The acclaimed Santa Monica Symphony will perform a free concert of music by Brahms, Beethoven and Saint-Saëns under the baton of its maestro Allen Robert Gross, on Sunday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.
The concert opens with Beethoven’s sweeping Leonore Overture No. 1 which encompasses melodic themes from his opera “Fidelio.” In the opera, the heroic Leonore disguises herself as a boy, Fidelio, to rescue her husband from prison, and justice triumphs over tyranny.
Next is Saint-Saëns’ ravishingly beautiful First Cello Concerto, featuring Los Angeles Philharmonic cellist David Garrett.
The concert concludes with Brahms’ Second Symphony, has been called his Pastorale because it encompasses the moods of a summer day; the beauty of the countryside, the majestic power of a summer storm, and a refreshed and festive world.
Concertgoers can learn much more about the pieces at preconcert talk by Professor Raymond Knapp at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the civic auditorium.
The Santa Monica Symphony attracts concertgoers of all ages. The balcony is a popular place for music loving singles to meet and where parents with children can get together. Some parents dress their children in party clothes to make the concert a special occasion. On the lower level one can see concertgoers who were brought as children, now bringing their grandchildren.
Admission is free to all Santa Monica Symphony concerts, a 61-year tradition made possible by the generosity of sponsors and donors and the city of Santa Monica.
For more information about the symphony, call (310) 395-6330 or visit www.smsymphony.org.
The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is at 1855 Main St. just north of Pico Boulevard. The only entrance to the parking lot is from Main Street. There are no reservations and admission is free.
