Audiences say our Testament concerts were stunning!
Under the direction of Maestro Daniel Stewart, this mesmerizing program brought us into a musical landscape reflecting the deepest parts of our souls. Soloist Yuchen Lu and the Santa Cruz Symphony created an experience that many of our patrons found moving and compelling.
If you missed the concert or want to hear it again, you can tune in on Sunday November 13 at 4 pm for a full concert rebroadcast on KAZU.org (website and HD radio only). Find out how to listen here.
Many accolades for our Testament concerts have been coming in from folks who attended, and we want to share some of them with you:
"Simply among the finest concerts by the Symphony and Danny. Compelling selection of music, excellent performances by the orchestra of difficult work. Simply extraordinary."
"This was an amazing performance that rivaled and often exceeded anything we have experienced in much larger venues (such as SF or LA). It was a wonderful concert and the choice of music was fascinating and educating, especially the Bartok."
"The thing I loved most about the performance was the diversity in the three pieces. Going from a solemn, prayerful moment for Ukraine, to a more contemporary, somewhat dissonant and intriguing piece, and ending with a romantic bombastic jump out of your seat piece - it was a roller coaster musical experience. Really loved it!!!"
"The guest violist was spellbinding!! What talent!"
"This music helped us experience so many different emotions and mental images but from a place of connectedness and meaning. This Testament performance had all of that and much more. It was about all of life, but from a place of such depth and beauty and love and recognizing the greatness of who we are as a human race."
From reviewer and composer Josef Sekon: "This afternoon’s concert at the Mello featured soloist Yuchen Lu, whose performance was stellar! Both soloist Lu and orchestra achieved wonderful clarity, balance and fine overall ensemble. Rhythmically alert, warmly lyrical and dazzlingly virtuosic, Lu negotiated Bartók’s very tricky writing with admirable virtuosity. Stewart demonstrated his orchestra could support and blend with Lu’s wonderful poise and instinctive elegance. There wasn’t a note out of place and his playing created the sense of the musical whole."
Intrigued? There's still time to enjoy a Santa Cruz Symphony performance. Mark your calendar for our next concert weekend on January 28-29, 2023!