Another tremendous summer of California Philharmonic concerts culminates this weekend with “Broadway & Bolero,” the captivating season finale featuring esteemed Maestro Victor Vener, his world-class orchestra and a powerful trio of special guests.
Taking place Saturday, Aug. 23 at Santa Anita Race Track and Sunday, Aug. 24 at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the scintillating program boasts Broadway sensations Randal Keith and Joan Almedilla lending their voices to songs from such hit shows including Chicago and Evita. “Broadway & Bolero” marks Almedilla’s California Philharmonic debut, as well as a reunion with Keith, as they performed opposite of each other on the Broadway National Tour of Les Miserables.
“I like all the story-telling of each song,” said Almedilla who admits the most challenging part of performing are still her nerves. “Ah! The anticipation! I’ve gotten much better at dealing with my nerves in terms of using it as a tool to get excited rather than fear what might or might not happen onstage. I find that when I am fully and even overly prepared, I just show up and have fun.”
Returning to California Philharmonic after many years is acclaimed guitarist Adam Del Monte, who will turn up the heat this weekend with performances of Rodrigo’s beloved Concierto de Aranjuez. One of the leading flamenco and classical guitarists and composers of his generation, Del Monte is known for creating a unique sound and language of flamenco that is both steeped in tradition and progressive in its openness to musical flavors from around the world.
The entertainment-fueled finale also includes performances of Ravel’s hypnotic Bolero and Chabrier’s effervescent Espana.
“I am thrilled to collaborate with these three spectacular artists during our 2014 season finale and to share their immense talent with our Santa Anita Race Track and Walt Disney Concert Hall audiences,” said Vener who is already hard at work preparing for the orchestra’s 2015 summer season. “Rest assured that this season will end on not one, but many, high notes.”
Audiences throughout Southern California have two options to attend the closing of the Cal Phil season: on Saturday evening at Santa Anita Race Track on the infield with the unobstructed backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains or the Sunday matinee at Los Angeles’ most vaunted music destination, the incomparable Walt Disney Concert Hall.
To purchase tickets to attend California Philharmonic concerts at Santa Anita Race Track, call (626) 304-0333 or www.calphil.com.
Tickets for Walt Disney Concert Hall are available for purchase through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
For further information or to schedule an interview with featured artists or Cal Phil Maestro Victor Vener, please contact Lauren Lewis at 818.970.0052 or llewispr@aol.com.