2008 Woodie Awards
CONCERT REVIEW: Sounds of Valley's Symphony Orchestra
Our own VSO is a community treasure and the finest sound around.
Kathy Arellano
Issue date: 4/6/05 Section: Valley Life
Although Valley College's refurbishment plans do not include a new concert hall, its orchestra boasts an impressive roster of professional musicians and is, according to Orchestra Director Dr. Robert Chauls, the finest in the San Fernando Valley.
"If you want to attend a concert, you have to go downtown," said Chauls. "Valley College is centrally located and would have been a perfect location for a new [facility]."
Valley Symphony Orchestra, formerly known as the Valley College Orchestra, was born in 1992 when Chauls was hired to fill the spot of his
predecessor. Due to the omnipresent plight of budget cuts, the original orchestra could no longer exist in its school supported form.
A passionate and dedicated musician, Chauls came to the rescue, creating the Valley Symphony, a free-standing community orchestra, comprised of Los Angeles-area professionals and students, and which prides itself on presenting innovative programming.
Chauls recently formed a valuable association with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, welcoming cellist Stephen Custer and violinist
Lawrence Sonderling as regular guest performers.
"This orchestra gives musicians in the community an opportunity to play serious literature," said Chauls. "It offers students an opportunity to perform with professionals, although it is not [officially] a teaching orchestra."
Lack of adequate funding is a big problem, though. From the absence of a strong advertising program to inability to compete for serious professional musicians, to insufficient resources to purchase bodies of music, the orchestra's financial woes keep it from becoming the well-attended function that it has the potential to be.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:
"Two Killer Bs" - 5 p.m. Sunday,April 10.
The symphony's chamber music concert featuring concertmaster Sharon
Cooper and L.A. Phil cellist Stephen Custer.
"Happy Birthday Brahms" - 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7.
L.A. Phil Violinist Mitchell Newman joins Valley Symphony in a tribute to Johannes Brahms. They'll also perform the orchestral composition of
the winner of the annual competition.
General admission is $20; students and seniors $15. Tickets available in advance at the music department office or the door. Events are at Valley's Mainstage Theatre. Look for performances by the LAVC Philharmonic Choir directed by Jennifer Kelly, the LAVC Jazz Ensemble directed by Woody James and the Valley Symphony Orchestra with musical director Robert Chauls.
For more information call (818) 947-2775.
"If you want to attend a concert, you have to go downtown," said Chauls. "Valley College is centrally located and would have been a perfect location for a new [facility]."
Valley Symphony Orchestra, formerly known as the Valley College Orchestra, was born in 1992 when Chauls was hired to fill the spot of his
predecessor. Due to the omnipresent plight of budget cuts, the original orchestra could no longer exist in its school supported form.
A passionate and dedicated musician, Chauls came to the rescue, creating the Valley Symphony, a free-standing community orchestra, comprised of Los Angeles-area professionals and students, and which prides itself on presenting innovative programming.
Chauls recently formed a valuable association with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, welcoming cellist Stephen Custer and violinist
Lawrence Sonderling as regular guest performers.
"This orchestra gives musicians in the community an opportunity to play serious literature," said Chauls. "It offers students an opportunity to perform with professionals, although it is not [officially] a teaching orchestra."
Lack of adequate funding is a big problem, though. From the absence of a strong advertising program to inability to compete for serious professional musicians, to insufficient resources to purchase bodies of music, the orchestra's financial woes keep it from becoming the well-attended function that it has the potential to be.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:
"Two Killer Bs" - 5 p.m. Sunday,April 10.
The symphony's chamber music concert featuring concertmaster Sharon
Cooper and L.A. Phil cellist Stephen Custer.
"Happy Birthday Brahms" - 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7.
L.A. Phil Violinist Mitchell Newman joins Valley Symphony in a tribute to Johannes Brahms. They'll also perform the orchestral composition of
the winner of the annual competition.
General admission is $20; students and seniors $15. Tickets available in advance at the music department office or the door. Events are at Valley's Mainstage Theatre. Look for performances by the LAVC Philharmonic Choir directed by Jennifer Kelly, the LAVC Jazz Ensemble directed by Woody James and the Valley Symphony Orchestra with musical director Robert Chauls.
For more information call (818) 947-2775.
