Downey Symphony returns for first performance in 17 months
Downey Symphony music director Sharon Lavery. (Photo by Joan Anderson)
DOWNEY – “I am beyond elated,” said Sharon Lavery, music director and conductor of the Downey Symphony Orchestra, “for us to be able to perform again. We have all missed it so very much.”
The Downey Symphony will perform on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at Furman Park as the closing musical event for the city’s Concerts in the Park series. “It’s our first time performing for the Downey community since our Beethoven concert in January of 2020,” said Sharon.
The stirring “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” by John Williams will open the program, and the audience will be treated to such delights as Libertango by Piazolla and Clarinet Candy by Leroy Anderson.
“Patty Massey will play the solo,” said Sharon. “Piazzolla is a master of the nuevo tango, and his Libertango incorporates elements of jazz and classical music.
The Downey Symphonic Society is planning a three-concert season in the Downey Theatre, opening Saturday, Oct. 23, so save the date. The Symphonic Society also offers Music in the Schools, an outreach program that was missing this past year, due to COVID restrictions.
The free Pops in the Park is the Symphonic Society’s gift to the Downey community. There is no admission charge as the Society pays for the musicians, who are professionals drawn from the greater Los Angeles area.
It costs about $15,000 to present the 7 p.m. twilight performance, a little less than half the expense of a subscription concert in the Downey Theatre. For one thing, a symphonic band is smaller than the full indoor stage ensemble, and consists of woodwind, brass, and a battery of percussion instruments, plus strings.
“Our string section in the park will be a touch smaller this year,” said Sharon, “so we can create a little bit more breathing room on the outdoor stage, but since we have a great sound crew at the park it won’t even be noticed.”
Classics like Gould’s American Salute, Broadway tunes, and especially “The Phantom of the Opera,” as arranged for a symphonic ensemble, will make for a special experience.
“One deeply felt tradition of our summer concerts has always been the Armed Forces Salute,” said Sharon. “There are very few of the old-time veterans left, but today women as well as men and their families stand when their service anthem is played.”
One special Downey tradition will have to wait till next year, Sharon explained.
“I am ending with Sousa because, in my opinion, there’s no better finale for an outdoor pops concert than the Stars and Stripes Forever.”
“Unfortunately, for everyone’s safety,” she said. “We won’t be able to have the kids conduct this year. Hopefully things will be completely back to normal by next summer and we’ll have them back up on stage conducting away.”