The San Jose Wind Symphony performs Jan. 21, as part of the Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Concert Association series.
Wind Symphony to give a concert locally
By Shari Kaplan
The Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Concert Association presents a performance by the San Jose Wind Symphony for the third concert of its 2000-2001 season on Jan. 21, at 2:30 p.m. in Los Gatos High School's Prentiss Brown Auditorium, 20 High School Court.
Together for more than four decades, the SJWS is known for its wide repertoire of music and musical styles. It has won numerous national and international awards, including the Sudler Scroll Award, one of North America's most sought-after recognitions for community concert bands. The SJWS, conducted by Darrell Johnston and associate conductor Becky Dugan, currently numbers more than 50 musicians, many of whom have played in the group for 20 years or more.
The Community Concert program on Jan. 21, comprises "Moorside March" from A Moorside Suite by Gustav Holst; "Three Dances" from Nell Gwyn by Edward German; Dramatic Essay for Solo Trumpet and Band by Clifton Williams; Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar, a children's march, Over the Hills and Far Away by Percy Aldridge Grainger; Knightsbridge March by Eric Coates; Illyrian Dances by Guy Woolfenden; and a symphonic suite from Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves by Michael Kamen. SJWS principal trumpet player Peter Morris takes the spotlight during the Williams piece.
Along with serving as conductor, Johnston is also the SJWS's founder. He conceived the idea of a wind symphony in 1958, while teaching at San Jose City College. Johnston earned his master's degree at the Eastman School of Music after graduating from Sacramento State College. He is known as a clinician in the art of chamber music and is a director of honor bands throughout California.
Concluding the LGSCCA's 2000-01 season is pianist Cristina Pegoraro, who performs on April 22, also at Prentiss Brown Auditorium. Known in music circles for her passionate playing style, Pegoraro has recorded popular piano works by Beethoven, Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Ravel and Scarlatti. Her newest CDs also feature pieces written by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona.
Concert admission is $15 per person. For tickets or LGSCCA membership information, call Ray Strong at 408.377.1106, or Lea Frey at 408.356.5698.
The mission of the San Jose Wind Symphony is threefold: to present concerts in a variety of settings and venues; to provide opportunities for members' individual musical expression and growth; and to assist in the public's music education through concerts, clinics, scholarships and festivals. For more information about the symphony, call 408.927.SJWS, or visit www.sjws.org on the Internet. Prospective symphony members are also welcome to call for audition information.
Saratoga, California Since 1955
