Symphony San Jose presents HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR “Christmas at the California” December 7 and 8, 2024

Celebrate “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” at the majestic and beautifully decorated California Theatre with Symphony San Jose, Symphony San Jose Chorale, Cantabíle Youth Singers, New Ballet, and special guests! Fun for the whole family. 

 

Rejoice in holiday classics including carols, audience sing-alongs, and the ever-popular 12 Days of Silicon Valley. Share this unforgettable part of the holiday season with your family and friends.

 

Who: Symphony San Jose presents

 

What: HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR “Christmas at the California”

 

When: Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:30pm

Where: The California Theatre, 345 South First Street, downtown San Jose, 95113. Convenient, inexpensive parking is available at a city-owned garage one-and-a-half blocks from the theater at San Carlos Street with entrances on Second and Third streets. 

SINGLE TICKET PRICES: $35 - $115  

($41.50 to $121.50 with City and order fees).  Note: fees detailed below.

TICKETS: Phone: 408.286.2600  

Website: www.symphonysanjose.org  

Email: jmeyers@symphonysanjose.org

Walk-Up Box Office: 325 South First Street, San Jose, 95113. Located between San Carlos and San Salvador Street next to the California Theatre. Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm.

City Fees – There is a mandatory Theatre Preservation Fee and Facility Fee of $2.50 applied to every single ticket sold.

Handling Fees – Handling fees vary depending on how tickets are purchased. For online orders, there is a $4 per ticket handling fee. For phone orders, there is a $5 per transaction handling fee. There are no fees for in person purchases.

THE PROGRAM:

J.S. Bach: Jauchzet, frohlocket (from “Christmas Oratorio”)

M.Torme/R.Wells: The Christmas Song

G.F. Handel: See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes! (from “Judas Maccabbaeus”)

 

Alan Silvestri: Polar Express Suite

G.F. Handel: That Trumpet Shall Sound (from “The Messiah”)

Albert Hague: You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

Traditional: 12 Days of Silicon Valley

 

ARTISTS:

Elena Sharkova, Conductor

Nathan Stark, Bass-baritone

Symphony San Jose

Symphony San Jose Chorale

Cantabíle Youth Singers

New Ballet

 

Pre-concert Festivities begin one hour prior to the concert.

SAY “HELLO” TO SANTA. Join us before the concert for a jolly good time with Santa Claus himself. Capture the holiday spirit and create lasting memories as you take pictures and share “Christmas Wishes” with Santa. But keep a lookout for the mischievous Grinch who may be lurking around, trying to steal some Christmas cheer. (You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch!)

DECORATE A GINGERBREAD COOKIE! Join the fun one hour before curtain and unleash your inner pastry artist by decorating your own gingerbread cookie with royal icing. The festivity is open to everyone. Come hungry and make some sweet and delicious memories. (Note: Cookies are NOT gluten-free.)

Photo courtesy of Symphony San Jose. Photos by Fontejon Photography.

"The Other Mr. Lincoln" A World Premiere Musical

Event Title: "The Other Mr. Lincoln" A World Premiere Musical

When: Oct 10th & 11th @ 8pm, Oct 12th  @ 2PM & 8PM

Where: Hammer Theatre Center in Downtown San Jose, CA

From the tumultuous times of 1860's to the 1920's, this musical shows you life-changing events, as seen through the eyes of Robert Lincoln, who was there at all of those events! The only man in history who was! Spy intrigue, thwarting conspiracies to prevent his father from taking office, Robert lives through three Presidential assassinations. And so do you! But it’s so much more! Witness a “Scandalous” Suffragette Movement protest, and then a “Twilight Zone”-type finale!

You are entertained, enthralled, and yes, even educated! With a 12-piece orchestra playing 11 different genres of music, from ballads to ragtime, from salsa to opera, and from conspiracy concerto to rock ‘n’ roll, it takes you through history you only thought you knew! 

Lunar New Year Community Day at the San Jose Museum of Art

Tomorrow from 11am-4pm there is one more Lunar New Year event at the SJMA. Welcome the year of the dragon with cultural demonstrations, live performances, and interactive artmaking activities. These include making paper dragons, Chinese stamps, and figurines based on the Vietnamese Tet traditions.

At 11:30am there is a performance by the Korean Culture Center at the Circle of Palms in front of Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Later at 3pm there is a traditional Lion Dance performance (which is amazing).

Admission to this event is completely free and is kid-friendly.

Culture Night Market at Hillview Park in East San Jose, Sep 23

Another Culture Night Market is coming to San Jose, except this time on the East Side. This is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate San Jose culture through food, art, and music. 

A key goal of the event is to empower small businesses, artists, and local entrepreneurs in the area--especially those that are still recovering from the impact COVID had on our economy.

The event takes place Saturday, September 23rd from 4-10pm at Hillview Park (2255 Ocala Ave, San Jose).

New single from San Jose Band, Love District: "Feels like Home"

Four members from San Jose that fell in love with post-punk and new wave have just released a rockin new single. Their style is reminiscent of The Cure, The Smiths, and New Order with their own spin. 

The new single is entitled "Feels Like Home" and it's about life in a dense city where you can feel alone and at home at the same time. That's all the more poignant after 16 months of dealing with COVID. In their words: "It's about about how we can forget the important things in life during the endless grind and distractions in our lives. Wherever you live, whatever the situation, we all have a place we feel is our home."

I've already added it to my playlist and look forward to checking them out live in the Bay Area sometime. You can listen to "Feels Like Home" on Spotify over here.

Below is a bit more info about about band:

"After releasing their debut EP “Control,” and their album “Delusions,” Love District is looking to reestablish their sound with their upcoming releases. The group has played the Ernie Ball stage at Vans Warped Tour, worked with CocaCola, and has played many festivals and venues while becoming a staple in the Bay Area music scene."

Steinway Society Announces Performer Change for Nov 17th Concert

SAN JOSE, CA – Korean pianist Changyong Shin will be the featured artist in the third concert of the Steinway Society 25^th Anniversary Season on Sunday, November 17. He will replace Heejae Kim, who is unable to perform due to a hand injury. 

The concert will be held November 17, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at Independence High School in San Jose. A pre-concert talk will start at 1:45 p.m. The artist will meet with audience members following the concert for questions and photos.

“We are thrilled that we are able to secure a pianist of the caliber of Changyong Shin to the South Bay on such short notice,” said Kathy Wilson, Steinway Society president. “We wish Heejae Kim a quick recovery from her recent injury.”

Born in Korea, Changyong Shin was the 2016 First Prize Winner of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, and has taken first prize at numerous other global competitions. He made his Carnegie Hall debut in November 2016, receiving a standing ovation, and has performed in prestigious venues throughout Europe and Asia. He is also an accomplished chamber musician and has performed with groups in Korea, Paris, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and other U.S. cities. 

"He alternates between extreme fire and melting sensitivity, each of which gains by contrast to the other."

New York Concert Review

WHO: Steinway Society presents CHANGYONG SHIN

WHAT: Piano concert  

WHEN: Sunday, November 17, 2019, at 2:30 p.m.  Pre-concert lecture (1:45 p.m.). Meet-the-artist time follows the concert.

WHERE: Independence High School Theater, 617 North Jackson Avenue, San Jose, CA 

TICKETS/INFO: Single Tickets: $40-$60. Senior/Student Discounts Available. Student Rush $10, thirty minutes prior to performance.  www.steinwaysociety.com or 408-300-5635

PROGRAM:

Beethoven:

Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109  

Vivace ma non troppo – Adagio espressivo

Prestissimo

Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung. Andante molto cantabilie et espressivo

Chopin:
Nocturne in B major, Op. 62, No. 1 

Scherzo No. 4  I E major, Op. 54

Intermission

Ravel:

Gaspard de la Nuit 

Granados:

Goyescas No. 1 “Los Requiebros”

PHOTO: Courtesy of Steinway Society.

 Acclaimed Korean performer Changyong Shin will appear in San Jose on November 17^th as part of the Steinway Society’s 25th Anniversary Season.

 

Musical Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFSrP6sjG-g   Chopin Nocturne in B major Op. 62 No. 1

ABOUT US

Steinway Society - The Bay Area is a nonprofit organization based in Silicon Valley. Now entering its 25th season, this dedicated group of musicians, pianists, teachers and arts lovers promotes excellence in piano performance and music education. Each season, Steinway Society presents a series of classical piano concerts featuring international award-winning pianists, as well as an active school program. For more information on Season Subscriptions, the artists, and Steinway Society, go to www.SteinwaySociety.com

ROOTS & WINGS opens sjDANCEco’s 15th Anniversary Season

Now celebrating 15 years in Downtown San Jose, sjDANCEco is proud to kick off their anniversary season with "ROOTS & WINGS." The performance will pair contemporary and classic modern dance with live music by the San Jose Chamber Orchestra. The company will do three performances in San Jose at the Hammer Theater, followed by two performances in San Francisco. All of the details and links to ticket sales are in the press release below.

ROOTS & WINGS opens sjDANCEco’s 15th Anniversary Season

Performances to be held in both San Jose and San Francisco

WHO:  sjDANCEco presents

WHAT: ROOTS & WINGS (Season Opening Program shown in two different venues)

WHEN: October 12 and 14 in San Jose.  November 3 and 4 in San Francisco

WHERE:

The Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio in downtown San Jose, CA 95113

Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 8:00pm

Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 2:30pm and 8:00pm

Tickets Available August 1st 

Single Tickets: $25 to $90

$25    Student

$35    Senior

$40    General

$60    VIP Thursday evening & Saturday matinee includes bests seats in the house and reception with the dancers in the lobby following performances.

$90    VIP Saturday evening includes bests seats in the house and Gala Reception with dancers on Theatre Roof Top Garden

ODC Theater, 3153 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110

Friday, November 3, 2017 at 8:00pm

Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 8:00pm

Tickets Available August 1st

Single Tickets: $25 to $40

$25    Student

$35    Senior

$40    General

Box Office: 408.520.9854   www.sjDANCEco.org

WHY: sjDANCEco, San José’s contemporary dance company, celebrates its 15th Anniversary Season with multiple world premieres and expanded venues including the Hammer Theatre Center in downtown San Jose (October 12 and 14), and ODC Theater in San Francisco (November 3 and 4.) According to Artistic Director Gary Masters, “this is only the second time in our fifteen years, that we have brought our company to these two marvelous venues. We are so very excited to be back. Our Season-Opening program, entitled Roots & Wings, will explore the diverse inspirations and contributions that have been the foundation…the roots of creativity...for our resident choreographers and which have made and continue to make sjDANCEco’s repertory so distinctive.”

THE PROGRAM:

sjDANCEco’s 2017-2018 season-opening program will feature four World Premieres by; sjDANCEco Artistic Director Maria Basile, sjDANCEco Choreographic Advisor & Professor of Dance at San Jose State University Fred Mathews, Company Choreographer and dancer Hsiang Hsiu Lin, and by former company dancer Nhan Ho. Each new work will explore the choreographer’s Roots and the inspirations that give them Wings to excite and motivate their creativity. Also on the program will be a revival of Journey Through the Labyrinth originally created in 1994 for the Limón West Dance Project/San José and Idance of Independence High, with choreography by Artistic Director Gary Masters and set to a new commissioned score by Michael Touchi, Creative Consultant for the San Jose Chamber Orchestra. The revival will include a new section with choreography by Los Lupeños de San José Artistic Director Sam Cortez. The “Classic Offering” for these performances will be the Company Premiere of Doris Humphrey’s masterpiece, Day on Earth (1947) set to Aaron Copland’s “Sonata for Piano.” 

Collaboration with the San Jose Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Barbara Day Turner continues to highlight the company’s signature brand of contemporary dance and classic works of the American Modern Dance Repertory.

Photo Clockwise from Top Left: Hannah McNany, Frankie Reviera, Kelisha Gardeen and Katherine House, Photo by Thomas Hassing.

Playful People Productions Presents: Disney The Aristocats KIDS

What's a cat to do? In Disney The Aristocats KIDS, Madame's jealous butler Edgar cat-naps Duchess and her Aristokittens and abandons them in the Parisian countryside. Luckily, Thomas O'Malley and his rag-tag bunch of alley cats come to their rescue! This fun musical, based on the Disney film, features many of your favorite characters from Thomas O’Malley the Alley cat to Amelia and Abigail the bold Geese Sisters

This feline adventure is sure to get you tapping your feet to its upbeat, jazzy beat with a score that includes the Disney favorites "The Aristocats," "Scales and Arpeggios" and "Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat.” 

Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production. 

All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave  San Jose, CA 95126

 

Show Times:

Friday, July 21st - 7:00pm

Saturday, July 22nd - 11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm

 

Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net

$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under,  and $6 Children’s floor seating

 

Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)

$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating

 

For questions: barb@galiotto.com

 

Founded in 2010, Playful People Production’s mission is to provide a quality, caring environment where children, teens and their families can have positive theater experiences. We strive to involve all family members in the many aspects of on stage and backstage theater in a safe and fun environment and offer participation in theatrical productions, classes, summer stock and camps for ages 3-103

Playful People Productions Presents: Fiddler on the Roof

A gem from Broadway's Golden Age of musicals, Fiddler on the Roof  is set in the little village of Anatevka in 1905. The story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. We watch as Tevye attempts to preserve his family’s traditions in a changing world. Tevye’s daughter Tzeitel wants to marry a poor tailor instead of the middle-aged butcher her father has chosen for her in the tradition of arranged marriages. Tevye is forced to choose between his daughter’s happiness and his culture’s beloved traditions. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof's universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.

Fiddler on the Roof first appeared on Broadway in 1964 and swept the Tony's with nine "Best" awards including Best Musical for a score that features "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "If I were a Rich Man," "Sunrise, Sunset," and "Do You Love Me.”

New York-based theatre artists Gary De Mattei (Director/Choreographer) and Caryn Hartglass (Musical Director) will be recreating the original Jerome Robbins choreography. This show is a full length performance, so most appropriate for kids age 8 and up. The performance will feature live music along with our usual amazing actors on stage.

Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.

All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave  San Jose, CA 95126

Show Times: (show will run approx 3 hrs with an intermission)
Thursday, March 2nd - 7:00pm
Friday, March 3rd - 7:00pm
Saturday, March 4th -  1:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, March 5th - 1:00pm and 6:00pm


Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$15 attendees 12 and up, and  $10 children 11 and under

Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$18 attendees 12 and up, and  $12 children 11 and under

For questions: barb@galiotto.com

Founded in 2010, Playful People Production’s mission is to provide a quality, caring environment where children, teens and their families can have positive theater experiences. We strive to involve all family members in the many aspects of on stage and backstage theater in a safe and fun environment and offer participation in theatrical productions, classes, summer stock and camps for ages 3-103

Cellista's "Finding San Jose"

San Jose cellist and artistic director, Cellista, is leveraging her full-length album entitled "Finding San Jose" to direct a multidisciplinary theater performance featuring the Ransom Dance Company and Haus Serpens Cabaret. Typically I wouldn't promote an event that takes place in SF, but this is a special exception. The album pays homage to Cellista's time in San Jose and tells a story of San Jose's importance in the history of the Bay Area.

The event takes place at Little Boxes Theater in San Francisco on October 29th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10-15 and you can listen to the album at cellista.bandcamp.com for a preview. Have a look at the press release below for more details.

Cellista to Present: Finding San José  | Theatrical Album Release

A small immersive theater event incorporating Cellista’s debut album as the soundtrack for a multimedia event choreographed by Lilith Ransom and Mojo Deville.

San Francisco, CA: Cellista extends San José’s branches into San Francisco. This October, San Jose cellist, artistic director and performer Cellista (Freya Seeburger) presents Finding San José, a one-of-a-kind multimedia performance that incorporates original choreography created and performed by Lilith Ransom (Ransom Dance) and Mojo Deville (Haus Serpens Cabaret). The presentation interweaves film by Brian Favorite (Heklina), Jennifer Gigantino, Arash Maleki, and Cellista into a small immersive setting for a presentation of dance, theater, and poetry.

Composed in narrative format, Finding San José was engineered and mixed by Maryam Qudus (Doe Eye) and Cellista. The album is reminiscent of the French avant garde, functioning as a stepping stone for many of her collaborators (Rykarda Parasol, Emcee Infinite, rapper Demone Carter, and members of the Juxtapositions Chamber Ensemble) into new disciplines.

The album is a pastiche of genres including classical, hip hop, spoken word and field recordings, showcasing Cellista’s strength as a curator and artistic director. It serves as a soundtrack for film and commercial use, functioning as Cellista’s crossover into production.

Finding San José parallels the diversity of the Bay Area at large and reinforces Cellista’s dedication to creating and producing art that reflects the community she is based in.

This presentation at Little Boxes Theater (1661 Tennessee Street, San Francisco) builds on Cellista’s work in storytelling and interweaves San Jose’s narrative into a piece, showing the immediacy of San Jose’s narrative as important to the Bay Area’s story of growth, gentrification, and more.

Finding San Jose Theatrical album release debuts on Saturday, October 29th, 2016 at 7:30PM at Little Boxes Theater in San Francisco.

Tickets $10-15 Available at the door or online via Cellista.net
21+
 
Little Boxes Theater
1661 Tennessee St
San Francisco California 94107

Listen to the album: cellista.bandcamp.com
Find out more about Cellista Cellista.net

“Freya (Cellista) is a classically trained, punk rock spirited girl with the charm and elegance to defy the stereotype that classical music isn’t cool.”
— Belle Foundation

Playful People Productions Presents: Disney Jungle Book KIDS

Our tale begins deep in the heart of the Jungle. A baby boy, lost and abandoned, is raised by wolves. He is called “Mowgli”. On the run from Shere Khan, a ferocious tiger who has banished him from the jungle, a human boy named Mowgli is aided by an agile panther named Bagheera. Along the way, the two meet a sinister snake named Kaa, a herd of elephants, and a giant bear named Baloo, who teaches them the swingin’ musical rhythms of the jungle. After surviving a dangerous encounter with a band of monkeys led by King Louie, Mowgli and Bagheera are forced to run for their lives. Shere Khan returns, leading our protagonists to rally their follow jungle creatures into battle and restore peace to the jungle.

Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.

All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave  San Jose, CA 95126

Show Times:
Friday, August 5th - 7:00pm
Saturday, August 6th - 11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm

Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating

Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating

Founded in 2010, Playful People Production’s mission is to provide a quality, caring environment where children, teens and their families can have positive theater experiences. We strive to involve all family members in the many aspects of on stage and backstage theater in a safe and fun environment and offer participation in theatrical productions, classes, summer stock and camps for ages 3-103

Bryan Adams headlines Big Bang Concert on the Fourth of July

94.5 KBAY & Mix 106.5 fireworks viewing party gets even bigger

SAN JOSE – 94.5 KBAY and Mix 106.5 are bringing rocker Bryan Adams to San Jose’s premiere fireworks viewing party this Fourth of July.

Adams, known for hits including Cuts Like A Knife, Summer of ’69 and more, is on tour with his album Get Up!. Mix 106.5 and 94.5 K-BAY are hosting the show, which will include a great view of the Rotary Fireworks, food trucks, kids activities, pre-order BBQ, beer, wine and more.

Tickets are now available at www.sjdowntown.com/BigBang

Bryan Adams concert & fireworks viewing party
Center for Performing Arts Plaza, downtown San Jose
4 p.m. – 10 p.m. July 4.
$25 advance VIP area access with tables, chairs.
$15 advance General admission
Pre-order BBQ: $15 adult, $10 child under 12

A VIP viewing area will be set up along Almaden Boulevard for prime fireworks viewing.

"Behind the Magic of Performance" at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph

The San Jose Dance Theatre and NoonArts & Lectures will be doing a community performance at the Cathedral today from 12:45pm to 1:30pm. San Jose Dance Theatre is a non-profit, pre-professional dance company focused on providing performance opportunities and training to Silicon Valley youth. All of the details are on the flyer below (click to enlarge).

Celtic Woman Performing in San Jose on 5/28

Celtic Woman is celebrating their 10th Anniversary with a world tour. They are going to be at the Center for the Performing Arts on May 28th (this Thursday) at 7pm.

If you're a fan of Irish music, then this critically-acclaimed performance is for you. The multi-platinum ensemble will be singing Irish classics like "Danny Boy" and "Mo Ghile Mhear" as well as contemporary takes on "You Raise Me Up" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." For a little preview, check out the short video below. For tickets, head over here.

About Celtic Woman 

In 2015, Multi-platinum Irish music sensation Celtic Woman celebrates the 10^th anniversary of its debut with a breathtakingnew show across 80 North American cities through the end of June. The group celebrates a decade of performing a fresh fusion of contemporary and traditional music and dance with an Irish twist that has touched the hearts of millions of fans in America.  The all female ensemble made its debut on PBS in 2005 and has achieved massive success encompassing nine albums that have each debuted at #1 on Billboard’s World Album chart, over eight million albums sold and platinum sales in nine countries.  Their eight PBS specials have ranked among the network’s most-watched music programs and topped the Billboard DVD charts. Celtic Woman has sold over three millions concert tickets, sold out prestigious concert halls across across six continents & 23 countries with an especially devoted audience in America.   Over the past decade, Celtic Woman has performed for three U.S. presidents and made high-profile appearances on the daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful and on Dancing with the Stars.

TICKET INFORMATION: 

Celtic Woman performs in San Jose on Thursday May 28 at 7pm at the Center for Performing Arts. Tickets  $39-$99   are available in person at the Box Office by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.sanjosetheaters.org

Symphony Silicon Valley Performs Lord of the Rings - Tickets Still Available for April 16, 17, 18 and 19

San Jose, CA --- “Nine is a pretty good number,” according to J.R.R.Tolkien, author of Lord of the Rings. Numerical themes have been analyzed throughout the history of mankind, music, and mythology. In the case of Lord of the Rings, J.R..R.Tolkien made a big deal out of the number nine.

When Symphony Silicon Valley performs the Lord of the Rings trilogy,  simultaneous to the films being shown on a huge screen, the number nine will be audible.

Lord of the Rings : The Trilogy (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King) will be performed April 16, 17, 18 and 19 at the Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose.* The Symphony Silicon Valley, choruses and soloists will be on stage beneath and in front of the screen for these historic performances.

Nine is present in other motifs, and musical arrangements, where certain themes are heard over and over. In the case of LOTR the number nine can be heard in several important themes. One has only to listen closely to discern three groupings of three notes played in the second phrase of the Fellowship Theme. The first phrase of the History of the Ring Theme contains nine notes which, if played simultaneously, form the Ringwraith’s signature chord. In a ‘trilogy of trinities’ nine notes form the backbone of much of the stunning music in this score.

Author and musicologist Doug Adams explains in his book The Music of the Lord of the Rings Film: A Comprehensive Account of Howard Shore’s Scores, the themes of the score, places, events, and people, as depicted in nines. There are nine people who set off on the journey, nine original rings, nine notes in many phrases within the score, and more nines throughout the story.  Adams spent many years with Howard Shore, analyzing the themes of numerology in his score of Lord of the Rings movies, resulting in the book.

And that’s not all. The ‘tale of the tape,’ to use sports speak, is even more impressive.

When Symphony Silicon Valley performs the Lord of the Rings trilogy,  simultaneous to the films being shown on a huge screen, there will be 250 musicians on stage, made up of the orchestral instrumentalists, chorale members and children’s chorus.

These voices and musicians will be performing a total of 22 hours in a matter of  four days. That only leaves a few hours for eating and sleeping. This becomes a marathon for each of the 100 instrumentalists, the 100 adult vocalists, and the 50 members of the children’s chorus---not only a physical marathon, but a mental one as well.

The backdrop for the concert stage is a huge screen, 20 feet high and 48 feet wide, that will be showing the three Lord of the Rings movies in high definition.

Think of it: the sheet music alone…and this is just for the conductor…is 1200 pages, printed on 11-inch by 17-inch paper. Depending on the instrument, each musician receives several volumes of sheet music to study in advance.

“We will need a fork-lift to carry this music to the theatre,” said Andrew Bales, General Director of Symphony Silicon Valley. “These are the only West Coast performances of this epic event and our musicians are thrilled to bring it to you.”

Paolo’s Restaurant is even entering Middle Earth and the Lord of the Rings’ fandom. Just across the foot bridge from the Center for the Performing Arts, Paolo’s will have a Lord of the Rings three-course prix fixe menu for only $38.50, on April 16, 17 and 18. Paolo’s validates up to six hours of parking  in the RiverPark garage for their patrons. Paolo’s is located at 333 West San Carlos in downtown San Jose, and RiverPark Garage is between Park avenue and West San Carlos on Woz Way. Reservations are necessary by calling 408 294 2558 or visit www.paolos.com

*The Lord of the Rings films, directed by Peter Jackson and based on the J.R.R. Tolkien novels, have won 17 Academy Awards. The Symphony Silicon Valley, choruses and soloists will be on stage beneath and in front of the screen for these historic performances. Seats for each individual performance are available in a price range of $60, $90 or $120.

Lord of the Rings Cycle 1:
April 16, 2015 7:00 pm The Fellowship of the Ring
April 17, 2015 7:00 pm The Two Towers
April 18, 2015 7:00 pm The Return of the King

Lord of the Rings Cycle 2:
April 18, 2015 1:00 pm The Fellowship of the Ring
April 19, 2015 1:00 pm The Two Towers
April 19, 2015 6:30 pm The Return of the King

The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts is located at 255 S. Almaden Blvd, San Jose, CA 95113.

These special performances are coming directly from Lincoln Center in New York, where they will be presented by a Swiss orchestra, with European musicians, the week before San Jose’s performances. (The New York performances are sold out.) Tickets for all three films in San Jose may still be purchased in a complete trilogy package at $330, $240 and $150.

On sale at: www.lotrssv.org and www.symphonysiliconvalley.org

   # # #

About Symphony Silicon Valley:
Symphony Silicon Valley (SSV) is the professional symphony orchestra of San Jose.  Led by a roster of distinguished guest conductors on the European model, SSV is an anchor tenant of the magnificently restored California Theatre, one of Northern California's most outstanding music halls.  Besides the Orchestra's core Classics programming, other concerts include Target Summer Pops free family-friendly outdoor music festival serving 17,000 annually and ArtSPARK, the County's free arts education program for students in grades 3-6, which serves 20,000 to 30,000 students each season.

A Weekend With Pablo Picasso by Herbert Siguenza ~~~ November 12 - December 7, 2014

San Jose, CA – November 3, 2014 –San Jose Stage Company presents, in association with San Diego Repertory, A Weekend with Pablo Picasso, by actor/writer Herbert Siguenza of the powerful and politically-renowned theatrical troupe Culture Clash.

 

Siguenza created the original play at San Diego Repertory (2011) and stars as Pablo Picasso, the most influential artist in modern history. Set in the 1957 artist’s studio in southern France, the artist paints and speaks directly to the audience. Siguenza takes on the persona of Picasso, even in his art. Based upon the writings of Picasso, Siguenza creates six masterpieces live on stage each night of the performance.

 

“Six paintings in three days? Who do you think I am---Dali?” Picasso was the first rock-star artist—a ferocious pacifist, obsessive art maker, flamboyantly opinionated philosopher, and self-proclaimed clown. He relished his passionate views about love, death, war, beauty, eternity, and creativity. The Culture Clash artist, Siguenza’s one-man show, will amaze and promises a weekend you will never forget.

 

A Weekend With Pablo Picasso by Herbert Siguenza presented in association with San Diego Repertory runs November 12-December 7, 2014 and is directed by Todd Salovey, Artistic Director, San Diego Repertory Theatre.

 

 

SHOWS:

Previews: November 12 and 13 at 7:30 PM, November 14 at 8 PM

Opening: Saturday, November 15 at 8 PM

 

Run Dates: November 12 through December 7, Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM

Spanish-language performance will be shown on Saturdays,November 22 and 29 at 2 PM

Sunday Matinee 2:00 PM

WHERE: San Jose Stage Company - 490 South First Street, San Jose, CA

TICKETS: For tickets ($20-$65) or more information, please call the box office at 408.283.7142 or order online www.thestage.org

 

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The Stage is located at 490 South First Street at William Street in the SoFA district of downtown San Jose. Season 2014-15 subscriptions are available at 408.283.7142 or www.thestage.org.

 

San Jose Stage Company has extended its offer to honor SJ Rep subscriptions. ‘A Weekend With Pablo Picasso’ was originally announced as part of SJ Rep’s 2014-15 Season. To redeem SJ Rep subscriptions, please call the box office 408.283.7142.

 

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About San Jose Stage Company: 

 

Launching its 32nd season, San Jose Stage Company is recognized as the San Francisco Bay Area’s Premiere Off-Broadway Theatre and is now the South Bay’s only fully professional* theatre operating under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association. *pays artists union wages, pension & health.

 

The Stage is known for its devotion to new and cutting-edge work and for its commitment to showcasing high-quality local talent. 

 

Ranked the 2nd largest theatre and 8th largest performance arts organization in Silicon Valley (Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal), San Jose Stage Company is a vital force in the community. The Stage has earned a reputation for artistic excellence by providing high quality, edgy theatrical experiences that engage, educate and provoke audiences. San Jose Stage Company has produced over 150 productions, including 13 world premieres and 45 regional new works. 

 

Annually, The Stage employs over 150 artists, serves a diverse audience of 25,000, offers five core education and outreach programs and has housed over 300 independent performance groups. Located at the Gateway to the City’s Arts and Entertainment District, San Jose Stage Company, the SoFA Districts first arts anchor organization, continues to promote San Jose’s stature as a burgeoning regional arts center by providing live theatre experiences that enrich the quality of life in the community.

 

The Stage is located at 490 South First Street at William Street in the SoFA district of downtown San Jose. Season 2014-15 subscriptions are available at 408.283.7142 or www.thestage.org.

 

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Playful People Productions Presents: Arabian Nights

Arabian Nights has never been hotter.  This Bollywood inspired musical mashup of Aladdin features many tales of adventure, romance, destruction and heroism.  Plus -- they'll be bhangra, shimmies, puppets and magic! Sheherazade is spinning her playlist of crowd pleasers and you and your entire family will be dancing through the night.  Join us for this amazing and unique show!

Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend so be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.

All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave  San Jose, CA 95126

Show Times:
Saturday, October 11th - 10:00am and 7:00pm
Sunday, October 12th - 2:00pm  

Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under,  and $6 Children’s floor seating

Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Childdren’s floor seating

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Playful People Productions provides a quality, caring environment in which children, youth & their families have positive theatre experiences, while being involved in many aspects of on-stage/ back-stage theatre. Our company fills a need of providing beginning through advanced theatre for the whole family to the community. The founders have expanded the program to include classes & summer camps.

Playful People Productions is run by mother-daughter team, Barbara Galiotto & Katie D' Arcey, who between them have approx 50 years experience in the musical theatre world. Both are Positive Discipline trained & worked as early Childhood Educators as well as in theatre. Both have worked as professional directors with children's theatre for many years.

For each production, Playful People Productions employs professional designers, artists, choreographers and directors to guide our students. The company also hires experienced college & high school students to do jobs in the production such as directors, stage managers, lighting, make-up, & set designers, choreographers and assistants. This allows students to gain work experiences in all aspects of theatre. The goals of Playful People Productions are: to provide the community with a variety of performing opportunities for children, youth & families to experience; to challenge young people in the community; provide a safe, caring environment; and to involve parents in a wholesome, well-rounded activity. The founders believe that a good theatre experience will greatly improve the lives of the children.