Pacific Chamber Symphony Fundraiser Comes to CarrAmerica Conference Center

Access to the arts isn't limited to those who live in the big city, as evidenced by the caliber of performances in the Tri-Valley area. The Pacific Chamber Symphony, founded in 1989, is an excellent example of Tri-Valley culture. The group, formerly known as the Classical Philharmonic, has performed in Pleasanton for many years, sharing the gift of music for all to hear.

A benefit for the symphony will take place at CarrAmerica Conference Center Friday November 22 at 6:30 pm. The theme of the event will be The American Radio Hour and will feature pianist Kevin Cole as well as local vocalist Marcia Sweeney. Cole has appeared as a soloist with the San Francisco Symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and symphonies throughout Europe. The benefit will be presented as a dinner theater event.

"The benefit is a unique combination of an international pianist and a local star," says Jan Bachelor, a member of the board of directors for the Pacific Chamber Symphony. "Marcia has an exquisite voice."

The evening's performance will include music composed by Aaron Copeland, George Gershwin, and Richard Rogers.

"The idea is to imitate the feel of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s," says Maestro Lawrence Kohl, conductor and musical director of the Pacific Chamber Symphony, which performs in San Francisco, Hayward and Pleasanton.

Kohl explains that a chamber symphony is half-way between the size of a large orchestra like the San Francisco Symphony and a small chamber music group and includes from 30 to 40 musicians.

"We were the symphony that Mozart and Haydn wrote for," Kohl says.

Education and community outreach are priorities of the Pacific Chamber Symphony and, in addition to putting on performances here in the Bay Area and Tri-Valley, the organization provides a number of programs that expose students to music. For example, the show will also feature a string quartet from the Tri-Valley Youth Orchestra, which is sponsored by the Pacific Chamber Symphony.

The Pacific Chamber Symphony relies on the support of its community and does two fundraisers each year. One takes place in San Francisco and one takes place in the East Bay.

"The benefits give us the ability to put our concerts on in our own community," Kohl says. "They also help to support our educational programs like the Tri-Valley Youth Orchestra and concerts for kids in the schools. "For more information about the Pacific Chamber Symphony Fundraiser, contact the Symphony at (925) 484-9783.

Photo: Maestro Lawrence Kohl is the conductor and musical director of the Pacific Chamber Symphony. (Photo courtesy of Pacific Chamber Symphony)

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