When it comes to the Santa Cruz Symphony's Recital Series, you ain't seen nothin' yet! This season, we've invited some of today's most brilliant musicians to bring a bit of jazz, pop, and world music to the stage. (Yes! The Symphony is more than just classical music!)
Our recitals are presented in an intimate setting at Cabrillo College, so you'll be up close and personal with these world-renowned musicians. Buy tickets early to guarantee your place!
Mads Tolling & the Mads Men
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 at 2 PM
Samper Hall at Cabrillo College
Mads Tolling & The Mads Men bring a fun and exciting program that is as nostalgic as it is contemporary, with re-imagined classic songs from 1960s television, film and radio. Mads, internationally renowned violinist, composer and two-time Grammy Award-winner, takes us back to the 60s serving up fun-filled nostalgia, exciting arrangements of familiar tunes and fresh takes on jazz standards and the not-so-standard – pushing the boundaries of where a violin can go.
"This is stellar performing. Tolling's playing is near unbelievable."— C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
Hakan Ali Toker
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 at 2 PM
Samper Hall at Cabrillo College
Hakan Ali Toker is back by popular demand following his astounding Santa Cruz Symphony piano debut last season, in which he played two pianos at once. Hailing from Turkey, he began his musical studies in Ankara, completing his education at Indiana University School of Music. He added ethnic world music while continuing his work in the classics. Hakan performed with the bands Salaam (Middle Eastern), Silk Road (Central Asian), and Orquesta Son (Latin American).
"The musician who can pull a rabbit out of the piano!" — Şefik Kahramankaptan, Sanattan Yansımalar (Turkey)
Destiny Muhammad
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 at 2 PM
Samper Hall at Cabrillo College
Destiny Muhammad, who bills herself as The Harpist from the Hood, returns after a stunning performance in 2022 with Santa Cruz Symphony. A masterful jazz singer, composer, harpist, and band leader, she is known for work with Azar Lawrence, Marcus Shelby, Omar Sosa, and John Santos. Destiny has rightly been called a "sound sculptor" and has been compared with Alice Coltrane. She was awarded the ASCAP Songwriter Award, California Entertainers Music Awards Female Jazz Artist of the Year, SF JAZZ Teaching Artist, Bay Area Jazz and Blues Award, and a Raise Karma Virtual Residency position. She's unforgettable!
"Listeners are taken to ethereal worlds of beauty and enchantment by the emotional depth and captivating storytelling in her works." — Viberate
Dr. Gwendolyn Mok
SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 at 2 PM
Samper Hall at Cabrillo College
Gwendolyn Mok has performed as pianist in many of the world's leading concert halls. As an expert on Ravel, she frequently plays and records with major international orchestras such as the London Symphony and the Hong Kong Philharmonic. A soloist with Symphony Silicon Valley, she co-produced and appeared in four sold-out performances of The Gershwin Radio Hour. Dr. Mok studied at the Julliard School of Music, Yale University, and State University of New York, where she earned her doctorate. She is a faculty member at San Jose State University.