Classics
Revisited with Sinfonia Mexicana
By Frances Scoggin, Correspondent
Sinfonia Mexicana presented the Inland
Empire with another wonderful evening of fine music and
entertainment on Oct. 13 at the beautiful California
Theatre. The concert was titled "Classics Revisited" and
consisted of classical music of Mexico and the
incomparable Vikki Carr.
The concert opened with the San Bernardino Symphony,
conducted by Maestro Frank Fetta, performing selections
by some of Mexico's finest classical composers. Works by
Lara, Oliva, Rosas and Moncayo were represented. The
orchestra played these with fine control or flashy
technique depending on what was needed. The rhythmic
intricacies of the "Huapango" by Moncayo were played
with perfection showing off all sections of the
orchestra - especially the trumpet.
The more melodic waltzes in Viennese style by Rosas and
Lara were played with elegance and class showing just
how beautiful this music can sound when played well.
Oliva's arrangement, "Suite de Lara," showed the variety
of styles used by this versatile composer. Especially
well played were the hot trumpet licks in "Granada."
Maestro Fetta did an excellent job interpreting the many
different styles of music and provided informative
commentary on each piece. He was in control at all times
but allowed the musicians the freedom to express
themselves. He seemed to enjoy the music as much as the
audience did.
After intermission, the immensely talented and classy
Carr took the stage. She was accompanied by Maestro
Fetta conducting a fine back-up band with the string
players from the San Bernardino Symphony, two wonderful
backup singers, and her music director, Andy Howe, at
the piano. Carr mentioned that he won his job with the
comment, "It's all about the music."
His arrangements showed off her many vocal talents. Each
song showed her excellent dynamic range and impeccable
technique. She sang blues, jazz, country and Spanish
love songs with ease, packing the emotional punch that a
lesser artist would have to work to deliver. Even her
signature pieces, "It Must Be Him" and "Can't Take My
Eyes Off Of You," sounded just as fresh as ever. It was
obvious that Carr loves singing and sharing her gift
with her audience.
Sinfonia Mexicana has been fostering awareness of
Mexico's rich history of music for 22 years. For this,
they have received an award from the James Irvine
Foundation. Congratulations and viva, Sinfonia Mexicana!
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