Monterey Symphony

Preludes

On January 26, 1940, the Monterey Community Orchestra performed at Walter Colton Auditorium under the baton of Allan F. Wyatt. This orchestra was composed of community players who desired an opportunity to get together and play music. It had been in existence in the 1930's but was, until this point, rather sporadic in its offerings. Also involved with this effort were Harold Bartlett, Robert Nagler, and Keith McKillop.

Monterey Herald reviewer Hal Garrott noted in his review the following day that the organization had made considerable progress during the past few months and was still in need of more community members to join it. Garrott continued, "Allan F. Wyatt's conducting is animated. It never drags. It betrays no vestige of the pedantic. This leader reveals an appreciation for musical values." The program included Luigini's "Ballet Egyptian," Sibelius' "Valse Triste," and Myddleton's "Down South." It featured Mendelssohn's G Minor Piano Concerto performed by David Marrs, a popular local pianist. A few months later, Mr. Wyatt announced the formation of a chamber orchestra composed of the best local players which would meet during the summer. During a rehearsal at Sunset Theater in Carmel of this orchestra in December 1941, all the lights in the city went out. Rumor spread quickly that the Japanese had attacked Carmel. The orchestra rehearsal was halted. The players found their way back to their cars and anxiously fled to defend their homes and families. The rumor was, of course, just that, but after this incident the priorities of the players had changed. America was at war. The orchestra was thwarted by so many of its players call to duty and the entire endeavor was dissolved.

Toward the end of the War, many of the same individuals were returning to the area and became an integral part of a new symphony orchestra. Clifford Anderson, had formed a community orchestra in the winter of 1945 and presented performances at the Pacific Grove High School Auditorium on Forest Avenue in Pacific Grove. In the summer of 1946, this orchestra welcomed summer participants and was led by John G. Wing of Visalia. Wing was a graduate of San Jose State College and a former member and soloist with the Modesto and Stockton Symphony Orchestras. This summer program offered instrumental instruction to the players and set the stage for the formation of the Monterey County Symphony Association.