks the inn
The Santa Maria Inn presents “A New Twist on an Old Favorite” in the Tap Room, featuring performances by Mezcal on Fridays. Mofongo performs the first Saturday of each month, the Sammy Labastida Jazz and Blues Band performs the second Saturday of each month, Louie Ortega performs the third Saturday of each month, and Lawless and Dean perform the fourth Saturday of each month. The shows take place in the Tap Room, Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. More info: 928-7777 or santamariainn.com.
Maverick music
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment, including the country music of Sean Wiggins and Lone Goat on Nov. 2 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” featuring Sean Wiggins and Friends is Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. Sean Wiggins and Lone Goat perform on Nov. 3 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785 or mavericksyv@aol.com.
Contact Calendar Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Nov 1-7, 2012.
