I can’t believe that we’re already in May! As a nonnative of California, I’m convinced that the endless stream of beautiful weather is messing with my sense of time. I’m used to snow and cold and seasons, to the world browning in the fall and greening in the spring. But here I am, one day after another—beautiful, mild, (dare I say perfect?) weather that makes me feel like I’m living in a perpetual spring. Could I request more problems like this, please???
It doesn’t help that every morning when I come to work I am hit smack dab in the face with Hidden Valley’s beauty. Last month it was the wisteria in full bloom as it cascaded down the pergola; this month I’m enamored by the powerful oak tree that steadfastly welcomes our theatregoers. It’s too beautiful not to be loved. But I digress!
April was filled with so many wonderful events: the String Orchestra of Hidden Valley Spring Concert, This, That, or Something Else presented by the Monterey County Composers’ Forum, The Carmel Valley Garden Show. The String Orchestra Concert did not disappoint, and I’m eagerly awaiting their return in the fall. Music Director Stewart Robertson is an absolute charmer with a passion for music that simply emanates from him. It was a pleasure to experience this concert with him, and I look forward to many more! This, That, or Something Else was pretty much exactly as I had forecasted in my previous blog, and I was thrilled! The Hidden Valley Theatre was full of electricity on that day. If you have never experienced being in a room full of people who simply love to play and create music, let me tell you that it is a compelling experience. I, for one, was ready to stand up and join in on the creation. Don’t worry. I resisted the temptation. And last, but certainly not least, The Carmel Valley Garden Show was a tremendous success! I have heard from numerous community members that they attended on Saturday and just had to come back on Sunday. I would like to applaud all of the hard work of the Carmel Valley Garden Club; you have all worked so hard to make this an event worth coming to!
If you missed out on the fun of April, be sure to join us in May! We don’t waste any time here at Hidden Valley!
On Tuesday, May 17 at 7:30pm, world-renowned pianist Jura Margulis will be returning to the Hidden Valley Theatre! Margulis will be applying his incredible skills to a program featuring the works of Robert Schumann, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Nikolai Medtner, and Mily Balakirev. Russian-born Margulis is a third generation pianist and teacher who has been internationally recognized for his compellingly communicative performances, as well as for the range of his tonal palette and his consummate virtuosity. The Washington Post has described Margulis as having “titanic reserves of technique and sheer power” and “effortless spontaneity” while German publication Universitätsblätter distinguished him as having “an admirable clarity, superiority, even sovereignty of conception which makes his playing always coherent, reflective, and entirely sincere.” Margulis is sure to delight and impress with his technical and musical prowess!
We will close out the month of May with a bang as Café Musique returns to Hidden Valley on Monday, May 23 at 7:30pm! Back by popular demand, Café Musique will be bringing their characteristic musical mix of gypsy, swing, tango, folk, and their self-defined genre, “wild classical.” Their newest album, Ebb & Flow, was released to the public in April 2016, and has been described by Glen Starkey of the New Times as an “excellent album with twists, turns, surprises, sly humor, potent emotional moments, and music to lose yourself in.” Featuring both new and old works, Café Musique will be sure to hit upon both nostalgia and originality in this upcoming show. If you’re looking for an energetic, igniting, engaging musical experience, this is it! Advance tickets are available for $20 at hiddenvalleymusic.org or by calling (831) 659-3115. Tickets purchased at the door are $25.
As I come to a close on this blog entry, I can’t help but notice that the wind has picked up and there’s a slight chill in the air. I’m half inclined to delete my first two paragraphs about the outstanding weather for fear of jinxing everything. But no! Carmel Valley will not let me down! And hey! What better place to listen to the leaves rustle than at Hidden Valley? I hope to see you soon!
Coming Up Next at Hidden Valley:
Masters Festival Concert Series
Elaine Douvas Concert
Monday, June 6 at 7:30pm
Keith Underwood Concert
Monday, June 13 at 7:30pm
Ali Ryerson Jazz Flute Club Night
Thursday, June 16 at 7:30
Judith LeClair & Robert Walters Concert
Friday, June 24 at 7:30pm
Mark Nuccio Concert
Monday, June 27 at 7:30pm
By Ashley English, Hidden Valley Music Seminars
