By Lina Broydo
Symphony San Jose presents: “REMEMBER THE TITANS”
June 1 at 7:30 p.m.; June 2 at 2:30 p.m.
In the closing program of the 2023/2024 season Symphony San Jose saved the best for last – the three “M”s: Arturo Márquez, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Gustav Mahler! Symphony San Jose’s 2023–2024 season comes to a crescendo under the brilliant baton of international conducting sensation Maestro Tatsuya Shimono and San Jose’s own and my favorite!! virtuoso pianist and Van Cliburn Gold Medalist winner, Jon Nakamatsu. “Remember The Titans” features Jon Nakamatsu playing the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21.
Born and raised in San Jose Nakamatsu performs all over the world while still living with his wife in the same house that they lived in for 27 years when they both were school teachers in Saratoga. In June 1997 Nakamatsu won the Gold Medal at the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
He was the first American to win this prize since 1981. Immediately following this competition, he quit his job as a high school German teacher to pursue a career as a classical pianist. The program’s repertoire features: Arturo Márquez: Danzon No. 2; W.A. Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21: Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 1 (Titan).
Definitely do not miss this phenomenal concert!
Information
(408) 286-2600; symphonysanjose.org
The California Theatre, 345 South First Street in Downtown San Jose
Photos courtesy of the artist and Symphony San Jose
A Mosaic of Art and Diversity Converge in Los Altos History Museum
On view now through September 15, 2024
Los Altos History Museum highlights the cultural perspectives of local artists in the exhibition “Expressions: Multicultural Artists Showcase” on display in the Museum’s Main Gallery. Artists from Los Altos and the surrounding areas use traditional art styles from their respective cultures to portray their experiences of living in California.
“We wanted to celebrate the vibrant diversity within our community through art, while paying homage to the immigrant experience and the preservation of individual cultural heritage,” said Exhibits Specialist Jordan Grealish. Featuring an array of artistic techniques including watercolors, oil paintings, and Ikebana flower arrangements, the exhibition also showcases the sacred art form of Bharatanatyam–the classical dance style of South India– through video footage and a display of costumes and traditional instruments integral to the dance.
Representing a spectrum of cultural backgrounds, participating artists showcase their heritage from regions as varied as Peru, Iran, and Sweden.
“Our aim is to introduce the community to the remarkable talents and diverse perspectives of these local artists, offering a fresh lens through which to appreciate the beauty of cultural expression,” Grealish said. On June 20, the Museum will hold a Neighborhood Block Party for the Downtown Triangle Area, home to several art galleries.
Information
All programs take place from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm.
Admission is $15 per person, with complementary admission for Museum members.
Registration is required on the Museum’s website losaltoshistory.org.
(650) 948-9427, ext.12.
Photo courtesy of the LAH Museum
Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival
May 31 and June 1, 2024
Located in one of the most beautiful destinations in California, if not the world, this annual festival features California wines and local famous eats, plus local and nationally-known jazz artists and tribute acts.
Michela Marino Lerman is the Artist-in-Residence for the 2024 Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival. She’s an internationally-known tap dance artist who has appeared everywhere from Sesame Street to a US postage stamp, and during Saturday’s event you’ll find her performing alongside Howard Wiley on the Main Stage.
Jeff Bordes & the Big Easy are back by popular demand! Jeff Bordes is a Bay Area trumpet player & composer who has recorded with artists such as Branford Marsalis, Tom Petty and John Mellencamp.
An added exciting program “Celebrating Harlem of the West” will take place on Fri. May 31st from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring among other amazing performers is Marcus Shelby, a composer, bassist, bandleader, and educator whose work focuses on the history, present, and future of African American lives, social movements and music education.
Shelby is a jazz icon synonymous with Bay Area jazz and the spirit of collaboration.
Not to be missed!
Information
hmbwineandjazzfest.com
Main Street in Half Moon Bay
Photos courtesy of the HMB Wine & Jazz Festival
“Bouquets to Art 2024” on Display at the de Young Museum
June 4th – to 9th
Don’t miss the spectacular celebration of its 40th anniversary, Bouquets to Art, an annual floral exhibition that lets you engage with the de Young’s expansive collections in new ways.
Leading floral designers return to the galleries this summer to showcase innovative botanical arrangements inspired by museum masterworks.
From striking sculptural creations throughout the galleries to a majestic hanging installation in Wilsey Court, inspiration waits around every corner.
Don’t miss the exciting opening night luxury raffle.
Head home with a fresh arrangement from the flower cart, and take part in engaging lectures with renowned designers. It is definitely one of the most visited exhibitions annually, get your tickets early!
Wear a flowery dress or a flower decorated big hat ( ala the big hat worn by Zendaya at the recent Met Gala Extravaganza…) and create a memorable photo opportunity! While at de Young visit the current “Fashioning San Francisco – A century of Style” exhibit and get inspired to become a fashionista! the week.
Information
(415) 750-3604
famsf.org
De Young Museum
Golden Gate Park in San Francisco
Photos courtesy of de Young Museum
