Review - September 22, 2018 Concert

On Saturday evening, September 22nd, under the baton of Maestro James Domine, the audience was treated to a phenomenal concert by the orchestra and the student competition-winning soloists. Maestro Domine was heard to say after the concert that it was one of the orchestra's best ever performances. 

After the playing of the National Anthem, the first work presented was Mozart's delightful Overture to Cosi Fan Tutte, which was, of course, met with great applause from the audience for whom Mozart is always a favorite.

What came next were the three young soloists, each of whom had won the Music Teachers Assoc. of CA San Fernando West Valley competition. The first soloist was 14 year old Ethan Chao who performed the 1st movement of Beethoven's Piano Concerto #2 in B-flat major; followed by 15 year old Hannah Kim in a performance of Vieuxtemps' Violin Concerto #5 in A minor, 1st movement; and then came 16 year old Charmaine Lee playing Sarasate's Zigeunerweisen. Each of these very talented young people received tremendous applause from a very thrilled house.

Following intermission, the orchestra returned for the final work of the evening, Beethoven's Symphony #8 in F major. This symphony was completed in October, 1813, at a time when Beethoven was in poor health. Despite what appear to be trying circumstances, the Eighth is considered  to be his most delightful and humorous. It premiered in Vienna on February 27, 1814.

At  the conclusion, the audience rose to its feet, applauding, cheering and whistling; the first concert of the new season was a resounding success! Concertgoers leaving the auditorium were heard to remark how wonderful an evening it was and how much they enjoyed it.

We look forward to seeing season subscribers and individual concertgoers at our next four concerts, beginning with the performance on November 24, 2018.

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