Reviews

The Monterey Symphony begins 2025 with conductor and music director Jayce Ogren's eclectic concert of works by Brahms, Charles Ives, Giovanni Gabrieli and a new percussion concerto by Avner Dorman. "Our February program features one of the most beloved pieces of orchestral music, Brahms's Symphony No. 1," he says. "This symphony has resonated with audiences across the ages with its message of triumph in the face of adversity. The program also includes American maverick Charles Ives's musical contemplation of existence, 'The Unanswered Question,' and Giovanni Gabrieli's Canzon Septimi Toni No. 2 with its glorious brass ensembles."

Ogren says the orchestra is thrilled to welcome Cynthia Yeh, principal percussionist of the Chicago Symphony, as soloist in Dorman's "Eternal Rhythm," which he calls colorful and grooving with a kaleidoscopic array of percussion instruments. Expect a battery of bells, drums, and wood forges in this intriguing work.  The program closes with Brahms's Hungarian Dance No. 5, Ogren's final flourish in this concert.

The concerts take place Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. at Sunset Center in Carmel. Pre-concert lectures are held on Feb. 15 from 6:30-7 p.m. and Feb. 16 from 2-2:30 p.m. in the Sunset auditorium. They are free and open to the public.

Ticketholders are invited to a Saturday Night Talk Back in the lobby after the concert with Ogren and soloist Yeh.  On Sundays, the Symphony offers live music in the lobby from 1:45-2 p.m. and 2:30-2:45 p.m. The February music sessions feature Symphony principal second violin Zlata Grekov.  These offerings are also free and open to the public. For tickets and more information see www.montereysymphony.org or call (831) 646-8511.