The Russians
Under the direction of award winning conductor Sylvia Lee Mann, the West Covina Symphony Orchestra presents its 2009 - 2010 Season opening concert, "The Russians". The concert program includes a dynamic and challenging array of Russian music including the "Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla", by Mikhail Glinka; "Symphony No. 9" by Dmitri Shostakovich, and featuring the talented young pianist, Cooper Labinger, performing Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto No. 2".
Cooper is 16, and has been studying piano since the age of 5. He currently studies with Ganna Parfenova of Hollywood and is a senior at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.He has performed under the auspices of the Young Musicians Foundation's Chamber Music Series, in addition to participating in chamber music ensembles at Crossroad School's Elizabeth Mandell Music Institute. In 2005, he performed with the Palisades Symphony Orchestra as a winner of their Young Artists competition. Cooper was presented in solo recital at the American Jewish Univerity in 2008, and recently presented a solo recital at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Studio City.
Especially exciting for this concert is the partnership of the Orchestra, the Radisson Suites, and Hamilton's Steak House, the fine dining restaurant associated with the Radisson. Hamilton's has joined with the symphony for this event, and is offering an exclusive "Russian" dinner, available before or after the concert. (See the symphony website or call the orchestra at 626-771-0462 for details).
This concert marks the opening of the orchestra's 2nd season. The West Covina Symphony returned to the musical scene last year after a lengthy absence of about 20 years. In spite of challenging times, the symphony has triumphed, completing an exciting inaugural season in 2008/9, and continuing to grow as the second season begins. The orchestra will again be presenting a complete season of full orchestra concerts, and this year also presents a world-class chamber music series, their "Artist Series, Sonic Tapestries". The educational outreach program, which makes free concerts available to local schools, is in full swing, and the West Covina Music Academy is well underway. After years of desolation, the East San Gabriel Valley once again has a fully functioning Symphony Orchestra.
The concert is free and open to the public (general seating). There are a very limited number of "V.I.P." tickets available at a cost of $20. These tickets include reserved premium seating and autographed souvenir posters, as well as "first in line" status for meeting the guest artist and conductor following the concert. The tickets are available on the orchestra's website, http://westcovinasymphony.com
Symphony Society memberships will be available before and after the concert, as well as during concert intermission. The symphony will be offering some very special membership premiums and door prizes at the concert. Other events to look forward to this season include the orchestra's First Annual "New Year's Eve Grand Viennese Ball". The ball includes a Viennese New Year's Feast and New Year's Champagne Toast. Dinner and Dancing: $79 per person/ $154 per couple/ $770 per table (seats 10). Contact the symphony for details. Also featured as part of the New Year's promo - a New Year's Eve Overnight Special (for Grand Ball Guests) is available for $99.
The Symphony's "Music of the Masters" series will include three more full orchestra concerts:
Feb 7th, "The Romantics" ~ Music of Schubert, Mozart and Schumann, featuring oboe virtuoso Richard Kravchek.
April 25, "Beethoven Fest" ~ Egmont OVerture, Emperor Concerto, Eighth Symphony, featuring internationally reknowned pianist, Mary Au.
June 6, 2010, "The Winners" ~ Rimsky-Korsakoff's "Capriccio Espagnol", Winners of our Young Artist Competition, and featuring the dynamic cellist Ruslan Biryukov, performing Prokofiev's "Sinfonia Concertante"
Free, convenient self- parking, is available in the Radisson parking lot. (Valet parking is also available)
For additional information about the West Covina Symphony Orchestra and the November 22nd “The Russians” Concert, contact Sandy Gunn or Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann or visit http://westcovinasymphony.com
(626) 771-0462
About the West Covina Symphony Orchestra:
" Our purpose is to enrich our community by engaging audiences and inspiring a love of music through exciting live symphony performances, innovative programming, and educational outreach." …Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann
The symphony needs everyone's support. All donations are tax-deductible. We accept donations of any amount. Please visit our website to discover how to support the symphony.
http://westcovinasymphony.com
Program advertising is still available. Businesses, please contact us about advertising and community partnership opportunities. visit the website or call (626)771-0462 today.
