TOPANGA CANYON—After 33 years of playing, the Topanga Symphony will be performing its 100th show on Sunday, August 23 at 7:30 p.m.
According to the Topanga Symphony’s Facebook page, “this milestone in the history of the orchestra will feature works by Gioachino Rossini, Gabriel Faure, the Theme and Variations for Viola and Orchestra by Alan Schulman” among others. The 100th performance will also mark the beginning of the symphony’s 34th season.
Since its founding in the summer of 1982, The Topanga Symphony has been a community highlight, providing free orchestral programs 3-4 times a year. The orchestra brings musicians of all ages and levels together, from students and amateurs to professionals. For many young musicians, the symphony has provided the opportunity to be a part of an orchestra and play alongside professionals.
“Had a wonderful afternoon at the Symphony on Sunday,” Topanga resident Teresa Rosati wrote of the March 16 concert on the Topanga Symphony’s Facebook page. “Top professionals coming out for donation only. What a gift!”
Come time for concerts, the venues are usually crowded with primarily “community residents, but [also] … music lovers from all over the Los Angeles metropolitan area.”
The conductor and director of the Topanga Symphony, Jerome Kessler, has been a part of this unique community ensemble from the very beginning. In addition to his work with the Topanga Symphony, Kessler also directs the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra and the Los Angeles-based cello octet, I Cellisti. According to the Topanga Symphony’s official website, Kessler is also “a cellist and composer,” and has “has appeared as conductor, soloist and in chamber music and orchestral events in all four corners of the United States, and in between.”
The 100th show will be held at The Topanga Community House, located at 140 N Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
Admission is free. Those who wish to support the Topanga Symphony may make a one-time donation on their website. Anyone wishing to be more involved with the symphony by volunteering and donating “time, energy or money” may become Friends of the Topanga Symphony. For more information, contact Arthur Mintz at (818) 591-8477.
