Will Baker, the Monterey Symphony’s principal bass trombone, performs at an August 28 “Balcony Sessions” concert on August 28, 2020.
With its 2020-21 season postponed due to the pandemic, the Monterey Symphony’s recent move to new offices in Carmel “has inspired a new way to share their music in a safe environment,” writes Barbara Rose Shuler in Wednesday’s (9/16) Monterey Herald (CA). “ ‘We found this wonderful place … which has a lovely balcony that overlooks the courtyard,’ … Executive Director Nicola Reilly said. The office balcony inspired a new series of musical performances featuring Symphony musicians, which continues Friday with a performance by violinist Genie Wie and assistant principal cellist Adelle Akiko-Kearns. The Balcony Sessions are live-streamed and seats are available for a small audience of 12 [sponsors and donors] in the courtyard…. ‘We wanted to find a way to support our artists, as well as the creative people behind the cameras—videographers, graphic designers, backstage crew,’ Reilly says…. Kearns and Wie will play works by Scott Joplin, Mozart, Carlos Gardel and Jacob Gade. All of the artists of the Balcony Sessions are creating their own programs.” The orchestra is continuing its youth education program, has appointed John Wineglass as composer in residence, and is seeking a music director to replace Max Bragado-Darman, who stepped down earlier this year.
