Women Orchestrate Symphony's Success
Women have and continue to play a critical role in the life of the Long Beach Symphony–from a ground-breaking, history-making conductor to those who presently perform in crucial positions throughout the organization. From its president, Kelly Ruggirello, to assistant conductor Apostolia Nikouli and assistant concertmaster Agnes Gottschewski, women not only fill those key symphony positions but make up half of its musicians. That will be on display, March 11, when Long Beach Symphony takes to the stage to perform the sometimes raucous, always entertaining Carmina Burana, in the Terrace Theater. With a full orchestra accompanied by two choirs, three soloists and a piano duo, there will be a lot to take in.
That product will be all about the Terrace Theater’s (300 E. Ocean Blvd.) stage, March 11 when the symphony Symphony presents Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana – or Songs of Bavaria – a rollicking work set to 24 poetic texts that will not only utilize the orchestra, but the Long Beach Camerata Singers, South Bay Children’s Choir), soloists Amy Schubert (soprano), Ashley Faatoalia (tenor) and James M. Schaefer (baritone), along with the acclaimed piano duo of Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg.
Carmina Burana, which will be preceded by a performance of Ana Lara’s Angeles de Llama y Hielo (Angels of Fire and Ice), begins with a monumental choral performance of both power and immediacy that will be familiar to just about anyone since it has been featured in everything from “Lord of the Rings” to “Paul Blart, Mall Cop” to countless commercials.
"Carmina is a lot of fun,” Ruggirello said. “Two choirs, three soloists, a piano duo, there’s a lot going on. It’s the kind of piece that those who might be intimidated by the term classical music will immediately recognize and take to. it’s a wonderful, welcoming piece.”
Of course, the same can be said for the Long Beach Symphony.
“We encourage and support people from all backgrounds coming together, whether it’s the assistant conductor or a musician,” Ruggirello said. “We just believe a variety of voices is better.”
March 25
Downtown Long Beach
300 E. Ocean Blvd
Long Beach, California 90802
562-436-3203 ext-1
Website
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Long Beach, California 90802
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Long Beach Symphony: Pops! A Night of Symphonic Rock Dance Party
Downtown Long Beach
300 E. Ocean Blvd
Long Beach, California 90802
562-436-3203 ext-1
Website
Long Beach Symphony: Pops! A Night of Symphonic Rock Dance Party300 E. Ocean Blvd
Long Beach, California 90802
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Downtown Long Beach
300 E. Ocean Blvd
Long Beach, California 90802
562-436-3203 ext-1
Website
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Long Beach, California 90802