From the sunny shores of the Caribbean to the dark alleys and "tango joints" of Argentina, our musical journey travels through the Americas, south and north. Rhythm Del Rio is the theme of the 20th Anniversary Tribute to the Trees Concert featuring the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra with Benjamin Simon, Music Director and Conductor, and soloist, Chris Froh, marimba. This fundraiser for the Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens, scheduled for June 19, 2010, includes a catered supper enjoyed alfresco.
Gate opens at 4:00 p.m. with supper served at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Concert which begins at 6:30 p.m. Concert Sponsor tickets are $75 which include supper, a complimentary glass of wine, commemorative wine glass, reserved seating at table for supper and the concert and program recognition. Unreserved seating tickets are $40 and include supper and concert. Concert Only tickets are $20 with open lawn seating. For tickets or additional information, please call the Concert Box Office (530) 235-4740.
This year's program:
Benjamin Simon, conductor
Chris Froh, marimba
Tom Yaron, violin
William Grant Still Danzas de Panama
Gabriella Smith Lights, Fog, Winds, Grasses
World Premiere of the 5th annual Youth-for-Youth Project commission
Ney Rosauro Marimba Concerto
Chris Froh, marimba soloist
Astor Piazzolla "Autumn" and "Spring" from The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
Tom Yaron, violin soloist
This year's program features virtuoso percussionist Chris Froh performing the sizzling marimba concerto by Brazilian composer Ney Rosauro, dances from Panama and Astor Piazzolla's "Nuevo Tango" masterpiece. The Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra will also be presenting the world premiere of the fifth annual Youth-for-Youth commission, a new work for string orchestra by Berkeley native Gabriella Smith.
After the concert PACO will be traveling to Turkey in July to participate in the International Festival of Youth Orchestras being held this summer in Istanbul. PACO, with Chris Froh and his marimba in tow, will arrive in Ankara and perform in Ankara, Denizli, Izmir and Bursa on their way to Istanbul. In addition to these five performances, PACO will meet with members of the Turkish Art Music Ensemble and the Istanbul Technical University Conservatory Orchestra, visit Ephesus, Pamukkale and, of course, the famous sights in Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Aya Sophia.
Founded by William Whitson in 1966, the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (PACO) is an award winning training orchestra for San Francisco Bay Area string players of high-school age and younger. The emphasis on chamber music sets PACO apart from other youth orchestras in the Bay Area and lies at the core of their educational program.
Top two photos by LindaSue Runnels.
