On Saturday evening, April 1, 2023, the orchestra, under the baton of Maestro James Domine, performed its third concert of the 2022-23 season at its new home: the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. The Maestro came on stage to welcome and thank the audience for their presence, and for their support of the orchestra.
Following the playing of our National Anthem, 13 year old pianist Caitlyn DePrano performed, "China Variations," a work composed for her by Maestro Domine. She performed wonderfully. and the audience showed its appreciation to the soloist and to the composer with thunderous applause.
Next on the program was Beethoven's "Egmont Overture." This great piece takes the listener through trials, tribulations and tragedy in just eight short minutes, and was part of a new trend of programmatic overtures. Based upon the audience’s applause, cheers, and whistles, this reviewer gives it an A+.
Then came Wenlan Jackson, violinist extraordinaire, and words simply fail. Her amazing performance of Tchaikovsky's "Violin Concerto" in D major" left me speechless. The audience actually rose to their feet at the end of the first movement, which is almost unheard of. This young woman is destined for stardom!
And kudos to Maestro James Domine and the San Fernando Vallet Symphony Orchestra for an absoutely superb performance.
Roberta Hoffman