‘SoundsAbout’ right: Samohi symphony set to play Disney
By JAYA GUPTA Special to the Daily Press
The Santa Monica High School Symphony Orchestra has hit the big time.
After being chosen by the LA Philharmonic Association to be the first public high school ensemble ever to perform at the Disney Concert Hall in downtown LA, Samohi students will take the stage for a rare and noteworthy performance on Sunday.
Since opening in the fall of 2003, the Walt Disney Concert Hall has already had its share of magical performances, with patrons experiencing the masterworks of artists from Beethoven to Mozart. Home to the world-renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Disney stage commands from its performers immense talent, incredible work ethic and, foremost, a passion for their art.
Under the guidance of award-winning director Joni Swenson, the Samohi symphony orchestra will open a four-installment concert series entitled “Sounds About Town.”
“We began prepping in September as soon as school started,” Swenson said. “We found out about the invitation about a year ago. We’ve been thrilled ever since.”
Intended to showcase premier youth ensembles throughout the LA-area, the goal of “Sounds About Town” is to nurture tomorrow’s performers by providing them with occasions to perform today.
“Basically, the point is to champion youth ensembles” said LA Philharmonic spokeswoman Sabrina Skacan. “The Santa Monica ensemble was chosen for their long-standing tradition of musical excellence.
“We decide upon ensembles based upon their merit and availability instead of them auditioning for us,” she added. “There are hundreds of organizations that want to work with us. Unfortunately, we have to narrow it down to four every year.”
With a century-long tradition of symphonic superiority backing them, each member of the ensemble will be asked to redouble their efforts to couple their natural talent with hard work.
“Every student is aware that they are a part of a historical program,” Swenson said. “There are many well-known alumni of this program out there. I don’t think the history puts pressure on them. Really, it is more inspiring.”
As Sunday night’s performance draws near, Swenson and her students this week have been working tirelessly to hammer out the final kinks in their repertoire.
“It’s been tiring,” said Samohi senior Devon Pratt, who plays the French horn. “We are well-prepared. There is some anxiety, but we are looking forward to it.”
Comprised of 97 students representing ninth through 12th grades, the symphony orchestra is slated to perform a program featuring “Procession of the Nobles” from Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera-ballet entitled Mlada. In addition, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2 in C minor; Op. 17 “Little Russian” and Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” also are on the bill.
In light of their long-standing success as an organization, Swenson heartily credits the community and parents for their involvement and support. “One thing is that the school district really supports the arts,” she said. “Having strong programs in the elementary schools really helps at the high school level. There is a lot of community support and tremendous parental help. They work hard to raise money so we can travel and participate in different events.
“The success of the symphony orchestra is a culmination of many elements.”
As spring break commences at Samohi, symphony orchestra students will travel to China to participate in a 10-day cultural and musical exchange with the students of Hangzhou High School of Performing Arts, Beijing and Xinghai conservatories.
Previously, the Samohi symphony orchestra has traveled to cities such as Vienna, Valencia (Spain) and Prague, where they played at the Rudolfinum, a venue on par with Carnegie Hall for world renown.
The orchestra played at Carnegie Hall in New York in 2002. There is limited availability for tickets, which can be purchased through www.LAPhil.com or via credit card phone order at (323) 850-2000. Tickets also can be purchased at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office. Prices range from $16 to $37. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for senior citizens and full-time students may be available two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required to enter the venue.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 17, 2006. Read the original PDF.