Fall in love with Ravel at our January 7 recital!

On January 7, 2024 we’ll be treated to an all-Ravel program led by distinguished pianist and scholar Dr. Gwendolyn Mok. This is your chance to hear a true Ravel expert as she performs fascinating pieces by one of the most significant and influential composers of the early twentieth century.

Designed to be paired with the Symphony’s Daphnis et Chloe concerts on January 20/21, this recital will draw on Dr. Mok’s impressive experience with Ravel’s works, as well as her inspired musical artistry. She will be joined by two members of San Francisco Symphony—violinist Florin Parvulescu and cellist David Goldblatt—for a program that will include Valses nobles et sentimentales for solo piano, Daphnis et Chloe, Part 3 arranged for solo piano by the composer, Forlane, Menuet and Rigaudon from Le Tombeau de Couperin, and Trio for violin, cello and piano.

If you attended our online Ravel class last year with Dr. Mok, you already know about her vast expertise as a performer and teacher of Ravel’s music. This recital is a long-awaited opportunity for Symphony patrons to hear Dr. Mok play Ravel in a concert hall. Her past concert performances have been described as "peerless, fetching, rhythmically incisive, and lyrical." You’ll be enchanted by her light touch on the keyboard and dazzled by her precision and power.

As always, our recitals are held in an intimate setting, where the musicians interact with the audience. Because of the limited capacity, order your tickets now for the best seating!

Dr. Gwendolyn Mok
SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 at 2 PM
Samper Hall at Cabrillo College

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Dr. Gwendolyn Mok is a distinguished San Jose State professor and a concert pianist who has performed in many of the world's leading concert halls. She is frequently invited to play and record with major international orchestras and is an award-winning recording artist. You can learn more about her here.

Florin Parvulescu, violinist, joined the San Francisco Symphony in 1998. A native of Romania, he was previously a member of the St. Louis Symphony and the Baltimore Symphony. He won the 1993 Marbury Competition at the Peabody Conservatory, and was a prizewinner in 1994 Yale Gordon Concerto Competition. He also attended the American Academy of Conducting at the Aspen Music Festival.

David Goldblatt, cellist, joined the San Francisco Symphony in 1978 having previously played in the Pittsburgh Symphony. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Mr. Goldblatt has been a cellist with the Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia and the Santa Fe Orchestra. He is currently a coach for the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra.

we’ve lost a truly great man

Dear Symphony Family,

With deep sorrow, we acknowledge the passing of Rowland Rebele, one of the finest people in our community. "Reb," as his friends knew him, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 25.

Reb and his wife Patricia were completely devoted to each other, and together they supported numerous nonprofit organizations in Santa Cruz County and beyond. We are honored that Santa Cruz Symphony has been a longtime recipient of the Rebeles' generosity. They were present for nearly all of our concerts and special events. Reb was typically the first to stand for an ovation and could be heard yelling "Bravo!" at most concerts.

Your Symphony recently honored Reb as one of our Distinguished Board Alumni. It was a well-deserved accolade, not only for his generous financial support, but also because of his commitment and dedication to Santa Cruz Symphony. His continued good counsel and his larger-than-life presence at our performances and events have been treasured through the years. Reb was a member of the Santa Cruz Symphony Board for many years and served as Board President from 1982 to 1987. Right to the end, in his typical fashion, he was discussing the needs of local nonprofit entities.

The entire Symphony organization sends our deepest condolences to the Rebele family. Reb defined commitment to his community, displayed character and passion of spirit, and showed us what charity of heart looks like. We have lost a man of great value to his family and his community.

Sincerely,

Linda Burroughs

Santa Cruz Symphony Board President

Happy Thanksgiving from your symphony!

Investing in the Symphony can improve your health and intelligence. Here’s how… 

Donating to Santa Cruz Symphony on Giving Tuesday, November 28, is an investment in your well-being. How? Science has shown that listening to music can improve your mental health. It can also improve your brain power, reduce blood pressure, instill a sense of community, and even improve your understanding of math. Here’s proof:

• No matter what your age, listening to music lights up and develops certain parts of our brains. But playing an instrument is like setting off fireworks because the effect is multiplied.

• Did you know that music and mathematics are closely related? This means that music helps to develop the neural pathways that help us understand math and other logic-based issues. 

• Listening to classical music – even the “new classics” – can reduce stress, lift your mood, and lower blood pressure. Listening with an audience is even better because it can improve your sense of community and connection with others.

These are just a few reasons your donation to Santa Cruz Symphony on Giving Tuesday, November 28, will benefit you and our entire community. But wait! There’s more!

• Our county-wide music education programs introduce young people to classical and traditional music, to orchestral instruments, to rhythm and vocalization, and to the opportunities for music camps, private lessons, and other ways to develop their musical abilities.

• Our professional musicians introduce music education in classrooms, our Mueller Scholarships provide funds for students to advance their training, and our annual concerts for young people help them appreciate musical traditions and performance. This year, for example, we taught them about traditional African and Hispanic music, dance, and dress.

• Our free pre-concert discussions with Dr. Don Adkins, an engaging music professor, help us understand the featured compositions, composers, and stories behind them.

• And our Symphony League Previews bring us one-on-one with Maestro Daniel Stewart and the featured soloists. 

Those reasons, and plenty more, are excellent motivations to give generously to the Santa Cruz Symphony on Giving Tuesday, November 28. It’s so easy! Just click the link below, and invest in your well-being. It’s more affordable than health care!

Thanks in advance for your generosity.

PS – Our Board of Directors has already given generously, so we’re already on the way to meeting our $20,000 goal. Can you help put us over the top?