Catalina Island News

Catalina Island Museum Holiday Symphony Concert Welcomes Stanford Symphony Orchestra

2015-12-06
Catalina Island Museum

The Catalina Island Museum’s Holiday Symphony Concert has become one of the most anticipated events of Avalon’s holiday season. Now in its third year, the Catalina Island Museum is honored to welcome the Stanford Symphony Orchestra back to the stage of the Avalon Casino Theatre on Friday, December 11th for another unforgettable performance. Thanks to the generosity of its sponsors, the Catalina Island Museum is able to offer the Holiday Symphony Concert free of charge for all members, children, island residents and visitors alike.

“The highlight of the holiday season!” said Karen King, owner of Afishinados, following last year’s concert. “Growing up in Los Angeles I had the opportunity to experience this type of music all the time. On the island it is a different story. Thanks to the museum for offering such a wonderful experience in our spectacular theatre.”

This year’s Holiday Symphony Concert will feature an ensemble of the prestigious Stanford Symphony Orchestra made up of undergraduate and graduate students of Stanford University, as well as a few alumni. Once again conducted by the very talented Anna Wittstruck, the ensemble will perform a lively variety of classical pieces by some of the most famous composers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries: Ludwig van Beethoven, Edvard Grieg, Richard Wagner, and others. The compositions represent an international mix of energetic dance music, intimate serenades and folk music.

Due to its remote location, access to arts education on Catalina Island is limited. The museum’s annual Holiday Symphony Concert not only offers classical music to the Avalon community, it also presents a unique opportunity for Avalon’s youth. Partnering with Avalon Public Schools, the museum has organized a presentation in which members of the Stanford Symphony Orchestra will introduce their musical instruments, share their personal experiences and explain the role of each instrument in creating the synergy of a distinctive sound in a symphony orchestra.

The 3rd Annual Catalina Island Museum Holiday Symphony Concert takes place on Friday, December 11 at 7:00 pm in the Avalon Casino Theatre. The Holiday Symphony Concert is free of charge. Seating is first-come, first choice. Doors open for members of the museum at 6:00 pm and the general public at 6:30 pm. For more information, the museum may be reached by phone at 310-510-2414, or at its website: CatalinaMuseum.org.

Prior to the Holiday Symphony Concert, the museum is holding its beloved Holiday Open House from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm within the Catalina Island Museum itself. All members, island residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by. The annual Holiday Open House offers free museum admission, a free tasting by a local caterer, a huge sale in its Museum Store, and some holiday cheer.

The Catalina Island Museum is Avalon’s sole institution devoted to art, culture and history.  The museum, its digital theater and store are located on the ground floor of Avalon’s historic Casino and are open 7 days a week, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, the museum may be reached by phone at 310-510-2414 or at its website.