CAMA

Community Arts Music Association (CAMA) has been presenting the world’s finest classical artists since 1919. This concert at the Granada was the last of their 99^th year. The next show will be the beginning of its 100^th anniversary. What a testament to all the people who founded CAMA and to all those who have supported it for l00 years.

The audience was there to see the famous San Francisco Symphony (SFS) directed by the equally famous Michael Tilson Thomas. His tenure of 23 years is a record for any music director in the United States. Besides the music of Gustav Mahler, the program also had Gil Shaham as solo violinist. He made his debut at age 10 (born in 1971) with the Jerusalem Symphony and Israel Philharmonic.

The SFS has much longevity, having given their first concerts in 1911. There list of awards goes on and on, including numerous Grammys. They also have the longest-running education program among U.S., orchestras bringing music to children in grades one through five in San Francisco’s public schools.

After the concert, patrons were invited upstairs to Meg and Dan Burnham’s penthouse for wine and Michael Hutching’s treats. Dan was telling conductor Thomas that when he was in Buffalo, Dan and his family would go to the free symphony concerts with their children. “You were responsible for educating my children in classical music.”

Some of those mingling were CAMA board president Robert Montgomery and Val, first vice president Deborah Bertling, treasurer William Meeker, Robert Emmons, and Lynn Kirst.

If you are interested in sponsoring a concert, please contact Elizabeth Alvarez, director of development at (805) 966-4324 or just buy a ticket and enjoy.