Hillary Hall
It was nearly a full house, as elegant renditions of the works of Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Schubert filled the main stage of the Pierce College Performing Arts Building on Saturday evening.
The majority of the audience seemed to be senior citizens.
The show opened with Beethoven’s “String Quartet” in E-flat Major, Op. 74, flawlessly performed by the Kadima String Quartet, featuring violist Beth Elliott, violinists Yi-Huan Zhao and Kevin Kumar, and cellist Beth Park-Zhao.
Next in the program, The San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra performed Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto,” K. 622, featuring soloist Geoff Nudell on clarinet.
There was a roaring applause from the audience at the conclusion of Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto,” and flowers were given out from fans to Nudell, who was apparently the highlight for various people.
Audience members shouted such remarks as “very good!”, “beautiful!” and “one of my favorites!”
The night concluded with Schubert’s “Symphony No. 9” in C Major; which had more fast-paced, dramatic moments than with the prior performances.
The audience was thoroughly pleased at the shows closing, with a round of applause reassuring the performers of a job well done.
Park-Zhao said, “I did my best,” but felt she could have done better on stage. In addition to the cello, Park-Zhao also plays piano and violin.
The San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra’s next scheduled performance is on June 10 at the Pierce College Performing Arts Theater at 8 p.m.
Ticket prices are $25 for general admission, $15 for students and seniors and $12 for children under 12. Go to www.sfvsymphony.com for more information.