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Media Contact: John Dow, Director of Marketing, Santa Clarita Symphony
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Trio Blends Hot Classical & Cool Jazz in “Classical Café” Concert April 1 Special Guest Artist ReinhardTo Make Rare Public Appearance at COC Center for Performing Arts EventSANTA CLARITA, Calif. – The Santa Clarita Symphony will transform the College of the Canyons Center for the Performing Arts into an intimate “Classical Café” Saturday night, April 1, as three nationally renowned musicians play an exciting concert blending classical music and jazz. Sans orchestra, guest artists Bryan Pezzone (pianist with the classical/jazz quartet Free Flight), Armen Annasian (violinist with the Los Angeles Opera) and Armen Ksajikian (cellist and Associate Principal with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra) will perform classical pieces composed by Richard Strauss in the first half of the program, and improvisational jazz in the second half. (See Performer Profiles, below.) “Each is an outstanding musician, and as a trio, they create the ultimate mix of classical and café jazz,” said John Dow, Santa Clarita Symphony marketing director. “We call it the ‘Classical Café.’ It's smooth, cool and very hip, and yet another unique musical experience the Symphony will present.’’ Adding another creative dimension to the Classical Café’ experience is a special appearance and signing by internationally acclaimed paper sculpture and graphics artist Reinhard, whose works have been exhibited in more than 200 galleries in the U.S. and abroad. Before and after the concert and during intermission, the German-born, U.S. educated, Ojai-based artist will be in the venue’s lobby to sell and sign original artworks and limited-edition “multiple originals” of some of his best-known works. “Reinhard was part of the post-Warhol ‘New Pop Culture’ scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s,” Dow said. “He hung out with Peter Max, Klein and the like. Reinhard’s nearly life-size sculpture of ‘The Quartet’ brought him worldwide acclaim, selling for between $200K and $300K. He’s somewhat of a recluse, so for him to come out to support us is HUGE!” Reinhard’s 4’x6’ original paper sculpture “Recording at RCA 1947,” depicting Jascha Heifitz on violin, Arthur Rubenstein on piano and Gregor Piatigorsky on cello, will be displayed onstage at the Center for the Performing Arts ― as a set piece behind the evening’s live pianist, violinist and cellist. Before and after the show, the sculpture will also be on display, and for sale priced at $60,000, in the lobby. Learn more about Reinhard at www.reinhardstudio.com. Tickets for the Classical Café’s “ultimate mix” of classical and jazz are $20, $30, $40. To purchase, call (661) 284-6044 or visit www.scsymphony.com and click on the “Purchase Tickets” link. * * * * * The Classical Café concert at College of the Canyons reflects the Santa Clarita’s Symphony’s desire to appeal to a younger, broader audience during its 2006-2007 season. “We hope to present more events like this,” Dow said. “We’re not your father’s symphony,” he emphasized. “We’re trying to change the way people think about symphony music in our community. For us, music and culture is not just about Mozart and Beethoven, it’s also about bringing live, orchestral music of every era and genre to our community. “We will rock you. But serious classical lovers and longtime SC Symphony-goers needn’t worry – we’ve still got your Bach,” Dow quipped. The Santa Clarita Symphony indeed offers something for everyone ― from the casual atmosphere of the “Quartets & Coffee” series to the always-educational monthly Children’s Instrument Petting Zoo at Border’s, from the delectable food, wine and thematic music of the popular “Bon Appetit!” events to the powerful concert performances of the “Masterpiece Series” and “Symphony Under the Stars.” Visit www.scsymphony.com for more information about the Symphony’s events. The Santa Clarita Symphony Guild is now being established as a primary support group for the Symphony and its programs. Call (661) 284-6044 for membership information. |
