California Symphony Style

California Symphony, Red Carpet Bay Area
Anne Akiko Meyer and Donato Cabrera

The California Symphony known for bringing a wide range of music to people in new and unconventional settings celebrated its 30th season with a concert and dinner among classic cars. Music Director Donato Cabrera welcomed some 200 guests to the event, appropriately titled Symphony Surround, at the Blackhawk Automotive Museum on June 17, 2017.

Once the musicians were set, attendees seated, wine poured and first-course served, the program began. Mason Bates, past California Symphony Young American Composer-In-Residence, kicked it off with a live video message. Then the orchestra struck up Bates’ quick and energetic Attack Decay Sustain Release, a fanfare commissioned and premiered by the San Francisco Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas. Superstar violinist Anne Akiko Meyer followed with the “Love Theme” from Cinema Paradiso. 

The concert was in pure California Symphony style with orchestra classics played alongside American favorites and lesser-known works. The unique and delightful evening raised more than $165,000 for California Symphony and its nationally recognized music education initiatives.

Scenes from Symphony Surround at Blackhawk Museum:

The International Automotive Treasures Gallery, part of Blackhawk Museums in Danville, CA, showcases a rotating collection of 55 rare and historically significant cars.