4 minute read
Music to your ears
The San Fernando Symphony Orchestra performs music from Offenbach and Saint-Saens at the Performing Arts Mainstage
Diana Garcia / Roundup
The stage was dimly lit and consisted of a 55-member orchestra each armed with a different set of instruments.
Flutes, piccolo, oboes, horn, clarinets, bassoons, trumpets, horns, trombones, tuba, percussion, harp, contrabass, cello, viola, violin, piano and celesta were used to create a jubilant mix of glamour.
This was the scene when the San Fernando Symphony Orchestra performed their finest music at the Performing Arts Mainstage on Saturday night at 8 p.m.
The performance began their introduction to the program the American way as everyone stood up in alliance to the Star Spangled Banner.
Wearing a black tuxedo and bow with salt and pepper-colored shoulder length hair was Maestro James Domine, the music director who also teaches at Pierce College.
According to the group’s website, “the orchestra is a showcase for some of the finest musicians and composers in Southern California.”
The performance started off with Offenbach’s Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld. As they began, the audience was in complete silence. The viewers were mesmerized by each unique sound that came from the instruments. Crystal clear sounds came from the piccolo, a half-size flute that added brilliance to the piece.
It gave each performer an opportunity to vividly emphasize each instrument.
In a mermaid-like blue strapless dress was Jenny Jin, violinist, who performed Saint-Saens Violin Concerto #3 in B minor, Allegro non troppo. Her fantastic performance left the audience in awe as she was the perfect selection for her part. Jin currently plays in the CSUN Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.
According to Jin it was her first time performing at Pierce College, then said, “I was nervous at first, but then I started to get excited.”
The audience’s appreciation for the music and their attention was so strong.
“I’ve been coming here for years and I enjoy the music,” said Dr. Joseph Silverberg, who is a retired Dermatologist in West Hills. “A lot of people here are in his classes. We are old folks, and the class is for seniors.”
Followed by Chisa Kodaka, violinist, who wore a long sparkly black dress, performed Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in Eminor Al legretto non troppo; Allegro molto vivace.
A loud applause followed after each Sonata, it ended with a loud applause.
“I enjoy the concerts and having good local music, so we won’t have to go all the way into town like we use to,” said Silverberg.
“Let me introduce a brand new piece composed by myself, you are the first to hear, including me.”As Domine presented the next performer he said, As he welcomed Tiffany Ju, pianist played Sonata #4 B minor by James Domine.
In addition, Eulogy by James Domine was also performed by Joanna Ezrin, a pianist. “In memory of my father, what he would have liked.”
Furthermore, as all things come to an end, the music stops and all you hear are applauses coming from the audience as everyone stood up with smiles for the phenomenal performances.
“Whatever piece at the time is my favorite pierce,” said Domine, as he was on stage describing his bliss after the performance.
According to Domine he felt like a football coach at the end of a winning game.
