March 4,
2008: The West Valley Symphony returned to the stage on Sunday
February 17th performing before an enthusiastic crowd after a
two-year hiatus. Familiar faces were mixed with new patrons at the
performance which featured Pianist Ilia Ulianitsky. The performance
was held at Faith Presbyterian Church and was well attended, with approximately
300 in the audience.
“We are energized by the very positive response to the February concert,”
said Cathy Leas, President West Valley Symphony Association. “We were very
pleased with the turnout and thrilled that our patrons chose our concert
from among the many entertainment choices available to them. We hope
the community will continue to welcome us back onto the scene.”
“It was a wonderful day. We have been craving the symphony experience
– and here it was” said William Krebs of Sun City West. The Krebs’,
supporters of the Symphony for many years, were pleased to hear the Symphony
was performing again and have already purchased tickets for the Symphony’s
next concert, April 13th in Surprise. Those sentiments were echoed
by other returning patrons like Monica Carter of Surprise who commented “I’m
glad you’re back!” and Judith Buckle of Sun City who said “I enjoyed the
concert very much. I thought the young pianist, Ilia Ulianitsky, was
wonderful and Novak’s Slovak Suite was a beautiful piece.”
New residents were equally enthusiastic after attending their first West
Valley Symphony performance. Gayle Moeller of Sun City West remarked “Very
nice job. I enjoyed the conductor’s narrative and the music selection.
We will be attending the April concert as well.”
The April concert is themed “Springtime in Vienna” and will feature performances
of Strauss’ Blue Danube Waltz, Overture to Die Fledermaus and selections
from Lehar’s The Merry Widow. Maestro Warren Cohen will return to lead
the 44-piece professional orchestra. For the second and final concert of
the Spring 2008 season, he will be joined on stage by tenor Darrell Rowader
and Soprano Carolyn Whitaker for the Afternoon in Vienna concert.
The April 13th concert will be performed at Willow Canyon High School Performing
Arts Auditorium, located at 17901 W. Lundberg in Surprise. The venue
features comfortable theatre style seating and easy access off Bell and Citrus
Roads. General Admission tickets are $25/adult, $15/students.
Tickets are available at Sun City West PORA and Sun City HOA offices, or
call 623.236.6781 for more information about obtaining tickets. Tickets
will also be available at the door.
***
