Youth will Be Served

Proud as they are of the ever-increasing quality and innovative nature of the Santa Barbara Symphony’s concerts at the Granada, the folks at the organization often rave even more about their education program. The periodic performance component of those programs takes place this weekend as Camerata Ensemble & Philharmonia Orchestra kick things off on Saturday afternoon, May 4, at First Presbyterian Church. Proudly spotlighting the younger students still finding their symphonic feet, the program will veer from Bach to Batman, and include a special collaborative appearance by the Music Academy of the West’s Sing! children’s chorus. Sunday, May 5, is the more senior Santa Barbara Youth Symphony’s turn. On that date the accomplished high-school aged musicians from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, led by Music Director and Westmont music faculty member Dr. Daniel Gee, perform works by Mendelssohn, Strauss, and Bériot, and will be joined in part by the Westmont College Choir. It all happens at the Lobero at 4 pm. Both concerts are free. Details at https://thesymphony.org/education. 

Youngsters up in the valley will also share the spotlight this weekend, as the Santa Ynez Valley Concert series presents its second annual Young Artist Showcase at St. Mark’s in the Valley Church, just a block from the flagpole in the center of Los Olivos.The free concert features talented students ranging from elementary to high school (guitarists and pianists this year) who have been recommended by their respective teachers – including Deborah Mele, Pascal Salomon, and Natasha Kislenko – for the special honor of performing solo at the 3 pm Sunday,
May 5, concert.