December 23, 2021
The “English horn” becomes the voice of the swan in Sibelius’ haunting tone poem Swan of Tuonela, in one of the best-known solos in the repertoire for the instrument. California Symphony’s James Moore tells us more about this enigmatically-named cousin of the oboe.
December 21, 2021
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958) The Lark Ascending (1914/1921) Nostalgic longing permeates The Lark Ascending. Not a cozy nostalgia that looks back to a rose-tinted past, but rather a spiritual fervor for an idyllic paradise, expressed as the song of a soaring skylark and, on the earth below, human life—a poignant metaphor for our collective yearning
November 9, 2021
By California Symphony staff—Tuesday, November 9, 2021 You had so many great questions and comments! Here are a few things you may—or may not—have noticed as everything came together for FOUR SEASONS, the second concert set of the 2021-22 live and in-person California Symphony season. Your number one question was… What’s the thing that soloist
November 5, 2021
By popular request, California Symphony concert signature cocktails are back! Adding a taste of autumn to your FOUR SEASONS concert this weekend, Apple Cinnamon Sangria will be available at lobby bars inside the Lesher Center. (Price: $12) Here’s what’s inside this seasonal sipper: Diced apples & pears Red wine Cinnamon liquor A hint of spiced rum Apple
November 5, 2021
Soloist Alexi Kenney gives us the low down on playing the role of conductor in the first half of the upcoming FOUR SEASONS concerts, his Bay Area roots (and favorite eats), and the story behind his new body art. Your last performance in person with the California Symphony was for the Bruch Violin Concerto No.
October 28, 2021
—By Music Director Donato Cabrera The music of the Baroque is the music of the Age of Reason and The Enlightenment. It is ordered in that the instruments used are essentially always stringed instruments with occasional winds thrown in. It is balanced in that the soloists aren’t any more prominent or important than the group,
October 27, 2021
Anonymous (18th century) Italian English La Primavera Spring AllegroGiunt’ è la Primavera e festosettiLa Salutan gl’ Augei con lieto canto,E i fonti allo Spirar de’ ZeffirettiCon dolce mormorio Scorrono intanto:Vengon’ coprendo l’ aer di nero amantoE Lampi, e tuoni ad annuntiarla elettiIndi tacendo questi, gl’ Augelletti;Tornan’ di nuovo al lor canoro incanto: LargoE quindi sul
October 25, 2021
You might be thinking: “A 16th century instrument featured in modern day pop songs? No plucking way.” But it’s true! Here are our top 5 picks of pop songs that feature this unique keyboard instrument. 1. Scarborough Fair—Simon & Garfunkel Parsley, sage, rosemary and… harpsichord? Who remembers this? 2. Monday, Monday—Mamas & the Papas It
October 19, 2021
George Walker (1922–2018) Lyric for Strings (1946) “One finds something … that provides the genesis to motivate the direction in which you want to go.” That’s George Walker speaking in 1987, encapsulating the wisdom of a career that embodied American music at its most aspirational and accomplished. Lyric for Strings provides an ideal entry point
October 19, 2021
FOUR SEASONS harpsichordist Derek Tam explains how playing the harpsichord is different from playing a piano, and similar to being a drummer in a jazz combo. Are you a harpsichord specialist or do you play other keyboard instruments? I’m a keyboard omnivore. I specialize on historical instruments such as the harpsichord and fortepiano (that is,