Categories: Alejandra Enciso, THE BUZZ Tags: ,

THE BUZZ: “Seeing beyond” with the San Diego Symphony

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“Seeing beyond” with the San Diego Symphony

By Alejandra Enciso

Halloween and Dia de Muertos programs this weekend with the San Diego Symphony

The San Diego Symphony’s community outreach continues to grow and with this effort, a few important changes have come about. Working hard on education and community related objectives, new professional positions were created in the organization such as Manager of Community Engagement, currently held by Chelsea Allen. Part of these changes also involve, the Education Department’s main focus on music education. Chelsea’s goals are in part, to bring the symphony to new communities and in new ways. “You can find your music”, she explains in regards to coming to a San Diego Symphony event. “If you like classical music, we do that very-very-, well, if your music is jazz music, we also do that. And, if your music is flamenco we offer that, and if your music is rock, we also offer that. I challenge people now to see beyond, and really understand that this is where music happens in San Diego”.

‘Young people’s concerts’ is a program that involves a series of concerts offered to school aged children. Youths take a field trip to the symphony, have music lessons and experience concerts that are made accessible for younger audiences. They also have docents visit their school to orient them about what they are going to see. Just as the interview for this piece was taking place, Chelsea had 1,200 kids from 4th grade, enjoying that program.

The symphony is also creating more awareness initiatives, such as the ‘Dia de los Muertos’ concert directed by Jeff Nevin of Mariachi Champaña Nevin. The series has been going on for a few years but, many people have not been aware of. 

For this year’s event on Sunday, October 30, 2016 7:30PM the Symphony partnered with  Sherman Heights Community Center and that day, before the concert starting at 5:00pm, they will be leading several Dia de los Muertos themed crafts like traditional face painting, ballet folclórico dance lessons for children, flower making, and a community altar. “This holiday is so meaningful to anyone who has interacted with losing a loved one and, music is so universal. So, it is the perfect marriage of something that anyone of any culture, any background can come and have an experience that resonates with them” Added Allen. The Symphony also partnered with La Vista Memorial Park and Mortuary, for a yearly altar and Catrina contest. This years ‘Catrina’s’ will be featured in the symphony hall for your enjoyment as well.

The Program

This program is indeed a jewel. There will be a special appearance by the Queen of Ranchera Music, Aida Cuevas; performances by Tijuana born soprano Mónica Ábrego; tenor Rafael Palomar; Mariachi Garibaldi from Southwestern College and Ballet Folklórico Jalisciense de Mary Lopez. The cherry on top: Special tributes to Juan Gabriel and José ‘Pepe’ Martinez. “It is affordable, the music is great and we want people to come and be comfortable”.

Do you have an awesome ‘Catrina’ style make up technique? You are more than welcome to come as a Catrina.

Tickets start at $20 dollars and can be purchased HERE.

“We live downtown, the Symphony is in downtown, connecting with our neighbors is important to us because, as downtown develops, it should develop in a way that is authentic to San Diego. So, come to the ‘Dia de los Muertos’ concert – tickets are not that expensive and it is going to be a great party.”

Vanguard Culture

Vanguard Culture is an online media entity designed for culturally savvy, socially conscious individuals. We provide original interviews and reviews of the people, places, and events that make up San Diego’s thriving arts and culture community, as well as curated snapshots of the week’s best, most inspiring and unique cultural and culinary events. We believe in making a difference in the world, supporting San Diego’s vibrant visual and performing arts community and bringing awareness to important social and community causes.