Downey Symphony's winter concert promises a night of art and music

DOWNEY – The Downey Symphonic Society, once again in collaboration with the Downey Arts Coalition, continues the 2015– 16 Concert Series of the Downey Symphony Orchestra at the Downey Theatre by presenting an evening filled with art and music.

Music Director Sharon Lavery invites you to join in the exitement as Downey Symphony Orchestra continues its 58th season. 

“Our winter concert will feature the Downey Symphony’s talented string section as they perform the passionate works of Mozart (Eine Kleine Nachtmusik – Serenade, K. 525), Holst (St. Paul’s Suite), and Dvorak (Serenade for Strings, Op. 22),” Lavery said. 

“In keeping with our promise to promote young American composers, this concert will also include a world premiere performance of a work by up and coming Los Angeles composer, Bryan Kostors (To Dust). In addition, this premiere will be accompanied by a spectacular multimedia component, so you are guaranteed to be in for a treat!”

However, the doors to the Downey Theatre lobby will open at 6:30 p.m. for the art exhibit “Tempest” curated by Eloisa “EJ” Ball, member of the Downey Arts Coalition. When asked for detailed information about some of the artists and their works, Eloisa was happy to provide. 

“We are very excited about our upcoming exhibition with the theme this time inspired by William Shakespeare’s, The Tempest. “And as the morning steals upon the night, melting the darkness, so their rising senses begin to chase the ignorant fumes that mantle their clearer reason.”  We hope to bring, not only images of storms of life, nature and the human condition, but images of blizzards of color, rainstorms of objects, and disturbances of the mind - - for after the Tempest, the calm will come!”

“With a total of 22 participating artists and over 35 artworks on display we hope to bring a feast to your eyes! We are very pleased to have Downey resident Elsa Van Leuven be a part of this amazing event and delighted to have returning artists, Brandi Kim, Irina Krakov, Bill Rademaker, Lisa Maffia-Reynoso and many others participating as well.”

“Artist Lindsay Yost was born and raised in Downey and continues to live here. She has been creating mosaics for seven years and continues to hone her artistic style, which is inspired by the Pop Art movement and the work of her grandmother, renowned sculptor and ceramist, Bonnie Jean Malcolm. Lindsay attended Warren High School and Long Beach City College where her talents were enhanced by studies in ceramics and photography. Lindsay enjoys using as much recycled and repurposed materials as possible in her mosaics, which gives each one its own unique character and charm.  Lindsay has been very supportive of all our events and we are honored to have her beautiful mosaics adorn the walls of the Downey Theatre.”

"A Glimpse," a piece of art created by Rob Grad.

“We are thrilled to have a new participating artist, Rob Grad.  He is a multi-discipline artist and musician. His visual work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions.  He has received commissions from individuals and corporations; his most recent commission “SF” hangs in the San Francisco International Airport. His heavily layered work blends unconventional materials which can range from bubble gum to roofing cement, toys and ice cream, with the more traditional mediums of paint and photography.  Rob Grad’s artwork is simply amazing!”  

“We are also excited to present another new artist, an Argentinian native, Mariana Royuela. Mariana’s concern for the human condition, which has permeated her life, is reflected in her artwork. The grace and beauty of the human body and the perplexity of facial expressions are all recurring themes in her work. Her painting, Torn, which won an award in Sacramento, will be one of her artworks displayed.”

“This art exhibition is made even more special because our very own Frank Kearns, a transplanted New Englander and longtime Downey resident, has written “Night Music” an exclusive poem just for the occasion. After retiring from a career in the aerospace industry, Frank has devoted his time to supporting the arts, writing poetry, and helping others publish their work. He is the author of two poetry collections, “Circling Venice” (2013) and “Yearlings” (2015).”  

“Only the Downey Symphony Orchestra offers you an opportunity for your senses to overflow in a celebration of the arts by listening to a beautiful symphonic concert, by admiring amazing artwork, and for the first time, by being enchanted with a beautiful poem written specifically for the event.  I hope you do not miss this affair on January 23, 2016.”

The art exhibit “Tempest” and the Downey Symphony Orchestra Concert “Strings Stravaganza” take place at the Downey Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 23. 

The lobby doors open at 6:30 p.m. A lecture about the music being performed is given from the stage by Music Director/Conductor Sharon Lavery at 7:15 p.m. The concert begins at 8 p.m. 

Tickets are still available at the Downey Theatre Box Office, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and one hour before the concert. 

You may order tickets by phone at (562) 861-8211 or online at downeysymphony.org.