Downey Symphony preparing a feast

DOWNEY - Sharon Lavery and the Downey Symphony have prepared a feast for you tomorrow night, and invite you to come to the Downey Civic Theatre for this four-star event.First court honors go to a guest conductor and an engaging local composer. The winner of our 2012 Baton Auction - Dara Small - will lead the orchestra in a work written in 1999 by Douglas Lowry. Titled "Fanfare for Flora," it honors Flora Thornton, whose vision and generosity endowed the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. Two richly satisfying entrees are on the menu, the Roman Carnival Overture of Hector Berlioz and Symphony No. 4 of Johannes Brahms. These composers totally knew how to combine ingredients distinctively, memorably, deliciously. The gentlemen cook. And for dessert? Ah, for dessert we offer delectable melodies from a gorgeous part of France justly famous "for its cheeses and rich culture of folksongs and dances." Joseph Canteloube's beloved Songs of the Auvergne will be sung by the delectable soprano Diana Newman, a graduate student at the Thornton School. The tab to put on this outstanding concert is $25,000, but your share is way under that. Tickets at $35 and $30, $10 with student ID, may be purchased tomorrow evening at the theater box office, 8435 Firestone Blvd., and you don't even have to pay a valet to park. Music Director Sharon Lavery will talk about the evening's music at 7:15 p.m. and concert time is 8. Entertainment in the form of a live auction for next year's chance to conduct the orchestra is part of the evening, as is a complimentary champagne reception for absolutely everyone in the theater following the music. Bon appétit. And, should you graciously wish to underwrite a larger share of the bill, we encourage your donations to the Downey Symphony. We have provided excellent music to this community for 55 years, and have every hope that season 56 will be assured, because you care. Chat with a board member, or visit our website at downeysymphony.org. Thank you.

********** Published: April 4, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 51