Orchestra Nova

San Diego Chamber Orchestra is now Orchestra Nova.  Last night I was invited, by my mom, to attend their premier performance at the Irwin M. Jacobs Qualcomm Hall. The hall is a 534-seat venue which focuses on programs that promote education, health and human services, culture and the arts.

Their performance of The Many Faces of Mozart was fantastic!  I am an avid music lover and although I have a deep appreciation for classical music and understand its importance, I would not call it my favorite genre.  What I loved about Orchestra Nova was their ability to touch all ages and people regardless of their musical knowledge. Maestro Pak (the conductor) was very approachable and genuine.  Prior to each piece he would speak with the audience. For instance he may have given a brief history of what the artist was thinking or inspired by while he was writing, or maybe what to look for that set that composer apart from others of his time.  Maestro Pak delivered his message with a large smile and exhilaration, all the time speaking in terms that everyone could understand.

Maestro Pak was great but the musicians and dancers stole the show.  They were extremely talented, poised and expressive.  The soloist was Lindsay Deutsch who performed Violin Concerto No. 3, period dancers to performed while Orchestra Nova played three German dances written by Mozart.

I don’t know what took me so long to attend these performances as my mom and her friend have been ticket holders for years.  I plan to return as soon as time allows and this time I’m bringing my son, the 17 year old musician.

To learn more about Orchestra Nova click here

To learn more about Irwin M. Jacobs Qualcomm Hall click here