On Saturday, November 28th, in the Scherr Forum Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts, the SFVSO and its guest soloists once again provided their audience with an evening of "Great Music Close to Home." Maestro James Domine, in his opening remarks, spoke about the program that would follow and the youthful soloists who would be performing as a result of having won first place at the Music Teachers Association of California Competition.
The first piece of music played wonderfully by the Orchestra was Verdi's Overture to "Nabucco." This was followed by excellent performances of the first movement of Liszt's Piano Concerto #1 in E-flat major by 16 year old soloist Devon Valdez; the first movement of Elgar's 'Cello Concerto by 17 year old Isaac Yun, and the first movement of Saint-Saens 'Cello Concerto in A minor by 16 year old Aliya Hunter. The audience sat enthralled by the talent of these students and thanked them with hearty applause and cheers.
After a brief intermission, Maestro Domine returned to conduct the Orchestra in Rimsky-Korsakoff's stirring masterpiece, "Scheherazade." Always a favorite among concertgoers, the audience sat entranced by the beauty of the music; the playing of the Orchestra, especially the musicians who handled the difficult solo parts so brilliantly; and last, but not least, he who brought it all together, Maestro James Domine.
As the audience was leaving the theatre, many of them stopped to compliment and thank the young soloists; and many were heard commenting on the evening's marvelous entertainment. All in all, a night to remember!