For the benefit of all
Paul Andersen, Enjoy!
GLENDALE -- There is a certain finality to the word “cancel.” Those
who question this can just click on that word the next time it shows up
on the computer screen.
Poof! Whatever it refers to, it’s gone.
That is why Sidney Weiss, music director and conductor of the Glendale
Symphony Orchestra, was adamant when he explained the situation the
organization is facing over a lack of funding.
“Our final concert of the season is merely being postponed, from March
16 to Aug. 17,” he calmly said. “It is not being canceled. It is just
that right now, due to the economy and the aftermath of Sept. 11, much of
our funding, both through corporate grants and individual donations, has
(virtually) dried up. And you can’t put on a show if you can’t pay for
it.”
However, there will still be music taking place at The Alex Theatre on
the evening of March 16. Instead of leading the orchestra in a program
devoted to the music of Beethoven, the conductor will perform as a
violinist in tandem with his pianist wife, Jeanne, in a concert
benefiting the Glendale Symphony.
As the Weiss Duo, the two musicians have received critical acclaim on
stages worldwide, Bob Bornhoeft, board president of the symphony
association, said.
“You have to remember that Sidney, besides being a wonderful
conductor, is a world-class musician who is passionate in his
understanding of the music,” he said. “It is one of the reasons why the
members of the orchestra love playing for him.”
The benefit will feature music by Mozart, Vitali, Grieg, Kreisler,
Rachmaninoff and Smetana. In what may seem an unusual move, the concert
will be free to the public, with everyone in the community invited. There
will be no tickets required, and seating will be on a first-come,
first-served basis.
Bornhoeft is confident that there will be a good turnout.
“We’re hoping that everybody in town will show up,” he said.
Donations will be accepted, and there will be many opportunities to
make them at tables set up throughout the venue. There also will be an
auction, with proceeds going to the symphony association.
Originally scheduled for The Alex, the concert was briefly moved to
the much-smaller Brand Library. However, it was decided that because of
its larger size, The Alex would generate more donations for the
orchestra.
“Glendale has one of the finest symphonies in the United States, and a
year from now, when things have gotten better again, people will want to
hear it,” Bornhoeft said. “But if we don’t take care of it now, it won’t
be there then.”
As for the program on Aug. 17, it will be slightly different than
originally planned.
“Instead of doing all Beethoven, we will include a pair of pieces by
Aaron Copland, ‘Appalachian Spring’ and ‘Lincoln Portrait,’ ” Weiss said.
Think of it as replacing the majesty of Beethoven with a purple
mountain variety.
IF YOU GO
WHO: The Weiss Duo with Maestro Sidney Weiss on violin and his wife,
Jeanne Weiss, at the piano.
WHAT: A benefit concert for the Glendale Symphony Orchestra.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 16.
WHERE: The Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale.
COST: Free (donations will be accepted).
INFO: 500-8720.