Long Beach Symphony to play special concert Jan. 8
Rescheduled because of the pandemic and not included in the 2021-2022 subscription series, the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra (LBSO) will perform the “Violins of Hope” concert on Jan. 8 at 8 p.m. with special guests. “Songs and Stories of Hope” will be held the next day.
The instruments used in both evenings’ programs were rescued from World War II concentration camps and meticulously restored by father and son Amnon and Avshalom Weinstein.
Soloists for “Violins of Hope” include Israeli violinist Niv Ashkenazi and LBSO principal cellist Cécilia Tsan; guest singers will join the Long Beach Camerata Singers. The evening’s program features John Williams’ compositions of “Hatikvah” (Israel’s National Anthem) from the film “Munich” and his moving theme from “Schindler’s List.” The finale is Mozart’s emotionally stirring Requiem in D minor.
Dr. James A. Grymes, author of the book “Violins of Hope,” brings “Songs and Stories of Hope” to the stage on Jan. 9. The intimate, mixed-media performance features the stories behind these special instruments from Avshalom Weinstein, Barber’s Adagio, Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins, and rarely heard pieces by Jewish composers who survived the Holocaust or perished at the hand of the Nazis.
For further information or to buy tickets for the concert and the bus the LBSO supplies for round trips between Leisure World Seal Beach and the Long Beach Terrace Theater, contact the LBSO box office at (562) 436-3203, ext. 1, or visit Longbeachsymphonyorchestra. org.
Tickets may also be purchased the night of the concert at the bus loading area in front of the Amphitheater between 5-6 p.m. The cost is $20, payable with cash or a personal check to LBSO. They are also available at the box office.
Everyone must bring a photo ID, evidence of COVID-19 vaccinations and a cellphone; masks are required to enter the bus and the concert hall.
Information about the remaining subscription series can be found via the above contact information; for discounted group prices, email Frieda Davis from the Leisure World Opera Club at GEOH. Davis@gmail.com. —Beverly Emus
