DOWNEY - In the 54-year history of the Downey Symphony, an impressive variety of solo artists have appeared with the orchestra. Violinists and pianists abound. Audiences applauded cellists, flutists, oboists, bassoonists, vocalists, church choirs and narrators. We've heard in solo repertoire the French horn, tuba, clarinet, harp, piccolo and one tap dancer.But the gorgeous assemblage of instruments to be spread out, center stage, at our orchestra's next concert is undoubtedly a first. In his "Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra," composer Eric Guinivan will play "a five-octave marimba and a small multi-percussion set consisting of five toms, a bass drum, a bell tree, and four suspended bells." All that and a beautiful surrounding program of works by Sibelius (Finlandia) and Tchaikovsky (the Pathetique), all under Music Director Sharon Lavery, and the evening promises to be unforgettable. The date is Saturday evening, April 2, in Downey's Civic Theatre, 8435 Firestone Blvd. A pre-concert discussion begins at 7:15 p.m., and the concert itself at 8, opening with this year's baton auction winner, Bruce Rose. Tickets priced at $30 and $25, $10 for students, are available at the theater box office on Wednesday, March 30, between 12-4 p.m., and on the night of performance. Ample parking is free, and the Symphony Guild invites audience and orchestra to a complimentary reception in the theater patio at the conclusion of all that fine music. Hope to see you there, munching cookies. For more information, our website is downeysymphony.org.

********** Published: March 24, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 49