Feel the Music this season with the impassioned performances of great symphonic sounds, extraordinary soloists, and an overall irresistible season of fine music. In the opening concert of the Santa Maria Philharmonic 2018-19 Season, AMORE Lyrical Love, you will hear the passionate and lyrical sounds of the 18^th century orchestra.
You will likely recognize the rollicking Overture to Glinka’s Opera Ruslan and Ludmilla. This opening work can be heard as the theme tune for the TV series ‘Mom’,  British children’s TV series  ‘Oscar’s Orchestra’ and also on BBC Radio.
Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto is also one of those works that is recognized by all. It was initially claimed as impossible to play, with its double stops, glissandos, and leaps. The Slavic and Russian folk melodies on which it is based however, gave Tchaikovsky a voice that was his most intimate and expressive. It is now one of the best known violin concertos of all times, played by every virtuoso.
The performance of this work on the opening concert will have a unique significance for the organization, with the return of violinist Amy Sze. This 17 year old violinist grew up in San Luis Obispo, began her studies with Grace Seng who is a regular violinist in the Philharmonic. Amy performed at age 10, and again at 11, for the Youth Showcase Recitals presented by the SMPS. In 2015 she was chosen as one of the winners of the Santa Maria Philharmonic Junior Concerto Competition, and played a movement of a Mozart Concerto with the orchestra.  She is now returning this time as a professional soloist. This will be an exciting reunion!
Schubert’s dreamy and lyrical Unfinished Symphony is the larger symphonic work on this program. It is filled with the tenderness and beauty prevalent in so many of Schubert's works. The nickname ‘Unfinished’ is a reference to the two movement structure, rather than three of four movements of a standard symphonic work.