March 28, 2020
The theme of the 2019/20 season, Connections, has never seemed more apt or more desirable. As we explore what it means to forge and to maintain connections in a time of social distancing and temporarily silenced concert halls, we present some resources to keep the joy of music going. From Music Director Donato Cabrera’s daily
March 17, 2020
Updated: March 17, 2020 We want to thank all of you who have reached out and expressed your concern for the extraordinary impact the ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation is having on our orchestra. It has been truly heartening and affirming to receive your messages of care, support, and solidarity and, thanks to you, together we
March 11, 2020
Updated: March 11, 2020 Why are you cancelling the March 14 & 15 FATE AND FUTURE concerts? The health and safety of our patrons and our musicians is paramount. Following updated guidelines released by Contra Costa Health Services regarding COVID-19, the Lesher Center has cancelled performances through March 25, and therefore we must cancel the FATE
March 10, 2020
MESSAGE TO PATRONS, 3/11/2020 One composer and three excited soloists flying in for a world premiere. 75 talented, hard-working musicians, primed and ready to rehearse. 1500 fortune cookies delivered, each containing customized messages celebrating our loyal patrons this Subscriber Appreciation weekend… Even a week ago, none of us could have anticipated the circumstances in which
March 4, 2020
By California Symphony The signature concert cocktail is back—$12, available in the lobby. We couldn’t find any copper mugs with lids, but we’re assured it will taste just the same served in plastic cups with lid and straw (and even better when enjoyed at your seat.) Recipe Ketel One Vodka 2.0 oz Ginger beer 5
February 27, 2020
Behind every great composer is… a great patron. Without the financial and emotional support of Nadezhda Von Meck—the woman Tchaikovsky corresponded with for 14 years and yet never met—the first Russian composer to achieve international acclaim might never have made it. By California Symphony Nadezhda von Meck was the widow of a wealthy railroad magnate,
February 20, 2020
Hindsight has a funny way of making past successes seem effortlessly inevitable. (Kind of like fate?) But when Tchaikovsky wrote his Fifth Symphony, he had no way of knowing whether the work would be popularly received at its premiere (it was), or that it would still be performed over a hundred years later and adored
February 20, 2020
The first Russian to achieve international renown as a composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is also often considered the most Romantic of composers. He was also a deeply tormented and sensitive soul. By California Symphony If Tchaikovsky felt it, it found a way into his music.”—Prof Robert Greenberg Growing Up Tchaikovsky Born May 7, 1840 in
February 20, 2020
Even the legendary Russian Romantic composer struggled with writer’s block, self-doubt, and the occasional lack of inspiration. By California Symphony I am written out, my head is empty, my time is past…”—Tchaikovsky While composing his Fifth Symphony, Tchaikovsky consistently doubted his ability to write. He began working on the piece in the spring of 1888
February 20, 2020
By California Symphony Music Director Donato Cabrera. I suppose I could wax philosophically, in maestro-like fashion, and list all of the incredible opportunities our Young-American-Composer-in-Residence residency affords our chosen composer over the three years that they are with us. And while I believe all of these opportunities to be true and worthwhile, I’ll leave other