Written by Jennifer Root
November 4, 2020
October was an exciting month in the world of arts and culture in Southern California and we saw a strong emergence of creativity as we eased into a new performing arts normal. Organizations rose up, pivoted, and danced into the moment, showing the arts community that hope, resilience, and evolution is still possible. There will always be a place for the curious and the creative; pandemic or not.
One of the events I attended was both unique and profound as it showed us all the bright and creative future ahead of us in the arts.
Mainly Mozart was the first major arts organization in the United States to bring live performance back to a live audience since the quarantine began. I was honored to be present on opening night for Music Director’s: Maestro Michael Francis, Four Season’s, Vivaldi, A World Apart.
We pulled into the Del Mar Fairgrounds, running a bit late; with family in tow. There were curls of mist and a chill marine layer that often welcomes San Diegans on autumn coastal nights. As we were directed into our parking spot; expertly coordinated among other guests and other cars, the faint sound of strings rose up in the distance. The lights rose in beauty from the stage ahead and we rolled our windows all the way down. The sound was crisp and clear as the air and the orchestra burst into Spring I.Allegro. Goosebumps. I hadn’t heard the vibration of strings in a very long time- and everything about this eerily beautiful evening hit me hard. It was a beautiful, well “orchestrated” evening. The Mainly Mozart organization thought of everything; right down to the deliciously catered “Gourmet Party Car Box” courtesy of Chef Ron McMillan.
Mainly Mozart has hosted the festival for the past 30 years, and from the onset of the pandemic they were determined to ensure this year would be no different. Not only did they produce a fantastic festival, but they also succeeded in producing a memorable event that would become the first major live orchestral concert since the pandemic; proving that good music, passionate supporters and talented musicians will always find a way to share their gifts.
Year after year, the organization leads the largest gathering of Concertmasters and Principal Players in the United States for this world renowned festival. Their line-ups feature some of the world’s greatest musicians from the worlds leading orchestras and have included the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic and dozens more.
The evening ended with an impromptu bass solo and a standing ovation, honking horns and blinking lights. Pure, orchestral joy.
Bravo! Mainly Mozart for “Keeping Music Alive”
Mainly Mozart’s program is ongoing and their mission is to enrich the lives of today’s and tomorrow’s passionate music lovers by connecting them to the genius and innovation of Mozart and the Masters, to world-class musicians and music-making, and to each other.
Learn more about Mainly Mozart and support live music by visiting the link below.
