Press Releases & Articles

Media Contact: Leslie Silberman

lsilberman@pacificchamberorchestra.org

925-413-0571

Nonprofit
Organization

Open to the Public

Concert Dates: March 25 (Orinda) & March
26 (Livermore)

www.pacificchamberorchestra.org

 

PACIFIC CHAMBER
ORCHESTRA PRESENTS – PASSIONATE

A
Spirited Program Brimming with Emotion and Energy

 

February 10,
2023 – (Livermore, CA) Pacific Chamber Orchestra (PCO
) presents Passionate, Saturday, March 25th at St.
Stephens Episcopal Church in Orinda (7:30 pm)
and Sunday, March 26th
at Livermore’s Bankhead Theater (3:00 pm).

This
thrilling program welcomes audiences to experience the passionate Nuevo tango
of Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos
Aires
, an exquisite blend of classical and jazz. The performance celebrates
the beginning of Springtime with exhilarating music such as Telemann’s Concerto for Oboe d’amore, elevated by
Soloist Robin May. Audiences will relish the enchanting sounds of Corelli’s Suite for Strings, and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins. These four
masterful composers revolutionized the traditional music world, by creating
timeless works that still captivate and mesmerize audiences today.

 

Lawrence
Kohl, PCO’s Music Director and Conductor remarks, “Piazzolla’s Nuevo tango
draws inspiration from the evocative music of the Baroque era, a critical
period during which influential composers like Vivaldi, Telemann and Corelli
pushed musical forms and language in an entirely new direction.” Some say that Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla embodies
the “Vivaldi of our times” with music that is sensuous, mournful, joyful and
brooding, sometimes all at once.
While Arcangelo Corelli’s music evokes calmness and nobility, he was renowned
for his passionate playing, and it was said that he got so deeply involved with
his violin that he tried to make it “speak.”
German
Baroque composer and
multi-instrumentalist
,
Georg Philipp Telemann, is best
known as being history’s most prolific composer, and it has been suggested that
he may have written more than 3000 pieces. Conductor Kohl also notes, “
Each
of these composers, in their own way, express an intense passion and energy in their
music and created masterful works that highlight the virtuosity of the soloist
as both dancer and storyteller. This program, which features four brilliant
violin soloists, Igor Veligan (PCO Concertmaster), Iris Stone, Hrabba
Atladottir and Lylia Guion who represent the four seasons, culminates with soloists
performing together as the dancers and storytellers.

 

INDIVIDUAL
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

To purchase tickets for the performance at Livermore’s
Bankhead Theater, go to
 https://livermorearts.org/events/pco-passionate/ and then choose desired seats on the
checkout page. You can also email your request to 
boxoffice@bankheadtheater.org, order tickets by phone at (925)
373-6800, or by visiting the box office at 2400 First Street, Wednesday –
Sunday from noon to 6 pm.

To purchase tickets for the performance
at St. Stephens Episcopal Church
go
to https://
www.pacificchamberporchestra.org,/tickets

PCO
2023 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS — CALENDAR INFORMATION

 

PASSIONATE

Mar
25, 7:30 pm St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda

Mar
26, 3:00 pm Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore

 

REFRESHING

May
20, 7:30 pm St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda

May
21, 3:00 pm Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Leslie Silberman
lsilberman@pacificchamberorchestra.org
925-413-0571
Pacific Chamber Orchestra
Nonprofit Organization
Open to the Public
Concert Dates: September 17, 2022 to May 21, 2023
www.pacificchamberorchestra.org

 

PACIFIC CHAMBER ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES 2022-23 CONCERT SEASON
A Musical Season of Inspiration
Concerts from September 17, 2022 to May 21, 2023

May 25, 2022— (Livermore, CA Pacific Chamber Orchestra (PCO) announces its 2022-23 concert season which runs from September 17, 2022 to May 21, 2023. This season’s programming will pay tribute to the classical music giants – with works by Handel, Telemann, Vivaldi, and Haydn – and will capture the hearts of listeners with an authentic and emotional delivery of musical works.

“We are thrilled to continue our momentum into our 34th season, one filled with traditional favorites and featuring a diverse array of Baroque and contemporary works by today’s leading composers,” said Music Director and Conductor Lawrence Kohl. “In addition, for the second year, we are excited to bring back the Dream American reading workshops for emerging composers of new works that reflect the cultural heritages and diversity of our American tapestry. This season marks our commitment to strengthening our community presence, reconnecting with PCO patrons, and inviting new music lovers into our local venues (Lamorinda or Tri-Valley) for a series of joyful performances.”

SUBSCRIPTION SERIES:

OPENING WEEKEND: ‘COURAGEOUS’ on September 17 at 7:30 pm in Orinda at St. Stephens Episcopal Church and September 18 at 3 pm in Livermore at the Bankhead Theater. This program presents a suite of captivating folk music and dances from Ukraine, as well as works from the bordering countries of Poland and Czech/Slovenia.  Kohl decided to delve further into works from this region, first highlighted at last March’s concert, which opened with Melody by renowned Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk – a touching piece that honored the courage of the Ukrainian people. This Fall, audiences will take a fascinating journey beginning with In the Mountains by Mykola Kolessa, followed by Concerto for Strings by Grazyna Bacewicz, and Diptych by Myroslav Skoryk, and concluding with Serenade for Strings by Wiojciech Kilar.

‘DREAM AMERICAN – Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30 – Reading Workshops for emerging composers of new works – Venue(s) and time (s) TBA

This successful program is returning and included as one of the exclusive benefits of PCO season ticket holders who will receive a special free invitation to attend these workshops.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH, ‘GLOROUS – November 26 at 7:30 pm in Lamorinda, November 27 at 3 pm in Livermore with a third bonus performance on November 25 to be held at a Pleasanton venue -date/time tba- not included in the season ticket package and requiring a separate ticket purchase. Audiences can greet the holiday season with uplifting messages and thrilling voices of Handel’s beloved Messiah, led by Chorus Master, Dwight Stone, be inspired by riveting performances of gifted soloists Soprano Laura Farmer, Mezzo Soprano Renee Rapier, and Bass Kirk Eichelberger and join Music Director Lawrence Kohl to experience the sheer beauty of the music

PIAZZOLLA’S The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, ‘PASSIONATE’ – March 25 at 7:30 pm in Orinda, March 26 at 3 pm in Livermore. Listeners experience the dramatic passion of Nuevo Tango and welcome Springtime with the timeless works of Telemann’s Concerto for Oboe d’amore, Corelli’s Suite for Strings, and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins.

HANDEL’S Water Music Suite, ‘REFRESHING’ – May 20 at 7:30 pm in Orinda, May 21 at 3 pm in Livermore. Audiences can immerse themselves in refreshing spring waters and revitalize their souls with enchanting English works including Handel’s Water Music Suite, Hadyn’s London Symphony, Sir Edward Elgar’s May Song and Love’s Greeting, and Gordon Jacob’s Little Symphony.

###

SEASON TICKET SUBSCRIPTION (AND SINGLE TICKET) INFORMATION
Season subscriptions are on sale now, and packages for the 2022-2023 season will range from $140 to $250, depending upon venue chosen ($80 for students), Be the first to reserve season tickets before individual tickets go on sale to the general public on July 18th for the finest seats at the biggest savings!

Visit PCO website at www.pacificchamberorchestra.org for details.

For Livermore Bankhead Theater tickets, you can online to www.pacificchamberorchestra.org under “Concerts/Events”, select “Season Ticket Order Form” where you can print out the PDF of the Season Ticket Order Form and mail back to Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore, CA 94551. You may also email your request to boxoffice@bankheadtheater.org, order season tickets by phone: (925) 373-6800, or by visiting the box office in person Thursday – Sunday from noon to 6 pm.

For Orinda St. Stephens Episcopal Church tickets, you can go online to www.pacificchamberporchestra.org under “Concerts/Events”, select Season Ticket Order Form (Note: Make sure the tab is on Subscriptions (not events). Enter in your adult ticket and click checkout. Then if you wish to add student tickets click continue shopping and change the tab to be subscriptions again. Enter in the number of student tickets and click checkout and the total of both adult and student tickets will appear.)

ABOUT PACIFIC CHAMBER ORCHESTRA 

The Pacific Chamber Orchestra (PCO), is dedicated to sustaining and extending the rich heritage of classical music for chamber orchestra through inspiring performances and engaging educational programs designed to enrich local communities.  This premier regional ensemble, comprised of eight to 42 experienced professional musicians, blends the intimate clarity of chamber music with symphonic power to create an enticing palate of tonal textures. Maestro Kohl’s programs include a versatile repertoire ranging from Baroque to classical to more contemporary, and are uniquely designed to illuminate connecting threads of works performed. PCO’s main thrust is to bring the finest musicians to the Lamorinda and Tri-Valley regions, so that top artistic quality can be experienced by local audiences in an accessible, intimate fashion. Beyond the concert hall, PCO serves thousands of individuals through key education and outreach programs. Now in its 44th season, PCO is known for its dual traditions of artistic integrity and community engagement,

The Livermore Independent enthused, “…the Pacific Chamber [Orchestra] is indeed the best you can hear … a treasure beyond price.”

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS — CALENDAR INFORMATION
COURAGEOUS
Sept 17, 7:30 pm St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda
Sept 18, 3:00 pm Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore

DREAM AMERICAN
Oct 29 and 30 – Venue (s) and time(s)TBA

GLORIOUS
Nov 26, 7:30 pm St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda
Nov 27, 3:00 pm Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore

PASSIONATE
Mar 25, 7:30 pm St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda
Mar 26, 3:00 pm Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore

REFRESHING
May 20, 7:30 pm St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda
May 21, 3:00 pm Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Shelly Rose
shellyjrose@gmail.com
415-713-4405
Pacific Chamber Orchestra
Nonprofit Organization
Open to the Public
Concert Dates: July 17, 2021 – March 27, 2022
www.pacificchamberorchestra.org

 

PACIFIC CHAMBER ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES 2021-2022 SEASON DATES
A Musical Season of Renewal
Concerts from July 17, 2021 to March 27, 2022

July 1, 2021— (Lafayette, CA) Pacific Chamber Orchestra (PCO) announces its 2021-2022 season will run from July 17, 2021 to March 27, 2022. Music Director Lawrence Kohl is thrilled to debut four live programs on the concert stage in Lamorinda and Livermore for its 32nd season.

The theme for PCO’s first program is ‘Renewal.’ It runs July 17 at 7:30 pm in Moraga at the Campolindo Performing Arts Center and July 18 at 3 pm in Livermore at the Bankhead Theater. Kohl chose Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony because it embodies a snapshot of our current emergence from a tempestuous journey to some kind of new normal.

At the end of such a journey comes ‘Renewal’ or a return to freshness and vigor. Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony, also known as the Pastoral, weaves a harmonic background into a stream. The stream reaches a pool alive with a chorus of birdcall. Beethoven penned this note to describe his final movement: “The Shepherd’s Song After the Storm.”

Join in the PCO’s triumphant return to the concert stage and sail with them through musical storms to a peaceful renewal. For more information and tickets go to www.pacificchamberorchestra.org.

Additional Season Highlights:

Radiance – Brahms’ Symphony No. 2, Sept. 11 at 7:30 pm in Lamorinda, Sept. 12 at 3 pm in Livermore
Bask in soaring melodies, sinuous horns, and serene whispers in Brahms’ Cradle Song recognized the world over as a baby’s lullaby. In the final outburst of ‘a joyful sound’ the entire orchestra builds to a dizzying crescendo finishing with a flourish of trombones.

Glorious – Handel’s Messiah, Nov. 27 at 7:30 pm in Lamorinda, Nov. 28 at 3 pm in Livermore
Welcome the holiday season surrounded by a cloud of harmonious voices known for uplifting all who are present. At the end of the concert, the audience is invited to join in with a sing-a-long reprise of the famed Hallelujah chorus.

Words – Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 and Walton’s Façade: An Entertainment, March 26, 2022 at 7:30 pm in Lamorinda and March 27, 2022 at 3 pm in Livermore Let Mahler pull you from winter into spring with his recurring sleigh bells, birdsong and nature themes. He embraces a child’s joyful vision of traveling from earth to heaven. Soprano Marnie Breckenridge performs The Heavenly Life, a folksong about a child’s naïve concept of heaven. In contrast, laughter follows with Sir William Walton’s Façade: An Entertainment. Walton sets Dame Edith Sitwell’s poems to jazzy, witty music, a perfect match for her wicked, fast-paced nonsense verse. She enjoyed poking fun at the English peerage.

ABOUT PACIFIC CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

The Pacific Chamber Orchestra (PCO), now in its 32nd season, is a
regional 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional ensemble. It is dedicated to sustaining and extending the rich heritage of classical music for chamber orchestra through inspiring performances and engaging educational programs designed to
enrich local communities.

The Livermore Independent enthused, “…the Pacific Chamber [Orchestra] is indeed the best you can hear … a treasure beyond price.”

Why spend hours traveling to distant venues when you can enjoy fine musicians performing close to home led by Music Director Lawrence Kohl? PCO
musicians perform in the San Francisco Symphony, Opera or Ballet
Orchestras, touring Broadway shows and feature films recorded at Skywalker Ranch. PCO is a resident company of Livermore’s Bankhead Theater and also performs concerts in Lafayette.

Calendar Information:
July 17, 7:30 pm Campolindo Performing Arts Center, 300 Moraga Way, Moraga
July 18, 3:00 pm Bankhead Theatre, 2400 First St., Livermore
For information and tickets visit https://www.pacificchamberorchestra.org/


NOVEMBER
November 19, 2002 | Volume 10, Number 11
By NETWORK Story Writer

Maestro Lawrence Kohl is the conductor and musical director of the pacific Chamber OrchestraAccess to the arts isn’t limited to those who live in the big city, as evidenced by the caliber of performances in the Tri-Valley area. The Pacific Chamber Symphony, founded in 1989, is an excellent example of Tri-Valley culture. The group, formerly known as the Classical Philharmonic, has performed in Pleasanton for many years, sharing the gift of music for all to hear.

A benefit for the symphony will take place at CarrAmerica Conference Center Friday November 22 at 6:30 p.m. The theme of the event will be The American Radio Hour and will feature pianist Kevin Cole as well as local vocalist Marcia Sweeney. Cole has appeared as a soloist with the San Francisco Symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and symphonies throughout Europe. The benefit will be presented as a dinner theater event.

“The benefit is a unique combination of an international pianist and a local star,” says Jan Bachelor, a member of the board of directors for the Pacific Chamber Symphony. “Marcia has an exquisite voice.”

The evening’s performance will include music composed by Aaron Copeland, George Gershwin, and Richard Rogers.

“The idea is to imitate the feel of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s,” says Maestro Lawrence Kohl, conductor and musical director of the Pacific Chamber Symphony, which performs in San Francisco, Hayward and Pleasanton.

Kohl explains that a chamber symphony is half-way between the size of a large orchestra like the San Francisco Symphony and a small chamber music group and includes from 30 to 40 musicians.

“We were the symphony that Mozart and Haydn wrote for,” Kohl says.

Education and community outreach are priorities of the Pacific Chamber Symphony and, in addition to putting on performances here in the Bay Area and Tri-Valley, the organization provides a number of programs that expose students to music. For example, the show will also feature a string quartet from the Tri-Valley Youth Orchestra, which is sponsored by the Pacific Chamber Symphony.

The Pacific Chamber Symphony relies on the support of its community and does two fundraisers each year. One takes place in San Francisco and one takes place in the East Bay.

“The benefits give us the ability to put our concerts on in our own community,” Kohl says. “They also help to support our educational programs like the Tri-Valley Youth Orchestra and concerts for kids in the schools.”

For more information about the Pacific Chamber Symphony Fundraiser, contact the Symphony at 925-484-9783.

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