Dream Big

When Louisa Louie enlisted Ayke Argus to teach her children the finer arts of piano and violin years ago, she never dreamed that Ayke and she would become such good friends and eventually lead to a wonderful collaboration: the creation of the Dream Big concert series in Oroville. Louisa’s numerous connections and Ayke’s world class musicianship would combine to create a premiere fundraising event in Oroville.

The presentations, part of a two-weekend performance at the State Theater on March 3, and the Grand Ballroom in the Historic Oroville Inn on March 11, will showcase bands from local schools the first weekend and Ayke Agus and friends the following weekend. This second performance will highlight world class musicians on the violin, piano, and guitar, and span classical, jazz, and the blues.

The Dream Big event goes back to 2015, when Louisa Louie saw a definite need for local school music programs to benefit from donations to not only fund equipment but to keep the programs running. The Dream Big Festival brings local programs together on one stage to promote music, friendship between local school musicians, and provide individual scholarships and overall music support. Local high schools and middle schools will perform on March 3 at the State Theater. Music begins at 9:00am and concludes with a benefit concert at 6:00pm.

On March 11, Ayke Agus, world-class musician and instructor, who trained under the legendary Jascha Heifetz at USC, will be on stage. Dr. Agus has performed and lectured throughout the U.S., Asia, and Europe. Venues include The House of Composers, St. Petersburg, Russia; the California Philharmonic Orchestra; the Royal Academy of Music in London; the LaJolla Summer Music Festival; and the Colburn School of Performing Arts, University of Maryland.

Agus believes music is healing. “It helps young people dream big,” she said. “Music is the universal language.” She gives credit to her husband, Matthew, a former English professor, for introducing her to different kinds of music. This is why she has invited a wide range of artists to perform in Oroville, some of whom she has met in Yuba City, where she and her husband relocated. “I’d never be able to do what I’ve done here if we were still in L.A.” Part of what she is able to do is play at events like Dream Big and other local charities. She believes music unites people for the common good.

Ayke brings a positive attitude to her performances to share with the audience, and she will bring a number of classically trained musicians and local talent to the Grand Ballroom at the Oroville Inn. Music begins at 5:00pm. Dinner will be provided by The Union restaurant and a silent (as well as live) auction will be held to sell pieces by various artists such as Louise and Wing Chung Louie.

MASTERWORKS 4: RACHMANINOFF & DVOŘÁK Guest Artist Charlie Albright, piano

Join North State Symphony as they capture in sound the iconic beauty of nature’s endless charm. A highlight for this performance is the World Premier of Lassen Awakes! by composer Marko Bajzer, 2022 Artist-in-Residence at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Bajzer was awarded a co-commission by the North State Symphony to produce this original piece, and it will be performed before a live audience for the first time at this concert.

PROGRAM:

BAJZER - Lassen Awakes! *World Premiere*

RACHMANINOFF - Piano Concerto No. 2

DVORAK - Symphony No. 8

Saturday, May 13 | 7:30 PM | Cascade Theatre, Redding

Sunday, May 14 | 2:00 PM | Laxson Auditorium, Chico