Bay Philharmonic Presents:
Sun, June 23, 2024
The music of Tchaikovsky has sparked the imagination of the world. From the dramatic 1812 Overture to the beloved Nutcracker, his music always touches the heart. For this concert we’re presenting two of his most famous pieces alongside International Van Cliburn Piano Competition gold medalist, Jon Nakamatsu. Heralded as the “pianist’s pianist,” Jon’s touch on the keyboard is sophisticated and masterful, and he’ll perform the most famous piano concerto ever written. Guest Conductor, Lara Webber and the Bay Philharmonic will share their passion for Tchaikovsky’s ultra dramatic 4th Symphony, his musical biography of a hero overcoming fate to triumph with hope and victory.
Lara Webber, Guest Conductor
Jon Nakamatsu, Pianist
Chabot College Performing Arts Center
25555 Hesperian Blvd
Hayward, CA 94545
Meet our Guest Conductor for our Tchaikovsky season finale Lara Webber!
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Now in his third decade of touring worldwide, American pianist Jon Nakamatsu continues to draw critical and public acclaim for his intensity, elegance and electrifying solo, concerto and chamber music performances. Catapulted to international attention in 1997 as the Gold Medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition—the only American to achieve this distinction since 1981—Mr. Nakamatsu subsequently developed a multi-faceted career that encompasses recording, education, arts administration and public speaking in addition to his vast concert schedule.
This season, Mr. Nakamatsu returns to live performances throughout the United States and in Europe. Between 2020 and the spring of 2021, he was engaged in a myriad of online events including… Read More.
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Widely admired as a dynamic, creative and engaging conductor, Lara Webber is dedicated to inspiring audiences through the power of symphonic music. She has been praised by fellow musicians around the country for her musical depth, genuine ex-pression, strong personal vision, and collaborative spirit.
Ms. Webber brings a broad range of experience to the podium. She has held titled conducting positions with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Charleston Symphony Orchestra (South Carolina), and was music director of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Lara currently serves as Music Director and Conductor of the Livermore-Amador Symphony and the Palo Alto Philharmonic. Her career began as music director and conductor of the Los Angeles Debut Orchestra, a post previously held by such conductors as André Previn, Lawrence Foster, and Michael Tilson Thomas.
Lara Webber's activities as a guest conductor include multiple performances with orchestras around the country such as the Houston, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Louisville, Santa Barbara, Modesto, the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, and the Chicago Sinfonietta, among several others. She has served as a cover-conductor for the San Fran-cisco Symphony and The National Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Webber’s operatic associations include conducting posts with Glimmerglass Opera, and conductor of the Baltimore Opera Studio.
Strongly committed to arts education and community engagement, Ms. Webber was a conductor of the Emmy-nominated Disney's Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra. These concerts were broadcast nationally by the Disney Channel to millions of viewers nationwide. She has taught student conductors as a faculty member of the League of American Orchestra’s Conductor Workshops, and has coached youth orchestra and community orchestras. At home in Livermore, Lara is active in her community, bringing music to the local elementary schools, coaching chamber musicians and advocating for the arts as an essential part of the educational curriculum, and a vital part of our culture.
Ms. Webber began her conducting studies at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music with Robert Spano, where she received her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. Her studies continued at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam and in the con-ducting seminars of the both Aspen and Tanglewood Music Festivals. Ms. Webber received her Master of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Southern California, where she studied with Daniel Lewis. In recognition for her out-standing service to the community, Lara was honored with a Los Angeles City Council Resolution, upon completion of her tenure with the Debut Orchestra.
A Celtic Celebration
Sun, March 17, 2024
The Bay Philharmonic presents all of the beauty, culture, and passion of Celtic music and dance in one unique show. You’ll see fiery Irish step dancing, soulful Scottish fiddlers and singers, and colorful Celtic storytelling. You’ll enjoy favorites like Danny Boy and John Williams’ beautiful score to “Far and Away”, and everything in between. All of this surrounded by gorgeous lighting and sets to make this a true panorama of the Celtic experience. Extra exciting is that it takes place on St. Patrick’s Day! So if you’re in the mood for a bit of the Luck O’ the Irish and want to experience wonderful Celtic musicians and dancers, this show will fill your pot with gold!
Jung-Ho Pak, Conductor
Annie Dupre, Vocals/Violin
Caroline McCaskey, Award Winning Scottish Fiddler
Culann’s Hounds, Irish Band
San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers
Todd Denman, Irish Uilleann Pipes
Kennelly School of Irish Dance
Bill Wolaver, Piano/Arranger
Dunsmuir Scottish Dancers
Chabot College Performing Arts Center
25555 Hesperian Blvd
Hayward, CA 94545
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Run Time: Approx. 2 hrs. with a 20 minute intermission
Show Sponsors
Meet our performers
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Annie Wolaver-Dupre is one of the pre-eminent violinists and vocalists working today. In 2002, she began touring as lead singer and first violinist with the Annie Moses Band, a group comprised of her six siblings.
Since that time, she has starred in multiple PBS specials including the Emmy-nominated The Art of the Love Song, released by Warner Classics, and has recorded over a dozen albums including the chart-topping American Rhapsody, This Glorious Christmas, and Tales From My Grandpa's Pulpit. She has toured extensively, performing in many world-class venues.
A classical prodigy, Annie won numerous state and national competitions from an early age. At 18 she was awarded a scholarship to the Juilliard School’s collegiate program. Annie carries a passion for educating young people in music and the arts. For over twenty years, she had co-directed the Annie Moses Summer Music Festival, a week-long arts event that culminates in multiple professionally produced shows, all featuring young artists.
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A native daughter of the genre-bending West Coast music scene, 2019 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion and a two-time International Musical Saw Champion Caroline McCaskey is equally at home in the regional traditional, improvising and classical music worlds. In high demand as a teacher and performer throughout North America and author of the AltStrings Fiddle Method, she holds degrees in music composition and performance, as well as Suzuki teaching certification in violin and cello.
Caroline is the fiddler for the dance bands Tartan Suite and Stringfire!, and performs regularly with Boston-based guitarist and banjo player Larry Unger. Her other duo projects include Moonrise, a classical violin and guitar duo based in Sacramento, CA and Secret Oaks, a jazz- and folk-infused string duo based in Fort Collins, CO. An enthusiastic and inspiring teacher, she maintains a private studio online and in the South Bay Area, and teaches at workshops and camps throughout the country, including Mike Block String Camp, Fiddlekids Day Camp, Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp, Sierra Fiddle Camp and Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School.
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Culann's Hounds have been playing shows for almost two decades. Starting their run in a small Irish bar in the inner Sunset of San Francisco called The Blackthorn Tavern in 1999, their steady rise has been a credit to their love of the music and ability to consistently deliver hard driving quality shows with a strong dose of rebel attitude, humor, and a few drops of whiskey.
Five albums later they have multiple national and international tours under their belt in addition to headlining festivals and large music venues. The thread that has held the band together is the same one that has drawn the members back to their roots: love of traditional Irish music.
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World-renowned Alasdair Fraser founded The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers in 1986 and since has grown to over 250 members performing Celtic music from Scotland, Ireland, Galicia, and Brittany, as well as tunes from Scandinavia, Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, and even Quebecois.
Performers range from beginners to award-winning instrumentalists playing fiddle, cello, bass, guitar, mandolin, harp, flute, pennywhistle, drum, pipes, and voice (and even harmonica, concertina, accordion, nyckelharpa, tenor banjo, and others on occasion).
Scotland has a long and noble musical tradition. In order of antiquity, the three most important Scottish instruments are the harp, bagpipe, and fiddle. In the days of Mary Queen of Scots the “rebec” was in vogue, a bowed instrument. When the Italian violin developed, it took immediate hold in Scotland. As the new fiddle was beckoning the Scots to dance, a newly reformed Church (now Presbyterian) was condemning the instrument as a vehicle of licentiousness. The gentry would not give up their dance, and rich and poor alike side-stepped the clergy’s protestations. All over the land, from Duke’s ballroom to shepherd’s fields, the power of the fiddler’s “up driven bow” made the success of the gathering.
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Todd Denman has been performing the uilleann pipes since 1982 and is recognized as an American master of the instrument. A rare form of bagpipe native to Ireland, the uilleann pipes are bellows inflated and have the largest musical and harmonic capacity of all bagpipes in the world. Having received an NEA endowment as a young man in 1982, Todd studied in Ireland and performed in Europe, Ireland and across the US. His recordings have reached Top-10 charts and received wide acclaim in both Ireland and America. His theatrical performances have sold out and he has been a California Arts Council Touring Artist for many seasons.
Combining American clogging and Irish step dancing with original choreography, Todd Denman and Aniar perform a fully theatrical musical show, entitled Soulstice. Playing in a variety of advanced piping styles, from traditional to modern improvisations, including both period "flat" pitch and modern instruments, Todd's music combines drive and detail with a musical originality.
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Bill Wolaver received his BM in piano performance from Oklahoma City University. He is a prolific and renowned composer and arranger in Nashville, TN, working with multiple publishing companies. He and his wife, Robin, have been involved with Christian music over 20 years, with songs, musicals, and arrangements published by a number of leading Christian publishers. Together, they composed "Make His Praise Glorious", recorded by Sandi Patty and nominated for Dove Award for ‘Song of the Year.’ In addition, they have received an ASCAP Award for ‘Inspirational Song of the Year.’ He is also the pianist/composer/arranger for the Annie Moses Band.
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The Kennelly School started in 1959 and Patricia Kennelly assumed the role as director in 1975. The Kennelly School is proud to have won titles in solo, ceili, figure and drama categories at the North American Championships, All Ireland, European, Great Britain, British National, and All Scotland Championships, and her students have also placed on the podium at the World Championships.
In addition to participating in competitive events, students have many opportunities to perform. From private receptions for Irish dignitaries to major musical events in arenas like the Hollywood Bowl or dancing with great bands such as the Chieftains, DeDannaan, Eileen Ivers, Arcady, Danu, and so many more, the school has a rich history in performing and the promotion of traditional Irish music.
Patricia plays the button accordion and was taught by Joe Cooley from Co. Galway. She is an adjudicator and grade examiner with the Irish Dancing Commission. Patricia is committed to excellence in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere of learning.
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As the mist curls over the green hills, the sound of a lone bagpipe echoes a haunting tune through the valley; a shepherd and his two border collies drive laggard sheep home; the last rays of sunlight shine golden on the stone walls of Edinburgh Castle. Now is the time to dance, as the people of Scotland have for centuries.
Stroll with us down a narrow street, towards the sound of fiddles, accordions, drums, and laughter. Push open the door and you’re swept into the hall. The dance has begun, a lively reel, an elegant strathspey, and then a display of the dancing of the Highland Sword Dance, the Highland Fling, and the Seann Triubhas.
Photos by Scott Capen
Bay Philharmonic Presents:
A Holiday Spectacular!
Sun, December 17, 2023
We invite you to celebrate the holiday season in joy, gratitude, and inspiration! Jung-Ho Pak will lead dazzling female vocalists along with the Bay Philharmonic in your favorite festive songs. Each year we present a celebration of rich cultures and traditions from around the world. We have a stocking full of special guest artists singing and dancing to some of the most beautiful holiday music you know. Bring your friends and family to this heartwarming and inspiring tradition!
Jung-Ho Pak, Conductor
Erica Gabriel, Vocalist
Deanna Loveland, Vocalist
Ballet Folklórico México Danza
San Francisco Girls Chorus
Yoko's Academy of Dance and Performing Arts
Steve Pietkiewicz, Jazz Pianist
Chabot College Performing Arts Center
25555 Hesperian Blvd
Hayward, CA 94545
MAP
Meet the stars!
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Erica Gabriel received her Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Oakwood University. Her training also includes a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan. She has performed with the Chicago Symphony orchestra, the Jacksonville Symphony, the Savannah Philharmonic, and the Jackson Symphony.
She was cast in Ravinia’s production of Bernstein’s Mass under the baton of Marin Alsop, which Aired on the PBS Television Network as a part of their “Great Performances” series. She has also toured with the renowned American Spiritual Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Everett McCorvey.
Her competition credits and awards include The Alma Blackmon Scholarship Award, Winner of Classical Singer Regional University Competition, winner of the Hartford Memorial Scholarship Competition, Second place winner of the Alltech Scholarship competition, and the 2018 Gold Medal winner of the American Traditions Vocal Competition.
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Deanna is a singer/songwriter and harpist who started playing music when she was five – first the piano, then the harp, then songwriting and singing at churches and events, which turned into 130 performances a year by the time she was 16. She moved to Nashville in 2008 to pursue a music career and has performed in music videos and commercials. In 2016, she was crowned Mrs. Tennessee International and went on to compete internationally. Her Christmas album’s title track, “If I Could Make it Snow,” has garnered airplay and fans across the USA.
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Steve Pietkiewicz has performed in numerous jazz, pop, and classical settings over the years, in fact performing “Claude Billing’s Suite for Violin and Jazz Piano” with Concertmaster Philip Santos a few years ago. He has been an organist at several Bay Area churches, ran house bands at local bars and restaurants, and played on numerous movie scores at Skywalker Ranch in Marin County in the ’90s, where he was first call for second piano.
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Based in Hayward, Ballet Folklórico México Danza was founded by René González, with collaboration from Martín Romero of Mexico City. González and Romero each have over 30 years of dance experience at national and international levels. The group’s original purpose was to serve as an after-school program to keep children from drug use and gang activities. Today, their program continues to be a safe space for children to develop a love of dance and learn about their heritage – they have grown to include individuals of all ages and nationalities from diverse Bay Area communities.
In 1995, Ballet Folklórico México Danza was honored to receive a Presidential Proclamation from President Clinton. Influenced by the work of Amalia Hernandez, the “Queen of Mexican Folklore,” México Danza helps students of all ages develop as artists in a unique, disciplined, and cultural environment. Their dancers’ passion and energy, colorful costumes, and intricate dance style have moved many audiences and helped their group gain a loyal following.
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Praised by Gramophone Magazine as a “remarkable tapestry of teenage voices,” the five-time GRAMMY Award-winning San Francisco Girls Chorus (SFGC) is recognized as one of the world’s leading youth vocal ensembles. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Valérie Sainte-Agathe, SFGC presents subscription performances throughout the Bay Area and regularly performs both nationally and internationally as a cultural ambassador for San Francisco. SFGC is a frequent collaborator with leading arts organizations such as Kronos Quartet, San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Opera, and numerous world-renowned guest artists.
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Award-winning dance studio in Fremont, CA, established in 1996 by Ms. Yoko Young. One of Dance Spirit Magazine’s Top 50 Studios in the USA. Their dance studio has become well known for excellence throughout the country providing dance instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, pointe, and hip-hop to students of all ages and all skill levels.
Celebrate the Holidays with Bay Philharmonic
Broadway’s Best
Sun, October 1, 2023
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We’ve pulled out all the stops for this grand opening at our new outstanding venue! Jung-Ho Pak will lead three superstars of the Broadway stage who will dazzle you with songs you know and love. We’re pleased to announce the return of Julius Thomas III, the leading star of Hamilton, for an encore appearance. He’ll be joined by two of the hottest stars on Broadway: Jason Gotay, star of lead roles in Evita and Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark, and Lissa DeGuzman, whose Broadway credits include King Kong, Aladdin, and Wicked. These three amazing singers will sing hits from their big shows plus music from Funny Girl, Rent, Sound of Music, Les Miserables, and so much more! Plus, you’ll see a sneak peak of StarStruck Theatre’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid opening in January.
Don’t miss this once in a lifetime event when the Bay Philharmonic opens its door to a new era of excitement and excellence!
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Guest Artists:
Lissa DeGuzman
Jason Gotay
Julius Thomas lll
Special Appearance by Starstruck Theatre
Chabot College Performing Arts Center
25555 Hesperian Blvd
Hayward, CA 94545Sunday, October 1 @ 3PM
Meet the stars!
Jason Gotay
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Recently performed his autobiographical solo show Where You’ll Find Me at the Minetta Lane Theater (available on Audible). He made his Broadway debut in the original company of Bring It On: The Musical written by Lin Manuel-Miranda, Tom Kitt, Amanda Green, and Jeff Whitty, nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical. Other Broadway/New York credits include Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark, Che in New York City Center’s acclaimed revival of Evita, Irving Berlin’s Call Me Madam and more.
Lissa DeGuzman
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Lissa DeGuzman is thrilled to be singing with the Bay Philharmonic and has performed in several Broadway shows and tours: King Kong, Wicked (Elphaba), Aladdin (Jasmine), Fiddler on the Roof, Camelot, Legally Blonde, West Side Story, Les Miserables and more.
Julius Thomas III
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An NAACP Theatre award-nominated actor from Gary, IN. He starred as Alexander Hamilton in the smash hit musical, Hamilton, and as Berry Gordy in the mega box office hit, Motown: The Musical. His resume boasts four Broadway shows, six Broadway national tours, a host of regional theatre roles, and TV appearances on Modern Family, Sesame Street, and more.
Seeing is believing
Take a look at these fabulous stars making taking the stage for Broadway’s Best:
Julius Thomas III, Star of Hamilton
Sizzle Reel (Before Hamilton!)
ABC Channel 7 Interview for Hamilton
Lissa DeGuzman, Star of Wicked (Elphaba)
Jason Gotay (Spiderman, Gossip Girl)
Jason Gotay go the “Gossip Girl” role
Bay Phil Gala
Sat, Sept 23, 2023
Hayward City Hall, 777 B St, Hayward, CA 94541
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Bay Philharmonic produced a wonderful event in support of arts and education. Complete with food, wine, amazing live and silent auctions and, of course, excellent music!
Pre-event reception at 5:30 allowed attendees to mix and mingle with fellow music lovers while sampling delicious wine and hors d'oeuvres.
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Many thanks to our presenting sponsor:
PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: Zach Borja (510) 746-6886
