Diana Garcia/ Roundup
The Los Angeles Symphonic Winds was introduced by Stephen Piazza, director of music at Pierce, on Sunday, as he presented “The Legacy of Heroes” also featuring L.A Winds Jazz Orchestra.
The whole 19-member group, which included saxophones, trumpets, french horns, trombones, piano, guitar, bass and drums. Joining them was a guest vocalist, Sunny Holden.
Flying Home by Benny Goodman & Lionel Hampton was the first song introduced, followed by Moon glow by Will Hudson and others.
Many of the guests have been subscribers for years.
“I’ve been coming to the concert probably 10-15 years,” said Ann Bliss, a regular at the L.A. Winds. “Stephen Piazza has great personality and his presentations are always wonderful.”
After intermission, the stage was filled with orchestra performers who were dressed accurate the men in black suits and white dress shirts and women were in all black outfits. All were ready with their eyes set on their music and instruments on hand.
There was music by Beethoven, Ron Nelson, Mark Camphouse and Malcolm Arnold.
Piazza, introduced “Wellington’s Victory,” a battle that took place in 1813 between the British and French. According to Piazza, it was Beethoven’s favorite piece.
It tells a great story as two armies approach each other. As the music began, you could hear the special effect extravaganza as if there were an actual battlebeing waged on stage.
It was complete genius work. It was a recreation of patriotic tunes and total warfare.
It kept the whole audience in complete anticipation.
“I happen to enjoy the different type of selections played, said Lucille Abbazia, who is a new subscriber to the concert.
Followed with a piece called “A Movement for Rosa,” in dedication to Rosa parks for the seat dispute she had in 1955.
“We pay tribute for the women who had a profound effect here in America,” said Piazza eloquently.
The story took the audience on a journey of emotions. By the sounds of the music,you could picture the struggles that occurred in the fifties as though they were taking place before your eyes.
Finale and finally was “Tam O’ Shanter” by Malcom Arnold and John Paynter. “The Heroism at home or what should have been like listening to your spouse and being at home,” said Piazza.
“My favorite is A Movement for Rosa, said Piazza. “It is beautiful and exciting and it is a powerful piece,” said Piazza.