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Program Two - California Symphony Rocks!
SUN. JAN. 25, 2009 AT 4:00PM
TUES, JAN. 27, 2009 7:30PM
This concert is one of power, beauty and spirit. Stravkinsky's Firebird Suite, orignially scored for ballet, tells the story of young Prince Ivan, who journeys into an enchanted garden that is ruled by a terrible ogre, Kaschei. While wandering in the garden, he chases and catches the Firebird, which once caught, begs for its life and ultimately agrees to assist Ivan in exchange for eventual freedom. Prince Ivan falls in love with 1 of 13 princesses held by Kashei and the Firebird helps Ivan to break the evil spell.
Completing our program is the West Coast Premiere of Lee Johnson's Dead Symphony aimed to convey the spirit of the Grateful Dead in a 12-movement orchestral work; he has woven themes from some of the band's familiar songs, such as "St. Stephen," as well as less frequently performed songs like "Blues for Allah." Composer Johnson has said that the Dead Symphony is "a musical embrace of American culture" and a continuation of the band's spirit. "The Grateful Dead lived in the musical moment in a world of perpetual exploration and endless possibility."
It makes no difference whether one is a "Dead Head" or only a fan of classical music, because there is something for everyone on this wonderfully different program!
 Sponosred by John Muir Health
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