August 3, 2021 :: Even the legendary Russian Romantic composer struggled with writer’s block, self-doubt, and the occasional lack of inspiration. By California Symphony I am written out, my head is empty, my time is past…”—Tchaikovsky While composing his Fifth Symphony, Tchaikovsky consistently doubted his ability to write. He began working on the piece in the spring of 1888...
:: Behind every great composer is… a great patron. Without the financial and emotional support of Nadezhda Von Meck—the woman Tchaikovsky corresponded with for 14 years and yet never met—the first Russian composer to achieve international acclaim might never have made it. By California Symphony Nadezhda von Meck was the widow of a wealthy railroad magnate,...
:: Hindsight has a funny way of making past successes seem effortlessly inevitable. (Kind of like fate?) But when Tchaikovsky wrote his Fifth Symphony, he had no way of knowing whether the work would be popularly received at its premiere (it was), or that it would still be performed over a hundred years later and adored...
March 9, 2021 :: Principal Bassist Andy Butler loves to cook traditional dishes from his wife’s Peruvian heritage. Andy was kind enough to share one of he and his wife’s favorite recipes to prepare together—chupe de habas or fava bean chowder. What You’ll Need… 2 tbsp. of olive oil 2 red onions, very finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, very finely...
:: Andy Butler is showing us another side of the double bass in a new California Symphony exclusive series, Double Bass Dimensions. Read below to learn more about Andy’s bass beginnings, the series, and a special recipe. Tell us a little about yourself and your history with the California Symphony. I currently live in Oakland, CA....
December 3, 2020 :: After what has surely felt like the longest year ever, we’re closing 2020 with some much-needed holiday cheer. Read below to learn more about our featured Season in Song vocalists and their favorite family traditions. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? (eg Hidden talent or passion, or someone you’ve performed with / cool...
:: This holiday season, Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor is looking forward having one of her mother’s deliciously rich sticky buns on Christmas morning. Here, Kelley shares the recipe for her mother Diane’s family favorite treat. Pro tip: prepare these the night before and you’re just 30 minutes away from delicious smells in the morning. What You’ll Need…...
December 2, 2020 :: From Mariah Carey to the Simpsons, this classic holiday tune has seen some unique transformations. We’ve ranked and reviewed 5 of them, and given them each superlatives. Be warned, not all of them are exactly super. 1. Worst O Holy Night – Best Lip Sync This Alabama actor achieved infamy after his lip sync video...
November 10, 2020 :: You can usually find these four on stage accompanied by the full California Symphony. This year, they’re going solo… well, sort of. Read below to learn more about the members of the California Symphony String Quartet. Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from? Did you grow up in a musical...
:: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Suite No. 1 in G Major for Unaccompanied Cello BWV 1007, Prelude (ca. 1720) (1994) Like all musicians, Bach got good gigs and not-so-good gigs. Just about the best gig of all was his six-year stint from 1717 to 1723 as kapellmeister to Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen, a tiny principality in...
