Santa Cruz Symphony dazzled concertgoers with the breathtaking world premiere of a new piano concerto by Turkish composer and pianist Hakan Ali Toker, commissioned specifically for the Santa Cruz Symphony, in a program also featuring vivid translations of Point Reyes wildlife by Northern California native Gabriella Smith, and Ravel’s homage to the Parisian Baroque à la François Couperin. Under the direction of Maestro Daniel Stewart, the orchestra and composer/featured soloist Hakan Ali Toker gave an unforgettable show of virtuosity and creativity!
If you missed the concert or want to hear it again, you can tune in on Sunday February 12 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 Translations concerts have been coming in from folks who attended, and we want to share some of them with you:
"Groundbreaking mix of genres that showed the unity of ALL music. Art has no borders!"
"Outstanding performance and composition of Civilization. Truly a creation of genius and so thrilling to have the composer perform. Very meaningful content."
"A fabulous amalgam of fascinating pieces, beginning with Don Adkins' very important pre-lecture that explained the complexity of the pieces, Gabriella Smith's intriguing sea phenomenon, the soothing movements of Ravel, and the extraordinary blend of world music and mixed genres by Hakan, demonstrating his impressive virtuosity, with incredible reciprocity of our symphony, with Danny at the head of it all. ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL CONCERT!!"
"Over the top! Experience of a lifetime! Took a whole day to be with the effects in my body and soul!"
"I loved the bold fearlessness of this program! Truly a breath of fresh air on so many levels!"
"One of the most significant musical experiences I’ve ever had!"
From reviewer and composer Josef Sekon: "Maestro Stewart guided the orchestra with an acute sense of direction and goal, cuing interesting, important moments with keen awareness and skillful representation...In one way or another, this concert was a Tour de Force!" (Read Josef Sekon's full review here.)
Intrigued? There's still time to enjoy a Santa Cruz Symphony performance. Mark your calendar for our next concert weekend on April 1-2, 2023!
Photos by Kevin Monahan and Rebecca Barnes
