By Lina Broydo
Pianist Jon Nakamatsu and Symphony Silicon Valley Celebrate Beethoven’s 250th Anniversary
Saturday, March 21 at 8:00pm; Sunday, March 22 at 2:30pm.
Noted Bay Area native and winner of the distinguished Van Cliburn Gold Medal Competition, the brilliant pianist Jon Nakamatsu joins the Symphony Silicon Valley in the world-wide celebration of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th anniversary. Over three seasons, pianist Jon Nakamatsu and the orchestra will perform all of Beethoven’s piano concertos, beginning with the Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 2. The Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy by Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale and the Schumann’s heartfelt Symphony No. 4 will conclude the creative partnership between the famous pianist and the well established and admired in the world of music Symphony Silicon Valley.
About Jon Nakamatsu:
Jon Nakamatsu claimed a distinguished place on the international musical scene in June 1997 when he was named the Gold Medalist of the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition–the only American to have achieved this distinction since 1981. A former high school German teacher, he became a popular hero overnight in the highly traditional medium of classical music. Nakamatsu is a graduate of Stanford University and he performed on the most famous concert halls stages worldwide.
About Conductor John Nelson:
The distinguished conductor John Nelson is internationally renowned for his interpretation of large Romantic works including the great works of Berlioz. Central to John Nelson’s work is the great sacred choral literature. John Nelson holds the title of Directuer Musicale Honoraire of the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris and Artistic Director of Soli Deo Gloria.
About Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale
The Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale, directed by Maestra Elena Sharkova, has become known for its eclectic mix of vibrant programs. It most often performs at the California Theatre, where it accompanies the Symphony in performing major works. The Chorale also performs pieces from the classical and popular repertoire on its own and with guest soloists.
About Symphony Silicon Valley
Founded in 2002, Symphony Silicon Valley has progressed from daring idea to exciting reality, rapidly becoming the greater South Bay’s premiere orchestra and a notable community success story. As the Mercury News wrote: “Symphony Silicon Valley began as a phoenix orchestra, rising from the ashes of the old San Jose Symphony. But the “new” orchestra…is becoming a fixture on the scene, with its own way of doing things. One night it may play Ellington, the next Mozart…carving out its own identity with numerous guest conductors, some unique repertory and a celebrated new home at the California.”
The Symphony’s artists, nationally recruited, locally resident, with an average performance tenure in San Jose of over 20 years, are recognized as among the best in the greater Bay Area. Led by an exciting roster of distinguished guest conductors on the European model, the Symphony is an anchor tenant of San Jose’s magnificently restored downtown California Theatre, one of Northern California’s most outstanding music halls.
There, audiences and critics alike greet its concerts with enthusiasm.
Symphony Silicon Valley is setting an example of an innovative business model in the arts — market driven and financially conservative, with low overhead and the flexibility to match its programming to its support base.
It earns 60% of its revenue each year – an extraordinarily high proportion for a symphony of its size.
Happy Birthday Ludwig!
Tickets and Information
Prices range from $50 to $98
408.286.2600
symphonysiliconvalley.org
The California Theatre
345 South First Street in downtown San Jose
Photos courtesy of Symphony Silicon Valley
A Delicious Celebration of Italian Food and Four of Fellini’s Movies at the Iconic Castro Theatre in San Francisco
March 7, 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
In honor of the 100th Birthday of the legendary filmmaker Federico Fellini (1920 – 2020) The Honorary Lorenzo Ortona, the Consul General of Italy in San Francisco, is hosting a daylong celebration of Fellini’s work including a party featuring Fellini’s favorite pasta dishes.
The featured films screened at Castro Theater are: LA STRADA (LA STRADA) at 12:30 p.m.; JULIET OF THE SPIRITS (GIULIETTA DEGLI SPIRITI) at 3:00 p.m.; AMARCORD (AMARCORD) at 6 p.m.; I VITELLONI (I VITELLONI) at 10 p.m.; and FELLINI’S PASTA MAGIA PARTY at 8:30 p.m.
LA DOLCE VITA is not one of the films being screened at Castro Theatre in San Francisco, but it is definitely on the delicious menu of the Fellini’s pasta party.
Tickets and Information
Admission for each film is from $13 to $15 per person
The Fellini’s Pasta Party admission is $25
A daylong pass for the entire Federico Fellini Celebration is $60
Federico Fellini Celebration
Castro Theatre
429 Castro Street in San Francisco
castrotheatre.com
Photo courtesy of The Italian Cultural Institute
The Remarkable Story of Tony Stone
March 6 through March 29, 2020
Toni Stone dreams of nothing but baseball. “Take me out to the ball game” – is her favorite motto. But to become the first woman to play professionally with men as a member of the Negro League’s “Indianapolis Clowns” she must confront hostile crowds, ruthless team owners, and players who slide spikes first.
As she negotiates life’s challenges and opportunities on and off the field, Toni stays true to herself and reaches for who she can be.
The culmination of a seven-year collaboration between playwright Lydia Diamond and director Pam MacKinnon uncover the theatrical journey of the extraordinary, real-life story of a trailblazing Bay Area athlete. And you don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy and relate to this fascinating story: “Curveball: The Remarkable True Story of Toni Stone” by author Martha Ackermann.
Tickets and Information
415-749-2228
act-sf.org
A.C.T.’S Geary Theatre
415 Geary Street in San Francisco
Photo courtesy of ACT-SF
Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show 2020 in Santa Clara
March 21: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March 22: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you’re looking to find, plan and book your next vacation, attend the 2020 San Francisco/Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show, at the Santa Clara Convention Center. This year’s presenters include MSC Cruises, Switzerland Tourism, Cruise Planners, Taiwan, and The Bahamas, which has made a speedy recovery after Hurricane Dorian.
The Bahamas 14 remaining islands are untouched and welcome visitors to experience a swimming pigs adventure through the Exuma Cays and national festival, Junkanoo. Recently, MSC Cruises opened up a new destination to its exclusive island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, an eco-friendly environment.
Additional sponsors include Discover Yosemite’s Gateways, Taiwan, Cruise Planners, and South African Tourism. And my favorite: Rick Steves’ Europe. Steves is always the most popular and entertaining personality who will share with you his best and the most affordable secrets of traveling in Europe.
Tickets and Information
Prices range from $15 to $22
203-878-2577
travelshows.com
Santa Clara Convention Center
5001 Great America Parkway in Santa Clara
Photo courtesy of Travel and Adventure Show
