DOWNEY –  The Downey Symphonic Society, once again in collaboration with the Downey Arts Coalition, begins the 2015–16 concert series of the Downey Symphony Orchestra at the Downey Theatre on Oct. 24 by presenting an evening filled with art, dance, music and love.

“We have some of your favorite symphonic classics in store for you this season and we begin with two wonderful Russian treasures,” said Sharon Lavery, who is entering her eighth season as music director and conductor. 

“First, the dynamic Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov that will highlight the talents of our concertmaster, Carolyn Osborn. Additionally, we have the critically acclaimed professional dancers from Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles joing us in a grand performance of the Swan Lake Suite by Tchaikovsky. Downey Symphony Orchestra has been hailed as one of the best metropolitan orchestras in Southern California. 

“I thank everyone for their on-going support and look forward to seeing you all at the concert,” Lavery added. 

A short lecture about the music being performed will be given by Lavery from the stage at 7:15 p.m.

However, the doors to the Downey Theatre lobby will open at 6:30 p.m. for “Dance And Movement,” an art exhibit presented by the Downey Arts Coalition.

Liz Moran, curator of the art exhibit, encourages everyone to come to the exhibit and meet the artists. 

“It is my pleasure to announce our featured artist, Steve Clay,” she said. “His six paintings are displayed on the ground floor of the lobby of the theatre. They consist of a combination of his older style and most recent style. 

“Downey Arts Coalition chose Steve Clay to be the featured artist because his artwork portrays a deep understanding of body movement through the art of dance. The two paintings from his older style, ‘Come Fly With Me’ (2010) and ‘Soaring’ (2012), show his synchrony in movement. In both paintings, the subjects are connected in rhythm and although the scene is presented in the two-dimensional, our minds are able to continue the dance routine as if we were actually there. 

“His most recent style is almost impressionistic. Each dancer is in her own spotlight at center stage, framed to receive our full attention. The beauty of these comes from the delicate, but assertive, manner in the way the arms are painted. Each dancer is painted striking a pose to show their full potential. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. 

“A personal favorite is ‘Ballerina’ (2014) because the contrasting colors of the dress and Rothko-esque backdrop capture the eye while her limbs guide the eye throughout the rest of the painting. 

“In a conversation I had with the artist Steve Clay, he revealed that his personal favorite was the “Gypsy Woman” (2014). The world deserves to know of the exceptional artist that is Steve Clay.”

Other artists included in “Dance and Movement” are:

Karen Yee, displaying her talent with “Russian Traditional” (2014).The work is a three-quarter view self-portrait in traditional Russian dress. It is imperial in presence and shows Yee seated on a throne, manifested into majesty.

Chris Landeros, a young local artist, who captures movement through his brushstrokes in “Death Dance” (2015) and “Swan Princess” (2015). His combination of subtle colors and sharp brushstrokes makes one’s neck hair tingle from an eerie power that resonates off the paintings.

Pat Gil, member of the Downey Symphonic Society Board of Directors and also a member of the Downey Arts Coalition, announced other participants. 

“Up and coming local artist, Susy Arteaga, is returning and showing three of her latest paintings, especially created for the “Dance And Movement” exhibit,” Gil said. “We are very happy to have her show her work again; she is becoming one of the crowd favorites. 

“Other returning favorites are Lindsay Yost and Carolina Del Toro. Yost with another wonderful mosaic, “Fit to Dance”, that has a tutu literally coming out of it. Utterly amazing! Del Toro will not be disappointing anyone with two more fabulous photographs that her fans are already buzzing about. 

“Isabel Acosta and Polaris Castillo are also returning with their whimsical art that is always asked about in our exhibits. Also, we are very excited to have “Unknown” by Dulce Zelaya in the exhibit. This painting won an award in the 2014 Lucille Roybal-Allard Congressional Art Competition.”

Something new that is included with this art exhibit, something that has never been done before, is the inclusion of art work displayed on the stage itself. 

A monumental artistic undertaking by Roy Anthony Shabla, “Water Music: Blue and Gray 2015,” is a diptych [anything consisting of two parallel or contrasting parts] that is 8 ft. by 36 ft., done on two canvases that are 18 ft. long each. The canvases will be placed on the Downey Theatre’s side-stages and give the illusion of water. 

Shabla explains the amazing art piece. 

“While devoid of image, this painting evokes the idea of sunlight on water,” he says. “The colors range across the canvas of each panel from dark to light/light to dark referencing not only the movement of the unseen sun but time itself. This painting depicts the continuous human experience of the world without depicting humanity, society, or the world; only time.”

Other artists displaying their work are Hannibal Aguilar, Kristine Augustyn, Rey Armenteros, Lafleche-Marie Bourgeauh, Nicholas Caesar Colon, Alejandra Garcia, Claudia D. Hernandez, Jose Moran, Charles E. Pickens, Lisa Maffia-Reynosa, Elaina Soto, and Terry Walker.

The art exhibit “Dance And Movement” and the Downey Symphony Orchestra concert, “From Russia With Love,” take place at the Downey Theatre on Oct. 24. Lobby doors open at 6:30 p.m., with a lecture about the music at 7:15 p.m.. and the concert at 8 p.m. 

There will be a special champagne reception on the theatre patio after the concert, limited to season ticket subscribers only. This concert is the first of three of the 2015-16 season. 

Season tickets are available at the Downey Theatre box office, by phone at (562) 861-8211 or online at downeysymphony.org.