California Symphony

The California Symphony, under the leadership of Music Director Donato Cabrera since 2013, is known for its vibrant concert programs that combine classics with works by living composers, and for bringing music to people in new and unconventional settings.

*Programming and artists subject to change, please refer to the participating organization’s calendar listing for the most up-to-date program.

Photo by Aaron Jay Young

Performance Times

Saturday November 11th, 7:30PM

Sunday November 12th, 4:00PM

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Events

Handel—Rivers of Inspiration

Chance of Rain by California Symphony’s 2020-23 Composer in Residence Viet Cuong, receives its highly anticipated world premiere. The piece is performed alongside Handel‘s catchy Baroque classic and a romantic symphonic journey from Schumann.

Piece(s)/Composer(s)

CHANCE OF RAIN (2023)
Viet CUONG

WATER MUSIC, SUITES NO. 1 AND NO. 2
HANDEL

SYMPHONY NO. 3, "RHENISH"
SCHUMANN

Program Notes

Composed shortly after his father’s death, Cuong’s inspiration for Chance of Rain came from early mornings spent as a child, watching the weather report over breakfast before practicing the piano while his father listened. Says Cuong, “The process of writing it has also reminded me that—while rain may fall—our fondest memories can keep us dry.”

Handel‘s Water Music is jolly, jaunty, and packed with catchy tunes. When it premiered at an outdoor concert on London’s River Thames, King George liked it so much he commanded the musicians to play it through three times over.

Composed in a little over a month, Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 3 (also known as the "Rhenish") was inspired by a happy, peaceful trip to the Rhineland with his wife beloved wife, Clara.