part of the regular symphony , or as a winner of their annual Al Navaroli Youth Competition . Navaroli was one of the Symphony ’ s earliest board members with a deep love of music and opera who worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Symphony . As they state on their website , “ The purpose of the competition is to encourage young musicians to develop their talent and skill , to motivate them with a chance to perform before a live audience with symphonic accompaniment , and to reward and honor them for their achievements and dedication .” The winner of the competition gets to play as a featured soloist in one of the Symphony ’ s concerts . The Navaroli Competition is open to strings , winds , brass and piano .
Community Support is Key Though the Symphony is playing concert caliber music in professional venues , it is a volunteer labor of love that relies upon not only the discipline , sweat and labor of its musicians and board , but on grants and donations from the community . The arts always need dedicated patrons . While none of the board or musicians are paid , they do pay their conductors and guest musicians , and there are general administrative costs that come with running the symphony and performance related expenses . Every dollar helps .
The South Valley Symphony ’ s 50th season kicked off with the first of four concerts , “ Made in America ,” Sunday October 8 at 3pm , at Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill . The performance included “ Fanfare and Flourishes ” by James Curnow , selections from Symphony No . 1 in E Minor by Florence Price , and “ Pictures at an Exhibition ” by Mussorgsky .
The Holiday Celebration Concert was held December 16 at Gavilan College in Gilroy . Sandra Marlowe and Ted Sanchez were featured in concert with the symphony . The symphony performed “ Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare ” by Strauss and symphonic holiday favorites .
The Next Gen Youth Concert is scheduled for March 9 , 2024 at 3pm , at Gavilan College . Musical selections include Fanfare from the LA Neophonic Orchestra by Kenton , a performance by the Al Navaroli Concert Competition First Place Winner , and the World Premier of work composed for the 50th season .
The final concert of the 50th Anniversary season — a 50th Finale — is scheduled for May 12 , 2024 at 3pm , at Guglielmo winery . The symphony will perform “ Summon the Heroes ” fanfare by Williams , rousing symphonic favorites , and 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky .
Anthony Quartuccio , Jr . is the Musical Director and Conductor of the South Valley Symphony . Tickets and other information can be found at : southvalleysymphony . org .
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