Orchestra

We were all grateful for Esa-Pekka Salonen’s tenure as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. But we’re even happier to see him creating works like this brilliant Violin Concerto.

Two superstars will be playing two No. 2 concertos too difficult for most other mortals.

The California Symphony opens its conductor search with Robert Moody fronting the orchestra in a straight-down –the-middle program.

On Sunday, in Veterans Memorial Park in Napa, the former members of the NVS will present a free concert in the park, as a thank you to their supporters and patrons.

The Target Summer Pops Festival, featuring the Symphony Silicon Valley starts the final weekend in July. It’s a premier South Bay event, which takes place outdoors on the San Jose State campus, and features a variety of old-fashioned pops fare.

The Midsummer Mozart Festival finishes up with a performance of the composer’s unfinished “Great” Mass in C Minor. The Pacific Mozart Ensemble joins George Cleve’s orchestra and four strong soloists for this passionate, gorgeous music.

One of the best concerts of the season will be heard in May.

An example of how, through great programming, classical
and contemporary music can illuminate each other.

If you’re in the South Bay and you haven’t checked Symphony Silicon Valley out already, here are two good opportunities to do so.

If you’re waiting for other orchestras in the area to do a similar program, well, don’t hold your breath.