Orchestra concert well-attended
The Leisure World Orchestra Holiday Concert on Dec. 18 in Clubhouse 4 was standing room only. The orchestra thanks the custodians for the great job they did adding seats and filling up the stage to accommodate the 200 attendees, some of whom still had to stand.
The orchestra has grown and sounded better than ever. This was the first concert under the direction of conductor Dr. Samuel K. Kim of Mutual 12. The last concert was two years ago with former, longtime conductor Rae J. Boeving, who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. A wonderful teacher, Boeving helped to grow the orchestra into what it is today.
The concert opened with the orchestra’s first choral work, “Canticle of Praise,” presented with the Leisure World Korean Community Church choir. The rest of the program included works from all over Europe, the U.S. and Central America. One of the highlights was “A Trumpeter’s Lullaby,” by Leroy Anderson, which included a solo by trumpeter Richard Freedman of Mutual 14. There were two medleys of Christmas Carols, “Christmas March” and “A Carol Festival,” plus a fugue based on “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” In all, 15 pieces were perfomed, with the concert ending with the Hallelujah chorus from Handel’s “Messiah” and an encore of the Radetsky March by Strauss. The orchestra members received a standing ovation.
After the concert, the audience was treated to an assortment of refreshments donated by the choir and orchestra members.
The orchestra is always looking for new members, especially violin and French horn players. Rehearsals are held Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons in the Amphitheater. Anyone interested in joining should contact Fred Reker at (615) 898 0669 or fredreker326@gmail.com.
