San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra

The fourth and final Concert of the season on Saturday, April 20, 2013, was, in the opinion of a great many of the concertgoers, "brilliant." The opening selection, "Intermezzo and Barcarolle from Tales of Hoffmann" by Jacques Offenbach was played by the Orchestra with a vitality that did this work proud.  Many of us were very familiar with the "Barcarolle" and were delighted to have an opportunity to hear the "Intermezzo" as well. 

In keeping with the energy that had already been generated, composer Charles Fernandez took the baton to conduct his "Suite from 'The Statue' Ballet." This never before performed cinematic-type work is simply breathtaking in the excitement it generates. The audience thanked Fernandez and the Orchestra with appreciative applause.

If you had seen Daniel Grab perform the Haydn Cello Concerto at the March 2012 Concert, you knew that the next piece by Tchaikovsky, "Variations on a Rococo Theme," was going to be something special, and it was. Played superbly by Daniel, you could have heard a pin drop.This gorgeous music was sheer perfection to our ears. The applause was tremendous; and our wonderful young cellist received three curtain calls and a standing ovation. He then favored the audience with an impeccable performance of the Prelude to Bach's Suite #3 for Solo Cello. It brought the "house" down!

Maestro Domine selected as the finale Tchaikovsky's Symphony #3 in D major (the "Polish"), a great but rarely played or heard work. Those of us who were fortunate enough (or wise enough) to attend this Concert have definitely heard it now, and we thank the Maestro for making us aware of it. Under his direction, the Orchestra performed the five movements beautifully; and received thunderous applause and a standing ovation after the rousing conclusion. 

If you were there and would like to leave a message, please go to "Sign Guestbook" on the Home page. If you were unable to attend, we are sorry that you missed it and hope to see you at the opening of the new season in the fall.

The next 5-week sessions of the SFVSO's Education Outreach Classes at the Winnetka Convention Center, 20122 Vanowen Street, Winnetka, will begin on Tuesday, April 2, and Wednesday, April 3, 2013. Classes are held from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Complete information is available at our Education Outreach page.

Last Saturday evening's Concert opened with Sir Arthur Sullivan's rousing Overture to the Pirates of Penzance. The Orchestra played with gusto and the audience responded enthusiastically. It was followed with a stellar performance by Nancy Roth of Beethoven's magnificent Violin Concerto in D major. The audience rose to its feet at the conclusion and rewarded Ms. Roth with three curtain calls amid great applause and much cheering.

During the intermission, many comments extolling the soloist and the Orchestra were heard by and personally expressed to the writer. Beethoven's magnificence was once again revealed through the brilliant performance by the Orchestra of his Symphony No. 6 (the Pastoral), under the baton of our marvelous and multi-talented maestro, James Domine. It was a wonderful evening and the concertgoers left the theater beaming. We are sorry if you missed it. Please keep in mind that the final Concert of the season will take place on April 20, 2013. The tickets will sell out quickly so be sure to buy yours soon. We look forward to seeing you then.

The Third Concert of the Season will take place on Saturday, February 23, 2013, at 7:30 pm, in the Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The Orchestra will perform Gilbert & Sullivan's Overture to the Pirates of Penzance followed by the magnificent music of Beethoven, which we are certain you will not want to miss. For program details, click on the "2012-2013 Calendar" heading.

Please show your added support of the SFVSO by joining fellow music lovers for a great meal at the pre-concert fundraiser sponsored by Claim Jumper Restaurant, which is adjacent to the Civic Arts Plaza, at 2150 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard. Starting at 5:00 pm, the restaurant will donate back to the Orchestra 15% of your dinner tab when you present a "Redemption Flyer" to your server. To print this flyer, simply click here: Claim Jumper Flyer. You may also print the flyer from the Home Page.

We hope to see you on the 23rd!

Last Saturday evening's Concert was, in the words of one outspoken person, "the best one so far." Of course, "best" may not be the same to everyone; all the concerts this year have been outstanding! The program choice was wonderful, with Maestro Domine (sporting a "new look") conducting the Orchestra in a great selection of musical delights. He opened the program with a holiday season favorite, Tchaikovsky's Waltz of the Flowers, giving harpist Kathleen Moon a chance to display her virtuosity in the solo part, and followed with the always delightful L'Arlesienne Suite #1 by Bizet.

Ruth Bruegger, violinist extraordinaire, then came on stage for the inaugural performance of James Domine's Violin Concerto #1 in G major. The Maestro had commented prior to the Concert that he had written this concerto many years ago and had been influenced by the great composers of the past. As we listened, traces of Haydn and Mozart were present but, as the Concerto developed, it took on the clear and unmistakable mark of its composer, James Domine. The audience responded heartily and Ms. Bruegger was called back for several curtain calls. During the intermission, many of us talked and agreed on how glad we were that he had dusted off this splendid work and afforded us the pleasure of hearing it.

The concluding piece, the beautiful Ninth Symphony in E minor (From the New World) by Dvorak, was played to perfection. The audience exploded with cheers, applause, and a standing ovation for Maestro Domine, the wonderful soloists within the Orchestra and, of course, the entire ensemble of talented musicians.

We do hope you were in the audience. If you were unable to attend, please come to the next Concert on February 23, 2013. Another great program is planned so be sure not to miss it. We will be looking for you!

Here's wishing you a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season, one that need not be stressful. While some of you enjoy the hustle and bustle of shopping for gifts for family and friends, others prefer staying away from crowds and rather buy online. Whatever your preference, we ask you to consider doing your holiday shopping in an easy way that will also help to support the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra.

The SFVSO has an arrangement with Amazon.com whereby Amazon pays the Orchestra a percentage of the sales from purchases made through our website. Just click on the amazon.com icon on the left side of this webpage. That will take you directly to their website where you can make purchases the same as if you had gone directly to their website. There is no extra cost to you. It's simple, it's convenient, it's your way to help assure that the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra continues to bring you, "Great Music Close to Home." Thank you!

The Second Concert of this Season takes place on Saturday, December 1, 2012, at 7:30 pm, in the Janet & Ray Scherr Forum Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civics Art Plaza (for program details, please click on "2012-2013 Calendar"). We are very excited to tell you that Maestro James Domine's Violin Concerto in G major is having its inaugural performance that evening. You will not want to miss what will be a wonderful night of music, one which your family and friends will enjoy as well.

Please show your added support of the SFVSO by joining your fellow music lovers for the pre-concert fundraising dinner at the Marmalade Cafe in Westlake Village. The food is great; and they will donate 20% of your dinner tab to the Orchestra. To print the flyer, which must be handed to your server at the restaurant, click here: Marmalade Flyer

We look forward to seeing you!

As you may know, in addition to being Music Director and Conductor of the Orchestra, Maestro James Domine is an excellent teacher of music appreciation and an historian of considerable accomplishment and scholarship. The two classes he taught in October, as part of the San Fernando Valley Orchestra's Education Outreach Program, were very successful and greatly appreciated by those who attended. It is Maestro Domine's intention that this be an ongoing program. The following classes are scheduled for the month of November:

The Renaissance Aesthetic: Understanding the Universe

Class meets Monday afternoons 1-3 pm - November 5, 12, 19 & 26

Great Composer Series: The Music of Franz Josef Haydn

Class meets Tuesday afternoons 1-3 pm - November 6, 13, 20 & 27

Classes are held at the Winnetka Convention Center, 20122 Vanowen Street, Winnetka.

There is a small fee of $20.00 for either class or $35.00 for both. If you are interested in enrolling, please call 818-347-4807.

"The Orchestra was terrific tonight," commented concertgoers as they exited the Scherr Forum Theatre at Saturday evening's season opener. Beginning with the exciting "Slavonic Dance #2" by Dvorak and concluding with the hauntingly beautiful strains of "The Moldau" by Smetana, everything went perfectly under the baton of Maestro James Domine.

In between, there was an outstanding display of virtuosity by three young musicians who were this year's winners of the Music Teachers' Association of California (West San Fernando Valley Branch) Competition. 15 year old violinist Timothy Le performed Wieniawski's "Scherzo Tarantelle;" 16 year old pianist Bruce Tui played the 1st movement of Chopin's "Piano Concerto#1 in E minor;" and 17 year old pianist Wesley Tui played the 2nd movement of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto #2 in C minor. The audience responded with cheers and hearty applause. Ms. Anita Swearingen, Chairwoman of the MTAC Competition Committee, presented Maestro Domine with a donation to the SFVSO for providing Timothy, Bruce and Wesley with the opportunity to perform their winning pieces with the Orchestra.

The next composition, 12 year old Nathan Le's Symphony #1 in A minor (Crisis in Japan), left many in the audience awestruck that such a wonderful piece was the work of so young a boy. Applause rang out and, at the end of the concert, people hovered around him, offering congratulations and assuring him that he is destined to become a "big star." Nathan took all of this praise with great modesty (and was probably glad to go home where he could be out of the spotlight and return to just being a regular 12 year old kid).

It was a night of great music!

Thanks to everyone who dined at The California Pizza Kitchen restaurant Saturday evening prior to the Concert by our own San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra. It was wonderful to see you enjoying great food in the company of friends and fellow music lovers. The Orchestra is truly appreciative of your support by attending not only our Concerts, but also these much needed fundraisers. We are certain to receive a nice check from CPK because of you!

Once again we want to thank our supporters who stopped to have a meal at El Torito Restaurant on September 20, 2012, to help in the Orchestra's fundraising effort. We just learned that they took in a substantial amount of money from our friends and family, which means a nice check for the SFVSO. In fact, they asked us to please come back again any time.

Gratitude and appreciation to one and all!

The first Concert of the 2012-2013 season debuts on Saturday, October 13, 2012, at 7:30PM, in the Janet & Ray Scherr Forum Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. As part of the Orchestra's Youth Outreach Program, the Music Teachers Association of California (MCAP) Competition winners will play their winning pieces on piano and violin. In addition, Symphony No. 1 by 12 year old Nathan Le, a cellist who has won competitions all over the world, will be performed. The Moldau by Smetana and Slavonic Dance #2 (Opus 46) by Dvorak will round out the program. This promises to be an outstanding evening of "Great Music Close to Home."

Please show your support of the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra by joining us at the Concert, and by having your dinner at California Pizza Kitchen prior to the Concert. CPK is located in restaurant row at "The Lakes," just east of the theater. They will give back to the Orchestra 20% of the amount you spend. The food is great and you can dine and have good conversation with other music lovers and SFVSO supporters. On the Home page, you will see information about this fundraiser; clicking on "CPK Flyer" will allow you to print the flyer that you are required to have at the restaurant. If you click on "Tickets and Directions," you will be able to purchase tickets and get directions if needed.

The Orchestra thanks you!

The fourth and final Recital of the Summer was a marvelous performance by the San Fernando Valley String Quartet of great music (close to home) by renowned composers James Domine, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Antonin Dvorak. The featured players, who performed so beautifully, were Ruth Bruegger, violin; Florence Titmus, violin; Robin Ross, viola; and Glenn Grab, cello (on the Domine piece) and Daniel Grab, cello (on the lesser known Mozart and Dvorak pieces). The audience sat captivated throughout, and showed their appreciation and pleasure with a standing ovation.

If you were fortunate enough to see all or some of the Recitals, but were unable to attend any, we plan to offer them again in 2013. In the meantime, you can see all of of these wonderful musicians perform in the Orchestra's four concerts this upcoming season. The first one is on Saturday, October 13, 2012, at 7:30 pm; we do hope to see you then. For more information, click on "Calendar Dates."

El Torito Cantina at 6040 Canoga Avenue, Woodland Hills, is sponsoring a fundraiser on Thursday, September 20, 2012, to benefit the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra. The restaurant is generously giving back to the Orchestra 15% of the monies you spend between 11:00 am and 10:30 pm on that date. You are simply required to have a fundraiser flyer with you, the link for which is: September 20 El Torito Flyer.

Please join us for great food and stimulating conversation with other music lovers. You will not only have a good time, you will also show the SFVSO how much you appreciate its efforts to bring us, "Great Music Close to Home." And be sure to invite your family and friends to come along.

P.S. Thanks to all of you who have supported our previous fundraisers. We are pleased to report that they were successful, both in attendance and monies raised for the Orchestra.

The fourth and final Recital of the summer will take place on Sunday, September 16, 2012, at 2:30pm, in *Pierce College Recital Hall 3400. We encourage you to take this opportunity to see and hear the San Fernando Valley String Quartet, comprised of Ruth Bruegger, violin, Florence Titmus, violin, Robin Ross, viola and Daniel Grab, 'cello.

This wonderful ensemble's program of "Great Music Close to Home" will include selections by Mozart and the "American String Quartet" by Dvorak. It promises to be an outstanding evening ... one that you will not want to miss ... and all for the small ticket price of $15.00, with an added bonus of free parking.

If you haven't already purchased a ticket, please call 818-347-4807. Tickets will also be available at the door.

We look forward to seeing you there!

*For directions to Recital Hall 3400, click on "Tickets & Directions" located at the upper left corner of this website's Home page.

The third Recital of the Summer 2012 Music Festival on Saturday, August 11, was a complete sellout and a huge success. The "stars of the evening," violinist Ruth Bruegger and pianist Joanna Ezrin, captivated the audience. Beginning with their beautiful playing and their obvious enjoyment in performing for the crowd, to their comedic bits of poking fun and trying to outdo each other on their instruments, they were a magical duo.

Featured in the program were wonderful Sonatas by Veracini and Mozart, Kreisler's Schoene Rosmarin, Excerpts from "Eurosuite" by James Domine, Bloch's Nigun, the Suite Italian by Stravinsky, and three jazz pieces which concluded the concert. The performances were applauded and cheered with great enthusiasm and gratitude.

We look forward to seeing you at the fourth and final Recital of the Summer on September 16 at 2:30PM.

We are pleased to inform you about a new and exciting online newsletter entitled "Suddenly65," which is an entertaining and informative resource for those over the age of 60 who want to know about events in their own backyards. Our Orchestra's Symphonic Concerts, Wednesday night Concerts at the "Bowl," and Summer Recitals at Pierce College are prominently posted in each issue, along with other cultural and educational activities, local entertainment, exercise venues, health information and tips, and any scams that target seniors. It even suggests fun places to take the grandkids, and a wide variety of other information in and around the San Fernando Valley.

This FREE out of the ordinary newsletter is available to you by going to their website, www.suddenly65.com, and signing up. You will immediately start receiving it directly into your inbox every Thursday morning.

The Third of our Summer Recitals will take place on Saturday, August 11, at 8:00pm, in *Pierce Recital Hall 3400. We encourage you to take this opportunity to see and hear the wonderful duo of Ruth Bruegger on violin and Joanna Ezrin at the piano. Their program of "Great Music Close to Home" will include classical, light classical, and jazz pieces, all for the small ticket price of $15.00. And, as an added bonus, parking is free!

If you haven't already purchased a ticket, please call 818-347-4807. Tickets will also be available at the door.

We look forward to seeing you there!

*For directions to Recital Hall 3400, click on "Tickets & Directions" located at the upper left corner of this website.

Last Sunday afternoon's Second Recital presented at the 2012 Summer Festival offered an eclectic and diverse program by the Composers' Ensemble of Los Angeles (CELA). 

This outstanding ensemble is comprised of three brass, four woodwinds and five strings, and virtually all of the players are professional musicians as well as composers or arrangers. Many of them have had successful careers doing studio work, performing in shows, concert halls, clubs, and other venues; and some works have been played throughout the United States, Mexico, Europe, Israel and China. 

The program consisted of nine numbers. Seven were original compositions written by five members of the group: Charles Fernandez, Michael Kibbe, Kim Richman, David Ryan and Larry Tuttle; an eighth piece was arranged by Charles Fernandez, who soloed on the bassoon, and the last was an arrangement by Marcy Vaj, who soloed on the violin. 

The audience applauded enthusiastically after each selection and gave the ensemble a standing ovation at the conclusion.  Everyone agreed that it was a most enjoyable and unique musical "happening."

For more information about CELA, visit: www.wix.com/jazzkim/cela

You may have taken notice during the past year of the addition to the Orchestra's cello section of a very young man, namely Ernest (Ernie) W. Carbajal.

The San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra sponsors a "Youth Outreach Program" to foster and aid exceptionally talented instrumentalists whose excellence is brought to the attention of Maestro James Domine by their teachers. Such a young man, and student of Daniel Grab, is 13 year old Ernie who has been studying and playing the cello since the age of five.

In the past year Ernie has won four competitions, including the Glendale City's "Best Musician Award," having been chosen from among the entire Glendale School District. In addition to the grand prize, he received a cash award and the opportunity to play the Saint-Saens Cello Concerto in front of an audience of 1,000 people. 

In 2011 and 2012, Ernie was awarded two-week scholarships to "Stage Strings Summer Camp." This summer he was selected from a group of eight equally talented students to perform the Haydn Cello Concerto at the final Recital of the season.  

This September he will enter the prestigious and renowned Crossroads School under a four year fully paid scholarship. Crossroads is a small private high school in Santa Monica that boasts an 18 piece chamber orchestra that is consistently one of,    if not the finest in the country.

Keep your eyes and ears open for rising young star Ernie Carbajal.

The first of the 2012 Summer Recitals (which actually took place four days before the solstice) was attended by a very enthusastic and appreciative audience.

Ernest W. Carbajal, 13 year old 'cello student of Daniel Grab, played the "Prelude" and "Sarabande" from Suite No. 3 by Bach and "Salut d'Amour" by Elgar.  He was followed by 'cellist Mia Colombo and pianist Cassie Nickols on piano in Rachmaninoff's beautiful "Vocalise." All four 'cellists - Daniel Grab, Mia Colombo, Ernest Carbajal and Glenn Grab - and pianist Cassie Nickols - then performed James Domine's wonderful "Chorale for 'Cello Quartet."

A short intermission followed to refresh and stretch.

The second half featured Faure's "Elegy" and Saint-Saens "The Swan" from "Carnival of the Animals," beautifully played by Daniel Grab on 'cello and Cassie Nickols on piano; and a solo performance by Daniel Grab of Bach's "Prelude" from Suite No. 6. 'Cellists Daniel Grab, Mia Colombo and Glenn Grab, and pianist Cassie Nickols then offered "Requiem for Three 'Cellos and Piano," a rarely heard masterpiece by Popper. The concluding piece of music for the evening was the charming and uplifting "Duet in C major by Kummer, with dazzling performances by Daniel Grab and Mia Colombo on 'cello.

The audience showed its enjoyment and appreciation with a standing ovation for all of the musicians. It was indeed a great evening!

If you missed this Recital, be sure to join us for the second on Sunday, July 15, 2012, at 2:30 PM. It promises to be every bit as entertaining!

The San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra has been given a fantastic fund raising opportunity. Whenever you, your friends and/or family make purchases from Amazon.com through our website, the Orchestra will receive back 10% on e-books, 5% on paper books, and 5% on anything else Amazon sells.

To take advantage of this amazing new connection, simply click on "Our Advertisers" on the left side of the "Home" page, then click on the Amazon ad which will appear, and proceed to place your order the same way you would by going on their website directly. Amazon will automatically credit the SFVSO account, provided your order is made and completed through our website.

By using this link, you are able to shop as usual on Amazon.com and, at the same time, benefit the Orchestra. It costs nothing extra, and the price for goods is the same as if you went directly. Please help us in this innovative way to raise the funds necessary to insure that the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra may continue to bring us "Great Music Close to Home."

The Season Finale of the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra was a great success in every way. Maestro James Domine opened the evening's program with the much beloved "Symphony #40 in G minor" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The audience responded warmly and appreciatively

Two new compositions, written by Orchestra members Larry Tuttle,"Chorale and Fiddle Tune," and Michael Kibbe, "Tabloid News," followed.  It was obvious to this writer that the audience, who of course had never heard the music before, enjoyed both of these works. They applauded enthusiastically when Mr. Kibbe and Mr. Tuttle were called upon by Maestro Domine to take bows after their pieces were performed.

Following the intermission came the piece de resistance, the "Symphony #4 in B minor," by James Domine. Masterfully conducted by Maestro Domine, the Orchestra gave an excellent performance of this wonderfully complex and outstanding work. The audience sat transfixed throughout the four movements and, at the conclusion, rewarded the composer, James Domine, with a standing ovation.  

Kudos all around, and thanks to composers and performers alike for an unforgettable evening!

Happy to report another wonderfully successful Pre-Concert Fundraiser this past Saturday. Many of our loyal patrons of the Orchestra enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Marmalade Cafe in Westlake Village, in support of the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra. We thank all of you who participated, and expect a nice size check to be forthcoming because of you. 

There will be additional Fundraiser dinners between Concert seasons; emails with flyers will be coming your way. We hope you will continue to lend your support by frequenting these as well; in that way we can enjoy the opportunity during the summer months to meet and eat together.

Thanks again!

The final concert of the season is just a little over two weeks away, and it promises to be great. Maestro Domine has put together for your enjoyment a wonderful program that includes Mozart's Symphony #40 in G minor and concludes with the Inaugural Performance of his own Symphony #4 in B minor. You do not want to miss this one!

Additionally, we have arranged a Pre-Concert Fundraiser at the Marmalade Cafe in the Westlake Promenade Mall. Under its "Dine and Donate" program, the restaurant will give back to the Orchestra a generous 20% of the monies spent by our concertgoers who dine there. Many of us have previously participated in similar fundraising efforts. We have found great delight in enjoying good food and conversation with friends, classmates, and music lovers. So please, come and join us in our ongoing efforts to support the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra. Print a copy of the flyer (click here: May 26 Marmalade Flyer) and hand it to your server at the restaurant. Directions to the restaurant are on the flyer. Thank you!

Another success!

Thanks to our Encore class friends, our families, members of the Orchestra, and all other diners who came to Ruby's with flyer in hand, a very nice check was received by the SFVSO. Ruby's also told us that we are welcome to have fundraisers there at any time. With so nice an invitation, you will no doubt  be hearing from us in the near future regarding the next date.

Our appreciation to each and every one of you for your support. 

Ruby's Diner at the Promenade Mall, 6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Woodland Hills, will sponsor a fundraiser on Thursday, April 19, 2012, to benefit the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra. Ruby's will generously give back to the Orchestra 20% of the monies taken in between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm on that date. You are required to have with you a "Fundraiser" flyer, a link for which which can be found here: April 19 Ruby's Flyer

Please come join us for a bite to eat and stimulating conversation with other music lovers. You will not only have a good time, you will also show the Orchestra how much you appreciate its continuing efforts to bring us "Great Music Close to Home."

Hope to see you there!

P.S.  Thanks to all of you who supported our February 16, 2012 Fundraiser at Bob's Big Boy in Northridge. We are pleased to report that is was successful, both in attendance and monies raised for the Orchestra. 

It was a full house in the Scherr Forum Theatre at Thousand Oaks Civics Arts Plaza last evening, and what a night it was ... from James Domine's Orchestral Suite #2 (Serenata de Jalisco) and Chuck Fernandez's Holiday Horn Concerto, featuring the multi-talented Jennifer Bliman on French horn ... to the most amazing cellist, Daniel Grab, in a captivating performance of Haydn's Cello Concerto in C major and lastly, under the baton of Maestro Domine, to a masterful performance by the Orchestra of Beethoven's Symphony #1 in C major. The buzz heard while leaving the theater was, "what a fabulous concert!" If you weren't there, you need to purchase your tickets as soon as possible for the next and last performance of the season on May 26, 2012, so that you don't miss out again. For ticket information, simply click on the "Buy Tickets" link which you will find at the upper left side of this page. 

Appreciation goes out to all of the Orchestra concertgoers who supported our fundraising efforts by dining at CPK before the concert Saturday night. It was great to see all of you enjoying each other's company while having a delicious meal.  We expect to receive a very nice check from the restaurant, as we did from the January 28 CPK fundraiser, all thanks to you.

It is gratifying that the conveniently close proximity of restaurant and theater has been so successful. We plan to do this once again for our May concert.

You will be pleased to know that a check was received from our fundraising efforts on February 16 at Bob's Big Boy in Northridge. Another such event is planned at Ruby's in the Promenade Mall, Woodland Hills, in April. Additional information will be forthcoming.

We are pleased to announce that prior to our Concert on Saturday, March 10, 2012, we are having another fundraiser at the California Pizza Kitchen in Thousand Oaks. The previous fundraiser on January 28 was so successful that we have been assured by many of you that you will again support the Orchestra in this way. We ask all of you lovers of good food and fine music to be sure you have your tickets for the performance and your CPK flyers to hand to the servers at the restaurant. This will enable the SFVSO to receive 20% of the amount of your check, for which we thank you in advance. And then the fun will begin!

First, we get to enjoy a delicious meal in the company of good friends and fellow music devotees. After dinner and a short walk to the theater, we will be treated to an evening of great music by the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro James Domine, with solo artists Jennifer Bliman and Daniel Grab. If you have your tickets and flyers, you know the "drill." Otherwise, do yourselves a favor and purchase tickets by calling the SFVSO Ticket Line at 818-347-4807. If you need a flyer, you can print one by going to the Home Page and clicking on the "March 10 CPK Flyer" link under "Welcome." (After March 10, the link to the flyer will be locatd here: March 10 CPK Flyer)Time is running out and you don't wany to miss out! We'd love to see you Saturday evening at both the California Pizza Kitchen at "The Lakes" and at the Concert performance in the Janet & Ray Scherr Forum Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.   

We are pleased to let you know that the January 28th fundraiser, sponsored by CPK at "The Lakes" in Thousand Oaks, was a great success. Many of the concertgoers arrived early for dinner before making their way to the theater. So many, in fact, that some had to wait quite a while for a table. Thanks to all of you who participated, and especially to those who were seated late and had to rush through dinner in order to get to the theater in time. Your patronage and support of the SFVSO are greatly appreciated. 

Due to the success of this venture, and because many people have remarked on how convenient it was, CPK has agreed to another fundraiser on March 10th, the evening of the next concert. If you have not purchased tickets yet, please call the Orchestra Ticket Line (818-347-4807) and order yours. We hope to see you then.

P.S. An email will follow with the necessary flyer attachment in the first week of March, or print the flyer using the link on our Home Page.

If you were unable to make it to the Canoga "Bowl" Wednesday evening, February 15, 2012, you missed a very special event. Daniel Grab gave an outstanding performance of the Haydn Cello Concerto in C major, accompanied by the "Symphomaniax," a quartet comprised of members of the SFVSO. From the moment Danny's bow touched the strings, it was magical. He played with artistry, command, bravado and passion; and received a standing ovation. The good news is that this was only a test run; the real thing takes place on Saturday, March 10, 2012, when he reprises this marvelous Concerto with the accompaniment of the entire Orchestra. For time and place, check the "Concert Calendar" section of the website;  for ticketing information, click on "Contact Us."

On Thursday, February 16, 2012, Bob's Big Boy at 8876 Corbin Avenue, Northridge, will sponsor a fund raiser to benefit the SFVSO. The Orchestra will receive a generous donation of 15% of the monies taken in by Bob's between 11:00 am and midnight. You are required to have with you a "Fundraiser" flyer, which you may request by emailing "roberta@sfvsymphony.com." It will be sent to you as an attachment in an email.

Please come and join many other music lovers for a bite to eat and stimulating conversation. You will not only have a good time, you will show the Orchestra how much you appreciate their continuing efforts to bring you "Great Music Close to Home." 

Hope to see you there!

Under the direction of Maestro James Domine, the SFVSymphony Orchestra and violin soloist Tamara Gyulnazarova brought the house down last Saturday evening. Each selection was perfection, and Tamara's performance of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto was stunning. The chatter on the way out of the theater was that it was the best concert to date. If you missed it, cd's will be available soon. Contact Roberta@www.sfvsymphony.com to order yours.

The next Concert is Saturday, March 10, 2012, in the Janet & Ray Scherr Forum Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. We'd love to see you there. Tickets may be purchased by calling 818-347-4807, or through the Theatre Box Office. 

The second concert of this season will be performed on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available by calling 818-347-4807, or at the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Plaza Box Office. A wonderful program in a beautiful venue awaits you. In addition, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is aiding the Orchestra's fundraising efforts by donating to us 20% of the monies spent by concertgoers who dine there before the concert. A required CPK flyer is available by emailing "Roberta@sfvsymphony.com."

Do you know that musicians from the SFVSymphony Orchestra perform each Wednesday and one Friday a month at the Canoga Bowl? No ... well they do, from "chamber music" to the "blues" to "rock 'n roll," and a "French horn" recital with more twists and turns than the horn itself. We would love to have you join us at these nowhere-else-to-be-found "concerts." To request this month's schedule and get on our mailing list, please contact: Roberta @sfvsymphony.com

As many of you already know, the Pierce College Performing Arts Theater, home of the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra, will be undergoing major renovations through 2012 and possibly beyond.

We were most fortunate to secure as our interim home the beautiful Janet & Ray Scherr Forum Theatre in the Thousand Oaks Civic Plaza. We realize that it is a bit farther than our "Valley" residents generally travel, and we are grateful that you feel we are worth "going the extra mile(s)." We promise you will be more than pleased that you did.

See you there!