Inland Valley Symphony

On Sunday May 22, I had the honor of being part of an amazing performance by Inland Valley Symphony. The orchestra gave an outstanding performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, conducted by Maestro Anthony Parnther and joined by The Temecula Valley Master Chorale, conducted by John Byun. The sold-out concert also featured local piccolo/flute virtuoso, Kate Prestia-Shaub, performing Lowell Libermann’s Piccolo Concerto.

I only had a few days notice before the final rehearsal on Thursday May 19; I squeezed in every spare minute in my busy teaching schedule, practicing in between students. I had learned the first movement of the piccolo concerto a month ago, while accompanying one of Kate’s students for the San Diego Flute Guild Festival, but was unfamiliar with the piano part of Carmina Burana. To familiarize myself with the work, for two days I listened to a recording of it while eating breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as while doing housework and falling asleep at night!

Then came my one and only rehearsal, and I was totally impressed by the Murrieta Mesa High School! What nice facilities! I was so moved by the amount of talent we have in the community. The choir was magnificent, the percussion section was mind-blowing, the string, woodwind and brass sections all consisted of top-rate performers, and I was especially impressed by the number of young people in the orchestra. How lucky we are that there is such a first-rate ensemble so close to home!

The performance on Sunday was unforgettable. I was very glad to see many of my students attending the concert – I had limited view from the stage, but I saw Edwin and Elina Kuang, Andrew Maravel, Sam and Thien Sa Luyen. Anyone else was there?

Thank you, Inland Valley Symphony, for having me in the orchestra! Thank you, Kate, for giving me the opportunity to be part of this historic performance!