Symphony concert to feature special performance of piano and vocal music

Vocalist Robert Blake will be one of three young performers to be featured at the Downey Symphony’s Jan. 28 concert.

DOWNEY – The Downey Symphonic Society presents a very special concert on January 28 at the Downey Theatre.  

“Our concertgoers have been asking for piano and vocal music and also to hear again some of the great young performers we’ve presented in recent seasons,” said Society President Larry Lewis.  “Instead of the orchestra, we’ll be presenting three amazing young performers, so the audience can enjoy their talents for the entire show,” he added.

Performers include violinist Michelle Tseng and baritone Anthony Moreno, both outstanding young musicians who delighted audiences in Downey in previous appearances.  Pianist Robert Blake will join them for solo pieces and as accompanist.  

The three will play solos, duets, and trios by composers including Debussy, Rachmaninoff, and Saint-Saens. Even more exciting will be pieces by great Spanish and Latin composers, including Ravel, Granados, Piazzolla, and Ginastera.  

“These brilliant young musicians will provide a memorable and enjoyable evening,” commented Music Director Sharon Lavery, “and the Latin pieces will add a special rhythmic and melodic zest.”  

Doors at the Theatre open at 6:30 pm, so patrons can enjoy an exhibit of work by local artists titled “Dreamscapes.” Robert Blake will present a pre-concert talk at 7:15 pm. 

The Downey Symphonic Society and its patrons take particular pride in bringing to its concerts many outstanding musicians at the early stages of their careers.  

Michelle Tseng has won many prizes and awards in the US and internationally and played at venues including Walt Disney Concert Hall; Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and Avery Fisher Hall in New York; and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.   

Anthony Moreno studied at El Camino CC, CSU Long Beach, and USC’s Thornton School of Music, where he received major awards.  He has performed across the US and in Europe in many operatic and solo roles.  

Robert Blake has directed and played for numerous operatic productions at USC and teaches and performs widely in Los Angeles.  

Tickets are $35 or $30 depending on seating section and are available at downeysymphony.org or by calling the Theatre Box Office at (562) 861-8211 or in person (open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday).  

Free parking adjacent to the Theatre at Firestone and Brookshire Ave.