Family Concert Showcases Unique Blend of Music
As part of the Music Education Program of the Santa Cruz Symphony, a Family Concert will be performed on March 6 at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium at 2:00 p.m. Titled “Beethoven and the Beatles,” The Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony will play alongside their professional Santa Cruz Symphony counterparts. Guest artists include Mike Ryan of Santa Cruz Shakespeare as narrator, along with members of Santa Cruz Ballet Theater, Cabrillo Youth Chorus, Cabrillo Chorale and the Kuumbwa Jazz Honors Band.
Music students from the audience are encouraged to bring their instruments, as they will be invited to play along for an excerpt of “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. For music practice information, attendees can visit the Symphony’s webpage for the Family Concert. After the concert, attendees may visit a “petting zoo,” where they can try different orchestral instruments and talk with the professionals who play them.
Music Director and Conductor, Daniel Stewart states, “For me, Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ is the single most inspiring artistic experience there is, and what better way to share this life-affirming music than to invite you, the audience, to join us in playing along to the Ode to Joy itself! We will also be introducing the instruments of our symphony orchestra through the music of The Beatles, including ‘Magical Mystery Tour,’ ‘All You Need is Love,’ ‘Come Together’ and ‘Hey Jude,’ in what is guaranteed to be an experience you will never forget.”
Since 1966 the Santa Cruz Symphony has fostered music education in Santa Cruz County through various programs, including Classical Music Classrooms, Classroom Visits, Mueller Scholarships, Student Open Rehearsals, Pre-concert Talks and Master Classes with internationally-renowned musicians. Over 40 schools and approximately 4000 students throughout Santa Cruz County benefit from these programs which are staffed by professional musicians and volunteer docents.
“This program is always one of our most rewarding,” said Interim Executive Director, Dorothy Wise. “It’s such a pleasure to see so many children avidly watching the musicians, conducting from their seats and moving to the music. And this year with the addition of our interactive experience — having children bring their instruments to play Beethoven’s ‘Ode To Joy’ with the Symphony — the program promises to be more engaging than ever.”
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Founded in 1958, with Maestro Daniel Stewart as music director since 2013, the Symphony partners regularly with regional and international guest artists in both traditional and modern concerts, as well as offers Music Education programs to students throughout Santa Cruz County. A cornerstone of the performing arts in the Greater San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas, Santa Cruz Symphony receives frequent critical acclaim. Visit santacruzsymphony.org for more information.