I've played violin in various community orchestras and chamber ensembles in Sonoma County since 1989. My role with ClassicalSonoma is the technical person that keeps the site running. When not playing music or sailing I work in Santa Rosa as an attorney and software developer.
John Thompson, one of the three creators of ClassicalSonoma.org, discusses the inspiration behind the site. In this KRCB interview with Curtain Call's Charles Sepos, John reviews the site's features, and talks about why the site was created. Learn about the calendar functionality, and how you can contribute to the site.
Click the "Listen" button, above, to hear the complete interview.... more
The popular University of Southern California classical station KUSC is taking over management of KDFC under a non-profit model. In the North Bay the station can now be heard on FM 89.9. For further details read a letter about the changes on the KDFC website.
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J. Karla Lemon tragically passed away October 15, 2009, in Berkeley after suffering a massive stroke during surgery to correct a congenital heart condition. For formal obituaries and commentary, please see www.sfcv.org and Diane Peterson's detailed writeup of Ms. Lemon's life in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
This orchestra class will provide an opportunity for amateur and professional musicians to read a variety of classical orchestral works for pure enjoyment. With the absence of the added stress of a concert, musicians will be able to focus on social and musical rewards such as meeting fellow musicians and, most importantly, maintaining and improving playing techniques during the summer. Orchestra members will have the unique opportunity of working under the direction of several outstanding, profe... more
JUNE 5, 2009 - Tonight's EVENT POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN -- WATCH FOR DETAILS OF NEW PERFORMANCE DATE!
AMERICAN PHILHARMONIC - SONOMA COUNTY
Gabriel Sakakeeny, Musical Director
APSC JOINS ART DISTRICT'S FIRST FRIDAY JUNE 5TH
American Philharmonic - Sonoma County will literally open its chairs to the public on Friday, June 5 at Courthouse Square in the Arts District…Downtown Santa Rosa. From 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. the orchestra will perform a free rehearsal... more
The Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra is planning a special celebration concert, taking place on Sunday, June 7, 2009, of the past 50 years. This Bon Voyage Concert is sure to be a great concert and a wonderful send-off for the YO's European tour. Our conductor, Dr. Richard Loheyde, has selected two works on which alumni can join in for this concert: Joseph Suk's "Toward a New Life" and Dvorak's "Slavonic Dance #8".
It's refreshing to see a brutally honest review. And you have an interesting point about standing ovations. I was just remarking the other day that some audiences seem to always give a standing ovation. The Wikipedia article on the subject notes that "some have observed that the standing ovation has come to be devalued...." Another interesting point, which I also have noticed is that "Usually, when a critical mass of a small fraction of the audience stands up (perhaps one-fifth), the entire audience becomes compelled to stand as well." It seems that the ideal, S.O., where everyone jumps to their feet at the same time, seems to be a lost art.
Some of my most memorable chamber music experiences were made playing in Newman Auditorium at SRJC. The wood stage with its matching wood paneled backdrop combined with the bright lights give it a classy yet academic feel. This is especially true given the college lecture hall style seating.
