We proudly present the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra (LAV) with Violins of Hope, conducted by the remarkable Maestro Carlo Ponti, at the Theatre Raymond Kabbaz on January 29, 2022 at 8pm. Proceeds from this and every LAV concert benefit music education.
LAV’s virtuosi soloists will perform on some of the finest rescued and restored instruments from the Holocaust, graciously provided by Violins of Hope. Performing on these recovered treasures, the young talent will celebrate Jewish artistic and musical history through a program including pieces by John Williams (Schindler’s List), Felix Mendelssohn, and Darius Milhaud.
LAV is the only professional orchestra in the United States to offer aspiring young, virtuosi soloists and students the opportunity to rehearse and perform with the most talented musicians in the country. Access to a professional orchestra allows the next generation of aspiring talent to see how the pros work on their craft and pushes them to aspire to greater heights, bringing a professional career into focus.
Violins of Hope’s mission to educate the public about the Holocaust through music and culture using violins, violas and cellos rescued from the Holocaust. The restored instruments serve not only as powerful reminders of an unimaginable time in history but as meaningful lessons to reinforce key lessons of tolerance, inclusion and diversity.
The program draws on the rich Jewish musical heritage, starting off with Darius Milhaud (Symphoniette, Op.363). As a French composer, conductor, teacher, and one of the most prolific composers of the 20th century, Milhaud composed in a wide range of genres, often influenced by jazz and Brazilian music. The invasion of France by Nazi Germany forced he and his family to leave France in 1940 and emigrate to the United States where he later became a teacher at Mills College in Oakland, California, where he taught Dave Brubeck, among others.
The program then moves on to three pieces from Schindler’s List, composed by John Williams as the score album for Steven Spielberg's 1993 film of the same name. The album won the Academy Award for Best Original Score, the BAFTA Award for Best Film Music, and the Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. It also received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Original Score. The theme from Schindler's List is one of the most recognized contemporary film scores, particularly the violin solo.
After a no host bar intermission, patrons will enjoy Felix Mendelssohn (Sinfonia No.9 In C Major). Felix Mendelssohn, a German composer, pianist, organist and conductor of the early 19th century was born into a prominent Jewish family and was recognized early as a musical prodigy, however his parents did not seek to promote this talent as a child. After a long period of relative denigration due to antisemitism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, his creative originality has been re-evaluated. He is now among the most popular composers of his time.
Fulfilling LAV’s mission to support music education, net profit from this concert goes towards the advancement and support of music education programs in schools in Southern California. LAV continues to work in the following schools: Hollywood High School, Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, Violins of Hope, Pacoima Elementary School, and West Hollywood Youth Orchestra.
Maestro Carlo Ponti is the founder of LAV, prior to which he was the music director and principal conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony, and Associate Conductor of the Russian National Orchestra.
PROGRAM
Darius Milhaud – Symphoniette, Op.363
John Williams – Three Pieces From Schindler’s List
Erica De Los Santos, violin
Wisdom Hsu, violin
Chloe Yoon, violin
** Intermission **
Felix Mendelsssohn – Sinfonia No.9 In C Major
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Admission is $30 for Adult General Admission, and $15 for Students & Seniors.
Proceeds benefit music education in Southern California.
