Carson City Symphony
Past Events - 2014-2015 Season

Carson City Symphony to Begin Rehearsals
for Thirty-first Season

Attention musicians! The Carson City Symphony will begin rehearsals for the 2014-15 concert season on Wednesday, August 27, 2014, 7:00 to 9:15 p.m., at the Carson High School band room.

The Symphony, conducted by David Bugli, is a volunteer orchestra of about 55 players who perform music from the 15th to 21st centuries. It is open to string players at any time without audition, and to other instrumentalists when positions are available. Current openings are for strings and horn. Musicians who are interested in joining should contact the Symphony at 775-883-4154.

The 2014-15 season includes six concerts, all featuring guest soloists or groups. The opening concert, "A Nevada 150 Concert," is a signature event of the sesquicentennial year. It features the Symphony, Carson City Symphony Chorus, and several guest narrators, and is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 4:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center, with a preview beginning at 3:15 p.m. Additional concerts will be on December 14, March 1, April 26, a Sunday in June, and July 4. For more information, see the Symphony web site: CCSymphony.com.

Carson City Symphony Chorus
Invites Singers to Perform in Three Concerts

Media Release - September 20, 2014
The Carson City Symphony Chorus and conductor Michael Langham invite everyone who loves to sing, from high school age through adults, to join them. This season the Chorus will sing in at least three concerts with the Carson City Symphony: "A Nevada 150 Concert" on October 26, the "Holiday Treat" on December 14, and the "Pops Party" on June 14.

The Symphony Chorus is a community group of people who get together for the pleasure of making music and getting to perform works with the orchestra. Auditions are not required. Rehearsals will be held on Tuesdays, 8:15 p.m. (location to be determined).

For its first performance of the season, the Symphony Chorus will be featured in "A Land of Sage and Sun" by Idaho composer Jim Cockey, "Home Means Nevada" by Bertha Raffetto, arranged by the symphony's conductor David Bugli, and "This Marriage" by Nevada native Eric Whitacre.

Choristers who are interested in joining the Carson City Symphony Chorus should contact Director Michael Langham at ccsingersdirector@gmail.com or the Symphony at 775-883-4154.

Photo: Carson City Symphony Chorus in rehearsal last season.

Nevada Photographs Sought for
Oct. 26, 2014, Concert

The Carson City Symphony, a non-profit organization, is looking for photographs of Nevada to project during their upcoming concert on October 26, 2014, that will help celebrate Nevada's 150th anniversary. Images are needed for categories including scenics, nature, Las Vegas, Cathedral Gorge State Park, the Emigrant Trail, Native Americans, Virginia City, and mining.

Rights for all photos will remain with the photographers. Submitting photos allows the one-time use of the images for this event. The photographer's name will be projected along with each photo used. Photographers whose photos are used will receive two free tickets to the October 26, 2014 concert. Submission deadline is 11:59 p.m, October 11, 2014.

Complete details can be found by clicking here.

Carson Chamber Singers to Present Two Concerts
Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, in Reno
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, in Carson City

The Carson Chamber Singers, directed by Michael Langham, begin their 30th season with a pair of concerts in Reno and Carson City. The first concert, Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, at 7:30 p.m., will be at Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 Island Ave. in Reno. The program will be repeated on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at 7:30 p.m., at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 314 N. Division St. in Carson City.

The varied program includes "Sure on the Shining Night" by Morten Lauridsen; "Dirait on" from Les Chansons des Roses by Lauridsen; Regina Coeli, K. 108, by Mozart; "Canite tuba" by Palestrina; and the traditional American hymn tune Hark, "I Hear the Harps Eternal," arranged by Alice Parker.

Tickets are $10 general admission and free for age 16 and under. Tickets are available in advance at CCSymphony.com (see "Buy buttons," below), at Play Your Own Music in the Carson Mall, or at the door. Carson City Symphony flex tickets also will be accepted. For more information, call the Symphony Association at 775-883-4154.

Carson City Symphony presents "A Nevada 150 Concert"
Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014

The Carson City Symphony, directed by David Bugli, will open its thirty-first season on Sunday, October 26, 2014, 4:00 p.m., with "A Nevada 150 Concert," at the Carson City Community Center's Bob Boldrick Theater, 851 E. William Street in Carson City. The concert includes the Carson City Symphony Chorus directed by Michael Langham, and featured guest artists McAvoy Layne as Mark Twain, poet Shaun Griffin, Native American singer Christina Thomas, and readers Rita Geil and Christina Van Geel.

Tickets are $15 general admission; $12 for seniors, students, and Symphony Association members; and free for youth age 16 and under. Tickets will be on sale at Play Your Own Music in the Carson Mall, online at CCSymphony.com (see "Buy Now" button, below), or at the door. Season tickets at discounted prices are available from the Symphony at 775-883-4154.

The program includes "A Land of Sage and Sun" by Idaho composer Jim Cockey, "State of Metamorphosis" written in 1989 by David Bugli in honor of the State's 125th anniversary, "Nevada Bagatelles" by Stephen Rosenhaus, "Home Means Nevada" by Bertha Raffetto, arranged for chorus and orchestra by David Bugli, and a choral work, "This Marriage," by Nevada composer Eric Whitacre. Bertha Raffetto's "Home Means Nevada" is Nevada's official state song. David Bugli wrote an arrangement for chorus and orchestra that was commissioned by the Reno Philharmonic Assoc. in 2013 with a grant from the E.L. Wiegand Foundation. This arrangement and several corresponding arrangements will be performed by several Nevada adult orchestras and youth ensembles during this Sesquicentennial year. This program was funded in part by Nevada Humanities, Nevada's nonprofit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The concert includes pre-show entertainment in the lobby beginning at 3:00 p.m. featuring Tom and Mary Kay Aufrance, a free concert preview in the Sierra Room at 3:15 p.m. and a dinner reception after the concert. The preview, hosted by Conductor David Bugli, will include discussions with Michael Langham and guest artists about the concert, composers, and music. The post-concert reception location will be announced later. For reception reservations, required in advance, call the Symphony at 775-883-4154.

This performance is part of World Music Days, an annual global event affirming the ideals of tolerance, friendship, and shared humanity, inspired by the life and work of journalist and musician Daniel Pearl.

Carson City Symphony is a community orchestra of about 60 players who perform music from the 15th to 21st centuries. The 2014-15 concert season is supported with public funding through the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Pre-concert talks are funded in part by a grant from Nevada Humanities.

Comment received after concert:
"Bravo! Concert was a fantastic celebration of original artistic music, poems, and readings. We love the photo slide show with scenes of Nevada! Inspiring us to go see them all. This concert made us proud to live in NV." (Postcard from R.F.)

Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players Perform
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014

The Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players perform for a private performance at Evergreen at Montainview Assisted Living at 10:00 a.m. This event is not open to the public.

The "Not Quite Ready for Carnegie Hall Players" is the creation of Carson City Symphony Concertmaster Sue Jesch. Each week, a group of adult musicians, some of them beginners, get together to play music at the "old deli" in the Carson Mall. The group meets Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. The primary purpose of this group is to give adult musicians who may not be ready for a regular adult orchestra, such as the Carson City Symphony, an opportunity to play and enjoy easy music. Several of the players have progressed enough to join the Carson City Symphony. Many of the members participate in the annual Christmas Carol Play-along for Strings each December in Carson Mall.

Fifth Annual "This is Not a Christmas Concert"
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014

Carson City Symphony's Strings in the Schools program presents its fifth annual "This is Not a Christmas Concert" on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. Beginning violins and cellos, string ensemble, Pizzazz, and STRAZZ will be performing.

The concert is at the Carson City Community Center, 801 E. William St., Carson City. Admission is free. For more information, see CCSymphony.com or call (775) 883-4154.

Carson Chamber Singers Christmas Concerts
Friday, Dec, 5, 2014, in Reno
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Sacramento

The Carson Chamber Singers, directed by Michael Langham, continues its 30th season with a pair of Christmas concerts in Reno and Sacramento. The first concert will be on Friday, December 5, 2014, at 7:30 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 Island Ave. in Reno. The program will be repeated in Sacramento on Sunday, December 7, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 2391 St. Marks Way. For the Sunday concert, the St. Mark's Chancel Choir and the St. Mark's Singers will join in performance with the Carson Chamber Singers.

The varied program features Camille Saint-Saëns' Oratorio de Noël, Op. 12, for Chorus and Soloist with organ, harp, and strings, and works by J. Rutter, M. Leontovych, K. Malucelli, and M. Langham, and others.

Carson Chamber Singers, a select performing group of the Carson City Symphony Association, is supported in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts and by Association memberships and donations.

Tickets for the Reno concert are $10, available online at CCSymphony.com (soon) and at the door. Carson City Symphony flex tickets also will be accepted. Admission to the Sacramento concert is free, donations welcome. For more information, call the Carson City Symphony Association at 775-883-4154.

Consort Canzona early music ensemble
"Lessons and Carols" Holiday Concerts - CANCELLED
Sat., Dec. 13, 2014, at 4:00 p.m.
Mon., Dec. 15, 2014, at 7:00 p.m.

Unfortunately, the Consort Canzona concerts scheduled for Saturday night (Dec. 13 at Carson Valley United Methodist Church in Gardnerville) and Monday night (Dec. 15 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Gardnerville) have to be cancelled. Too many of the performers are sick, including the conductor, Gary Schwartz. The group is affiliated with the Carson City Symphony, which WILL be having its 31st Annual "Holiday Treat" Concert as scheduled on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center.

A lot of work had gone into the preparation of the Consort Canzona "Lessons and Carols" Holiday concerts, and the Carson City Symphony Association apologizes for having to cancel the event. After the holidays, the consort will resume rehearsals for concerts scheduled for May 15 and May 17, 2015.

For further information, call the Association at 775-883-4154, or check the Symphony website at CCSymphony.com.

Original message: Consort Canzona early music ensemble will present pair of "Lessons and Carols" Holiday Concerts on Sat., Dec. 13, 2014, 4:00 p.m., at Carson Valley United Methodist Church in Gardnerville and Mon., Dec. 15, 2014, 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Gardnerville.

31st Annual Holiday Treat Program
Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014

The Carson City Symphony presents its 31st annual "Holiday Treat" Concert on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center, 801 E. William St., Carson City. The Carson City Symphony, Carson City Symphony Chorus, and Norma Conway's Victorian Dancers present a feast of seasonal and holiday entertainment in many styles!

The Carson City Symphony, conducted by Music Director/Conductor David Bugli, will perform several works, including Variations on "My Dancing Day," "The Bells of Christmas," music from "Polar Express," "A Most Wonderful Christmas," and Hanukkah songs.

The Carson City Symphony Chorus, under the direction of choral conductor Michael Langham, will perform "I Wonder as I Wander" by John Rutter, and "All is Well" by Michael Langham. Chorus and Symphony will present "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" in a new arrangement by Ken Malucelli, and Adeste Fidelis. The Victorian Dancers will whirl and swirl to the music of Johann Strauss, Jr., and performers and audience will join together for the traditional Holiday Treat finale, "A Christmas Singalong."

Pre-concert entertainment by Quintessence - The Carson City Harp Ensemble begins at 3:00 p.m. in the lobby.

Tickets are $15 general admission; $12 for seniors, students, and Symphony Association members; and free for youth age 16 and under. Tickets are on sale at Play Your Own Music at the Carson Mall, online at CCSymphony.com, and at the door. For more information, see CCSymphony.com or call (775) 883-4154.

This concert is supported, in part, by public funds through a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, and by private donations.

Choral ensemble from Carson Chamber Singers and Symphony Chorus
to Perform for Ormsby Post Acute Rehab
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014

A choral ensemble from Carson Chamber Singers and Symphony Chorus will perform Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, 7:00 p.m., at Ormsby Post Acute Rehab, 3050 N. Ormsby Blvd., Carson City.

Christmas Carol Playalong for Strings
Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, at Carson Mall

String players of all ages and levels are invited to join the seventh annual Christmas Carol Playalong on Friday, December 19, 2014, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., inside the Carson Mall, 1227 S. Carson Street. The event is free and open to the public.

This event is hosted by Carson City Symphony Association and Carson Mall. Violin, viola, cello, bass, and harp players are welcome to come and play. Everyone else, come and sing or listen. To play, contact Sue Jesch in advance at 775-450-5584 or sue@tahoefiddler.com for sheet music and information.

Gregory Maytan Presents Free Violin Recital February 7
Music, Conversation, Wine, and Dessert
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015

The Carson City Symphony Association presents an intimate, elegant evening of Music, Conversation, Wine, and Dessert on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at 7:30 p.m., at a private home in Jacks Valley, south of Carson City. The recital will feature critically acclaimed violinist Gregory Maytan, who has appeared as concert soloist, chamber musician, and teacher in Europe, China, and the U.S.

The recital is a benefit for Dr. Maytan's recording of violin concertos by Ludwig van Beethoven and Swedish composer Amanda Maier with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Accompanist at the recital is Pat Gardner. Guests at the recital also will receive one of Maytan's CD recordings.

Admission is free, donations welcome. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. For reservations, address, and directions, call the Symphony at 775-883-4154.

Gregory Maytan has soloed three times with the Carson City Symphony and performed a house recital in 2009. On this trip, he will visit orchestra classes at Carson City Schools. Read more about Maytan and listen to live recordings on gregorymaytan.com. For more information about the recital and other events, call the Symphony at 775-883-4154 or see CCSymphony.com.

Zephyrus Brass Quintet Play Fat Tuesday Event
at Sierra Place Senior Living
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015

The Zephyrus Brass Quintet, a subgroup of the Carson City Symphony Assoc., will be playing for a Fat Tuesday event at the Sierra Place Senior Living, 1111 West College Parkway, Carson City, on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The concert will feature music from New Orleans associated with Mardi Gras. The event is free and open to the public.

"The 8 Seasons" Concert with Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio, Violin
Sunday, March 1, 2015

The Carson City Symphony invites the public to a concert celebrating the seasons on Sunday, March 1, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center, 801 E. William St., Carson City. This exciting program features eight seasons, "The Four Seasons" by Antonio Vivaldi and "The Four Seasons in Buenos Aires" by Astor Piazzolla, with guest violin soloist Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio. The concert will also include Ralph Vaughan Williams' "English Folk Song Suite" for woodwinds, brass and percussion.

The Symphony will be joined by guest violin soloist Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio playing Antonio Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and Astor Piazzolla's "The Four Seasons," a work written by the Argentinian composer as a tribute to Vivaldi's more famous work. Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio is an internationally acclaimed performing artist and has recorded more than 75 CDs. She is Director of the Orchestral Career Studies Graduate Program and Associate Professor of Violin and Viola at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The Symphony, conducted by David Bugli, is a volunteer orchestra of about 55 players who perform music from the 15th to 21st centuries. Also joining the orchestra on parts of the Vivaldi "Four Seasons" is STRAZZ Youth Strings, part of the Carson City Symphony's Strings in the Schools program, which is directed by Education Director Sue Jesch.

Pre-show entertainment will be presented by the Regency Strings in the lobby starting at 3:00 p.m.

The audience is also invited to a free concert preview in the Sierra Room at 3:15 p.m. The preview, hosted by Conductor David Bugli, will include discussions with soloist Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio about the concert, composers, and music.

Tickets are $15 general admission; $12 for seniors, students, and Symphony Association members; and free for youth age 16 and under. Tickets are on sale at Silver & Brass Band Instrument Repair at 710 N. Curry St. (Facebook link with map), online at CCSymphony.com (see "Buy Now" button, below), and at the door. For more information, see CCSymphony.com or call (775) 883-4154.

Comments about the concert:

• That concert was one of the great ones! GJ
• Your programming was bold and challenging, and a raging success, both in terms of player satisfaction and audience-friendliness. SA

Carson City Symphony Begins Rehearsals for April 26 Concert
Wednesday, March 11, 2015

The Carson City Symphony begins rehearsals for the April 26 "Spring Celebration" concert on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, 7:00 to 9:15 p.m., at the First Baptist Church, 1750 Mountain Street, Carson City. Most subsequent Wednesday rehearsals will be at the Carson High band room.

The Symphony, conducted by David Bugli, is a volunteer orchestra of about 55 players who perform music from the 15th to 21st centuries. It is open to string players at any time without audition, and to other instrumentalists when positions are available. Current openings are for violins, violas, and French horn. Musicians who are interested in joining should contact the Symphony at 775-883-4154.

The "Spring Celebration" concert features music by Mozart, Brahms, and Grieg, with soloists Sally Turk, flute, and Michael Langham, harp, and the Carson City Symphony Chorus. The Chorus rehearses on Tuesday nights and also has openings.

For more information about the concert and the performing groups, see the website CCSymphony.com.

Carson City Symphony Chorus
Begins Rehearsals April 26 Concert on
Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Attention choristers! The Carson City Symphony Chorus will begin rehearsals on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, for a performance with the Carson City Symphony on April 26, 2015, at the Carson City Community Center. Rehearsals are 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Choral Room in Carson High School, 1111 N. Saliman Road in Carson City.

The Symphony Chorus, conducted by Michael Langham, is an extension of the select Carson Chamber Singers. The Chorus provides additional opportunities for amateur and volunteer professional vocalists, including high school and church choir members from throughout the area, to sing choral masterpieces with orchestra. It is open to all singers, high-school age through adults.

The "Spring Celebration" concert on April 26 features music by Mozart, Brahms, and Grieg, with soloists Sally Turk, flute, and Michael Langham, harp. The Carson City Symphony Chorus will sing Mozart's "Te Deum" with the orchestra. In addition, the Chorus will sing at the Symphony's Pops Party concert on June 14, 2015, at the Governor's Mansion, and an Independence Day concert at Mormon Station Park in Genoa on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

Choristers who are interested in joining the Carson City Symphony Chorus should contact Director Michael Langham at ccsingersdirector@gmail.com or the Symphony at 775-883-4154. For more information about the concert and the performing groups, see the website CCSymphony.com.

Carson Chamber Singers
30th Anniversary Season Spring Concerts
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Sunday, March 22, 2015

The Carson Chamber Singers, directed by Michael Langham, continues its 30th season with a pair of Spring Concerts in Carson City and Reno. The first concert will be on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at 7:30 p.m., at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 314 N. Division Street in in Carson City. The program will be repeated in Reno on Sunday, 2015, March 22, at 3:30 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 Island Ave. in Reno.

The concert will include early music written for double choir by Giovanni Gabrielli (1557-1612); "Frostiana: Seven Country Songs" - the setting by Randall Thompson of poems by Robert Frost; and works by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Anton Bruckner, Ralph Manuel, and Mark Hayes. Linda Hardy is accompanist.

Carson Chamber Singers, a select performing group of the Carson City Symphony Association, is supported in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts and by Association memberships and donations.

Tickets for the concerts are $10, free for age 16 and under. Tickets are available online at CCSymphony.com; at Silver and Brass, 710 N. Curry Street in Carson City; and at the door. Carson City Symphony flex tickets also will be accepted. For more information, call the Carson City Symphony Association at 775-883-4154.

Michael Langham conducts encore, "Hush."

Strings in the Schools "Spring Fling" Concert
Thursday, April 23, 2015

Carson City Symphony's Strings in the Schools ensembles, conducted by Education Director Sue Jesch, will present a "Spring Fling" concert on Thursday, April 23, 2015, 6:30 p.m., at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William Street. The concert will include music by Vivaldi, Dvorak, Lennon & McCartney, and more. Admission is free.

The concert will feature performances by students from grade 2 through high school, including beginning violins and cellos, the intermediate String Ensemble, Pizzazz, and STRAZZ. The program includes familiar works and some surprises. David Bugli, conductor of the Carson City Symphony, said, "Some of these students have been in the program since it began in 2004 and are an inspiration to the younger players."

Strings in the Schools, now in its tenth year, is Carson City Symphony Association's tuition-free, after-school program for young string players. About 150 students currently participate. The program is supported, in part, by public funds through grants from the Nevada Arts Council and Partnership Carson City, and by private donations. For more information, see CCSymphony.com or call Sue Jesch at 775-450-5584.

Pictured at left: Strings in the Schools students performed at the Legislative Plaza last summer and will play in the Spring Fling concert on April 23.

Carson City Symphony "Spring Celebration"
Concert Features Harp & Flute
Sunday, April 26, 2015

Update: Because of illness, the Mozart Concerto for Flute and Harp was not performed on the concert. In its stead, the Carson Chamber Singers, under the direction of Michael Langham, performed a number of pieces from their March concerts by Randall Thompson, Rachmaninoff, and other composers.

The Carson City Symphony invites the public to "Spring Celebration," a concert on Sunday, April 26, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center, 801 E. William St., Carson City. The diverse program features soloists Sally Turk, flute, and Micheal Langham, harp, in Mozart's Concerto for Flute and Harp, and the Carson City Symphony Chorus in Mozart's early work in praise of God, Te Deum. The Symphony will acknowledge graduation time by playing the Academic Festival Overture by Brahms. Rounding out the program is the Lyric Suite, written by Grieg to celebrate his Norwegian heritage.

Pre-concert entertainment by the Sixteen Strings cello quartet begins at 3:00 p.m. in the lobby. A meet-the-soloist preview, hosted by Conductor David Bugli, will include discussions with soloists Sally Turk and Michael Langham about the concert, composers, and music. The preview begins at 3:15 p.m. in the Sierra Room.

Sally Turk, a graduate of the Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music and the Indiana University of Music, has held the piccolo position in the Youngstown Symphony in Ohio and served as principal flute in the Amarillo Symphony and the Randel Chamber Orchestra in Texas. Before moving to Reno, she was professor of flute at West Texas A&M University.

Michael Langham, harpist for the Carson City Symphony, has served as principal harp in the Huntington Chamber Orchestra, the New Jersey POPS, the Marshall University Symphony Orchestra, and the Bay Chamber Orchestra. He holds degrees from Marshall University and Westminster Choir College. He is artistic director and conductor of the Carson Chamber Singers and conductor of the Carson City Symphony Chorus.

Carson City Symphony's 2014-15 concert season is supported with public funding through the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Pre-concert talks are funded in part by Nevada Humanities, Nevada's nonprofit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Tickets are $15 general admission; $12 for seniors, students, and Symphony Association members; and free for youth age 16 and under. Tickets are on sale at Silver & Brass, 710 N. Curry Street in Carson City, online at CCSymphony.com, and at the door. For more information, see CCSymphony.com or call 775-883-4154.

Strings in the Schools Harmonica Workshop & Concert
Saturday, May 9, 2015

On Saturday, May 9, 2015, Carson City Symphony's Strings in the Schools will present a Festival for Harmonicas and Strings at Empire Elementary School, 1260 Monte Rosa Drive, Carson City. The half-day event includes a workshop from 9:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for string players of all ages, a potluck lunch, and a public concert beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Artists in residence for the festival are Carson City Symphony Education Director Sue Jesch, conductor; Idaho composer Gary Edwards, bass player; and Tom Stryker, harmonica player. Hohner Inc., USA, has donated 12 chromatic harmonicas, which selected students from the STRAZZ advanced string ensemble are learning to play. Festival participants will learn and perform original music for harmonica and string orchestra by Edwards.

The public concert features a lecture-demonstration by Stryker about the harmonica, performances by workshop participants with Stryker on harmonica and Edwards on bass, and a jazz combo.

This festival is supported by public funds through the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by private donations.

String players of all ages who would like to participate in the festival must register in advance. Admission to the festival and the concert is free, donations welcome. For more information, schedule, reservations, and music, call Sue Jesch at 775-540-5584.

Photo at right: Sue Jesch (right) leads a workshop for string players of all ages last year (May 2014).

Consort Canzona Presents Pair of "Madrigals and Dances" Concerts
Friday, May 15, and Sunday, May 17, 2015

Consort Canzona, a select group of local instrumentalists and singers, will present "Madrigals and Dances - A Celebration of Renaissance Music," in two concerts. The first performance is on Friday, May 15, 2015, at 7:00 p.m., at Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran Church, 3680 Highway 395 South (behind Best Buy); the second is on Sunday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Carson City, 1250 Mountain Street. Admission is free, with donations gladly accepted.

The Consort was founded several years ago by local musician Sharon Kientz and consisted only of recorders, cello continuo, and harpsichord. Singers were invited to join the Consort in 2011, and this expanded ensemble will perform on May 15 and 17. The group affiliated with the Carson City Symphony Association in early 2014 and is currently directed by Gary Schwartz.

The program features madrigals performed by unaccompanied singers alternating with dance music played by the instrumentalists. The program presents many styles and composers of the Renaissance period. Noteworthy among the composers are John Dowland, Michael Praetorius, Orlando Gibbons, and Hans Leo Hassler.

Together, singers and instrumentalists will perform Gibbons' "Cries of London," a rousing portrait of street hawkers and hucksters vying for the attention of shoppers on a summer day in Renaissance London.

For more information call the Symphony at 775-883-4154.

Zephyrus Brass Quintet performs at
Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park
Sunday, May 17, 2015

Zephyrus Brass Quintet plays at Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park in Minden, Nev., at 5:00 p.m. The performance is part of an event called "Something in the Wind," and will celebrate the Washoe Zephyr with expert kite flyers and a weekend built around all things windy: kite-flying demonstrations, kite making, wind music, wind chimes, wind art, and more. This is a joint project with the Carson Valley Arts Council on May 16-17. It's free for everyone, and is sponsored by Bently Ranch, SoaringNV, Holiday Inn Express, and the Frances C. and William P. Smallwood Foundation.

Zephyrus Brass Quintet Plays for
Borderwich-Bray Elementary Students
Friday, May 22, 2015

The Zephyrus Brass Quintet, a subgroup of the Carson City Symphony Assoc., will be playing for assemblies at Bordewich-Bray Elementary School, on Friday, May 22, 2015, starting at 1:35 p.m. They will play a combination of delightful and instructive brass quintet literature.

This is the second special appearance of the quintet at the school. Alan Catron, trumpet player with the quintet and music teacher at the school, has arranged to bring the event to the school.

STRINGS IN THE SUMMER 2015
A Program for String Players of All Ages
June 8 to July 23, 2015

The Carson City Symphony's free Strings in the Summer program runs from June 8 to July 23, 2015. All classes are at Carson Mall, between Bealls and Action Furniture, under the direction of Symphony Education Director Sue Jesch. Three sets of classes are offered:

• Mondays: Introduction to Fiddle and Folk Music
  Designed primarily for younger students, and for violinists, violists and cellists of any age who have limited experience. Must be able to play a one-octave D scale and read notes within the staff.
  Dates: June 8, June 15, June 22, July 6, July 13, and July 20
  Time: 10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m.
• Wednesdays: Fiddlin' Fun
  Melodies, Harmonies, and Improvisations
  For advanced beginner to intermediate violinists and violists.
  More complex tunes and rhythms, 2- and 4-part harmonies, etc.
  Dates: June 10, June 17, June 24, July 8, July 15, and July 22
  Time: 10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m.
• Thursdays: String Ensemble
  For advanced beginner to intermediate players.
  Fun tunes for orchestra. Arrangements for violin, viola, cello, and bass.
  Dates: June 11, June 18, June 25, July 9, July 16, and July 23
  Time: 10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m.

For information on the session, click on the image at the right or click here, or call 775-450-5584.

Thirty-first Annual Pops Party Concert
Sunday, June 14, 2015

The beautiful back lawn of the Governor's Mansion is the site of the Carson City Symphony's thirty-first annual Pops Party concert on Sunday, June 14, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. The program features the Carson City Symphony, Carson City Symphony Chorus, and guest singer Cindee LeVal. Grounds open and pre-concert entertainment by the Regency Strings strolling duo (Cecilia Twain, violin, and George Worth, bass) begins at 2:00 p.m. The Naughty Tea Mistresses will be there, too!

In honor of Flag Day, June 14, the concert will open with an a capella version of The Star Spangled Banner sung by the Carson City Symphony Chorus, directed by Michael Langham. The Symphony, directed by David Bugli, will play Entrance of the Gladiators, April in Paris, The Great Locomotive Chase, Hoe-down from Copland's Rodeo, and more.

As a tribute to Nat "King" Cole, who died 50 years ago, Cindee LeVal will sing new arrangements by David Bugli of Straighten Up and Fly Right and Unforgettable with the orchestra. Both songs were made famous by Nat "King" Cole, who also wrote the original music for Straighten Up and Fly Right.

The Carson City Symphony Chorus will sing When You Wish Upon a Star, Chattanooga Choo Choo, I've Got the Sun in the Morning and the Moon at Night, and selections from The Sound of Music. The concert closes with John Philip Sousa's march, Hands Across the Sea.

Seating is on the lawn; the audience is welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs (some chairs will be provided) and food. Snacks, beverages, and raffle tickets will be on sale before and during the concert. Proceeds from sales benefit the Carson City Symphony Association's artistic and educational programs and Carson High School's instrumental music programs.

This free concert is supported, in part, with public funding through the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Nevada Commission on Tourism. For rain location, call the Symphony at 775-883-4154 or check the web site: CCSymphony.com.

Carson City Symphony to perform
Fourth of July Concert in Genoa
Saturday, July 4, 2015

CONCERT CANCELLED DUE TO THUNDERSTORMS!! This concert would have been the Symphony's 179th performance. This is the first concert in the Symphony's 31 year history that has been cancelled due to any reason. We apologize for any inconvenience, but the Genoa Fire Chief insisted that the concert be cancelled at 4:30 because of rainfall and impending thunderstorms.

On Saturday, July 4, 2015, the Carson City Symphony will perform at 4:30 p.m. at Mormon Station State Park, Genoa, NV, as part of the Genoa Americana Celebration. This is the second year that the Carson City Symphony has been invited to perform for this event. Special guest artist Richard Elloyan will be performing his songs, "Alkali Rose" and "Great Basin Waltz," with the Symphony. Also on the Symphony program is "Armed Forces Salute" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic," performed with the Carson City Symphony Chorus. Parade, festivities, and bands are planned. This one-day musical event will celebrate our nation's birthday. For more information see http://www.genoaamericana.com.

Founded in 1851, Genoa, NV, was the first settlement in Nevada. This historic, tiny town is nestled into a shady grove at the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada range and is a perfect location to celebrate traditional American music!

Pictured: The Genoa Courthouse Museum, across the street from Mormon Station State Park.

Carson Chamber Singers perform for Artown
Thursday, July 9, 2015

The Carson Chamber Singers, directed by Michael Langham, celebrate completion of their 30th season with an Artown concert on Thursday, July 9, at 7:00 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 Island Ave. in Reno. Admission is free, donations accepted.

The program includes music from Renaissance composer, Giovanni Gabrieli, to contemporary, Nevada-born composer, Eric Whitacre. Special guest conductor is Judy Monson, founder and former director of the Carson Chamber Singers, a performing group of the Carson City Symphony Association.

Free parking is available in the lot on the southwest corner of Virginia and Court Streets. For more information, call the Symphony Association at 775-883-4154.

Carson City Symphony Association
Annual Meeting and Potluck
Sunday, July 12, 2015

The Carson City Symphony Association will be holding its annual meeting on Sunday, July 12, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. at 703 Westview Ave, Carson City. This will also be a potluck. Association members will elect board members, review the past year, and conduct other business. For information, please call 775-883-4154.

Strings in the Summer Group
Plays for Sierra Place
Thursday, July 30, 2015

The Strings in the Summer program will be presenting a free concert at Sierra Place Senior Living, 1111 West College Parkway, Carson City, NV, on Thursday, July 30, 2015, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This will be the group's end-of-the summer performance.

The Carson City Symphony's free Strings in the Summer program runs from June 8 to July 23, 2015. All classes are held at Carson Mall, between Bealls and Action Furniture, under the direction of Symphony Education Director Sue Jesch. For more information, contact Ms. Jesch at 775-450-5584.