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Sacramento Symphonies

By Linda J. Bottjer

The sound of music is alive in the hills and valleys surrounding Sacramento as well as the city. From classical to opera and Broadway show tunes to pop favorites, orchestras offer seasonal musical programs. Everyone from dedicated aficionados to those who cannot tell Mozart from Mahler will find something to appreciate.

12/5 Arts & Culture - Local Symphonies - Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra
(credit: Eleakis and Elder Photography)


Directory listing

Eighty-three musicians of the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) weave notes under the baton of conductor Michael Morgan. The Philharmonic's two main performance venues are the Community Center Theater on L Street and the Three States at Folsom City College. With the Sacramento Ballet and Sacramento Opera the SPO partners to perform at various venues throughout the year. Family Concerts are geared for generations to enjoy and appreciate a variety of music. The SPO's dedication to helping regional young talent is found through competitions in addition to a scholarship program.

12/5 Arts & Culture - Local Symphonies - Camellia Symphony Orchestra
(credit: Rusty Rogers)

Since the early 1960s the Camellia Symphony Orchestra (CSO) has charmed Sacramentan music lovers of all ages. Lead by Dr. Allan Pollack, from September to May, the CSO offers musical entrees from classical works by European greats such as Stravinsky and Beethoven to the music of American composers like Copland and Gershwin. The CSO encourages young musicians and educates future patrons by allowing string students to play in one of two student orchestras.

12/5 Arts & Culture - Local Symphonies - Stockton Symphony
(credit: Steve Pereira)

Atherton Auditorium of San Joaquin Delta College is a partner in California history when the Stockton Symphony performs there. The organization is the state's third oldest continuously performing orchestra after Los Angeles and San Francisco. Started in 1926 by a skilled pharmacist and violinist Manlio Silva the orchestra has always been renowned for its ability to offer high caliber entertainment with guest artists. Since 1995 the orchestra has been led by Maestro Peter Jaffe, who speaks to concertgoers prior to each concert preparing them for the music. The Stockton Symphony's website answers a series of concertgoers' questions like when to clap.


Directory listing

The Auburn Symphony brings music to many venues, both inside and out throughout Placer County. Among them are the State Theatre in Auburn, the Placer High School Auditorium and the Cooper Amphitheater at the Auburn School Park Preserve. Since 1995 Maestro Michael Goodwin has assisted in increasing the orchestra to close to 70 musicians. The annual Messiah Sing-Along is a favorite event for the public. Young piano, string and woodwind musicians from Placer, El Dorado and Nevada Counties have the unique opportunity to win a series of competition prizes. The Grand Prize is an appearance at the KinderKonzert with the Auburn Symphony.

12/5 Arts & Culture - Local Symphonies - Sierra Symphony
Conductor Roy Fulmer (credit: Sierra Symphony)

Sierra Symphony
(530) 622-6053
Website

This volunteer orchestra has brought music to the foothills of El Dorado County, under the direction of Roy Fulmer, for over 30 years. Fulmer had a four-decade career teaching within the county's school district. Concert venues include the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Placerville and the county fairgrounds. The symphony's annual "Butterfly" concert in September lifts spirits and shows children the
importance of music. Talented young people are allowed to play with the orchestra by auditioning in two age groups.

12/5 Arts & Culture - Local Symphonies - Toccata
Maestro James Rawie on Lake Tahoe (credit: Joy Strotz)

Toccata
(775) 313-9697
Website

Adding splendor to the majesty of Lake Tahoe the musicians and singers of Toccata present a wide range of musical delights under the direction of Maestro James Rawie. Year-round performances occur in several venues including St. Teresa's Catholic Church in South Lake Tahoe. Regional patrons and seasonal visitors appreciate Toccata's stellar array of guest artists who often include performances in local schools. Among them is Elizabeth Pitcairn with her legendary Red Violin from which the 1998 movie drew inspiration.

Linda J. Bottjer is a full-time writer whose appreciation for music began young. See her work at
www.words4sail.com
.

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