Community News: February 2025
Calling all Young Recitalists
Do you know a talented young local musician or ensemble whose talents deserve recognition? Share the news that could earn them a monetary award!
➡️ What: Young Recitalist’s Competition
Sponsored by the Bay Philharmonic and Bay Phil Guild, and prizes of $100, $150, $200, and $300 awarded.
➡️ Who: Any musician up to 18 years old (as of January 2025) who plays an instrument and lives in the nearby area is eligible to enter.
➡️ How: Select up to a 10-minute piece. Complete a short application and submit an audition fee of $45 by February 28 to enter. Yes, that’s next week!
➡️ When: Auditions on March 8 and the Top 10 finalists perform on May 4.
➡️ Where: Fremont’s First United Methodist Church (2950 Washington Boulevard)
Bay Phil Youth Orchestra shines
in Fall concert
After a successful Summer Ensemble Program led by Judy Lam, the Bay Phil Youth Orchestra started the Fall Session in September with our new BPYO Music Director Dr. Carlos Hernandez. Nearly 60 young musicians performed during the November 9 Music for the People program at the Irvington Presbyterian Church. Performing in small ensembles and as a complete orchestra, these students delivered an inspiring program.
This concert not only celebrated the handoff from longtime leaders Judy and Marcella Schantz to Carlos, but also brought together existing, incoming, and outgoing political leaders. Among them was Mayor Raj Salwan, Fremont’s first Indian American mayor. On behalf of Supervisor David Haubert, Kathy Kimberlin honored Judy and Marcella for their years of dedication in founding and growing BPYO. She also warmly welcomed Dr. Hernandez with a special commendation, applauding his debut and wishing him success in his new role.
➡️ An interesting backstory: We discovered Bay Phil’s Merna Morse taught Raj in music class when he was a young student!
Two Holiday Spectacular
shows delight guests
The Bay Phil season opener was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a dazzling lineup of custom orchestra arrangements—made possible by the generosity of Paul Langford—and a program packed with amazing local and national guest artists.
If you missed it, here’s what the audience enjoyed: Chicago-based guest artists Lem and Langford, the voices of the Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir, and a heartwarming sing-along.
During two dynamic shows on December 14 and 15, guests were treated to not only beloved holiday classics performed by our incredible Bay Phil Orchestra but also the return of ballet dancers from Yoko’s Dance and Performing Arts Academy and former Conductor of the Fremont Symphony David Sloss. And in a Bay Phil first, Fremont’s own Full Potential hip-hop dance troupe performed to a Nutcracker selection that redefined holiday tradition.
This inclusive, joy-filled program embraced many faiths, featuring sacred music, Hanukkah songs, and a soul-stirring a cappella tribute to Kwanzaa principles. We were honored to celebrate the season with all 1,421 of you who made these performances so special!
➡️ A particularly meaningful highlight: We welcomed more than 400 attendees from our All Access Program—clients of local nonprofit organizations—many of whom experienced the magic of a Bay Phil performance for the very first time. Music is for everyone, and we were thrilled to share this unforgettable moment with our community.
Bay Phil receives local & state support
We’re pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with Fremont Bank Foundation as our Signature Sponsor for the 24/25 season. One of the oldest independent family-owned community banks in the state, Fremont Bank, like the Bay Phil, is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Founded by Morris Hyman and still managed by his family, Fremont Bank has supported our mission for more than 25 years. Our relationship goes beyond sponsorship—it’s a true partnership in leadership and community service. Alan Hyman served as Bay Phil’s President of the Board from 1995 to 1997, followed by Howard Hyman from 2000 to 2002.
Like us, Fremont Bank and the Fremont Bank Foundation are deeply committed to enriching the Bay Area community and improving the quality of life for residents. We’re incredibly grateful for their belief in the power of the arts and their dedication to cultural impact.
In other exciting news, the California Arts Council recently announced its latest grant recipients—and we’re honored to be among them! As California’s leading public arts grants provider, the Council’s support is vital for sustaining arts organizations like ours. This marks the first time in two years that we’ve received funding, and we’re thrilled that our work has been recognized as an essential part of California’s arts and culture ecosystem. This grant will help us continue bringing quality, innovative live entertainment to the Bay Area and beyond.
Thank you to the Fremont Bank Foundation, the California Arts Council, and the many individual supporters (like you!) who champion the arts and the power of music.
Honoring their memory
The Bay Phil and Bay Phil Guild lost several friends in December: Aloah King, a generous, loyal supporter for many years; Gary Morse, a faithful fan, Conductor’s Circle member, and husband of BPYO advocate Merna Morse; and Marie Smith, a former Bay Phil Board member who was also a dedicated fan and supporter of the organization.