Review - March 21, 2015 Concert

Saturday evening, March 21, 2015, began with a pre-concert fundraising dinner at the Marmalade Cafe in the "Commons." Thanks to the participating concertgoers, the SFVSO will be the beneficiary of a nice sized check from the restaurant. After dinner, it was just a short walk to Founders Hall in the Civic Center where The Esterhazy Orchestra of Calabasas was in readiness for the Concert.                                                                                                                      

At exactly 8:00 pm, Maestro James Domine took the podium to chat briefly about the evening's program. He thanked the audience for their continued support, and introduced the Orchestra's Board of Directors.

J. C. Bach's Symphony in B-flat major, a delightful piece embodying the composer's use of flowing melodies, and played to perfection by the Orchestra, opened the program. 

Giovanni Battista Viotti's Violin Concerto #29 in E minor was presented next. Concertmaster Ruth Bruegger delivered an outstanding performance of this beautiful but seldom-heard piece. The audience showed their appreciation with tremendous applause and a standing ovation.

The next treat, after intermission, was the inaugural performance of the Overture in G minor by our wonderful Maestro, James Domine, whose extraordinary talent never ceases to amaze. Based on the reaction of the audience, he may very well be a "legend in his own time." 

The final piece on the program was Franz Joseph Haydn's Symphony #8 in G major (Le soir). This symphony is a quintessential work that uses instrumental soloists juxtaposed against the Orchestra in a kind of quasi concerto grosso format. Cast in four movements, it begins with an Allegro followed by a charming and graceful Andante, continues with the traditional Menuetto and concludes with a finale subtitled La tempesta that depicts an evening storm. The Orchestra gave a splendid performance of this classical period masterpiece.

Thanks to all who attended and showed appreciation for the marvelous music and performances you were privileged to see and hear. It should be noted that the room was sold out and many had to be turned away. To that end, we recommend you consider  purchasing a season subscription, when it is offered for the next season, to insure that you do not miss each and every glorious performance.

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