2015-2016 CONCERT SEASON
Music from the Heart
Steve Sánchez
The Heartbeat of America
McAfee Performing Arts Center, Saratoga
Sunday, October 4, 2015, 3:00 PM
Featuring Steve Sánchez, clarinet
From imported classics to home-grown jazz and hip hop, American music has always echoed the pulse of her people — their hopes and dreams, their trials and triumphs. SJWS kicks off the season with a special multimedia concert, featuring all-American works by Morton Gould, William Schuman and Ira Hearshen. Our guest artist is San Francisco’s own Steve Sánchez, performing Scott McAllister’s Black Dog.
Patrick Sheridan
The Heart of the West
McAfee Performing Arts Center, Saratoga
Sunday, December 6, 2015, 3:00 PM
Featuring Patrick Sheridan, tuba
No era of American history has captured our hearts and imaginations quite like the wild, wild West. Relive the days of cowboys, sheriffs and outlaws as SJWS performs western themes from TV and the movies, as well as sagebrush standards like Morton Gould’s Santa Fe Saga and Ron Nelson's Aspen Jubilee. Our very special guest for the afternoon is Patrick Sheridan, one of the world's great tuba virtuosos.
Layna Chianakas
SJWS ♥ Opera
McAfee Performing Arts Center, Saratoga
Sunday, February 28, 2016, 3:00 PM
Featuring Layna Chianakas, mezzo soprano
Opera speaks directly to the heart and soul, through a sublime combination of music, singing, poetry, drama, stagecraft and dance. Journey through a whirlwind of emotions as the Wind Symphony presents timeless melodies from Carmen, William Tell, Tosca, Aida and more. Our special guest artist is mezzo soprano Layna Chianakas from Opera San Jose, performing arias by Verdi and Wagner.
Keith Brion
Sousa in the SOuth Bay
McAfee Performing Arts Center, Saratoga
Sunday, May 15, 2016, 3:00 PM
Featuring Keith Brion as John Philip Sousa
You won’t want to miss this one: a Sousa concert conducted by Mr. Sousa himself! Keith Brion returns with his internationally renowned portrayal of John Philip Sousa, as SJWS recreates a typical Sousa performance from the 1920s. Sousa was the preeminent bandleader of his era, touching heartstrings worldwide. In Sousa’s own words, “To reach every heart by simple stirring music… this was my mission.”
Virginia Mayhew
Fantastic Fourth: Take Heart, America!
Oak Meadow Park, Los Gatos
Monday, July 4, 2016, 1:15 PM
Featuring Virginia Mayhew, tenor saxophone
Walter M. Mayes, narrator
Our traditional 4th of July concert will be a star-spangled spectacular! In addition to the usual marches and patriotic tunes, New York jazz saxophonist Virginia Mayhew stops by to perform Stella by Starlight and SJWS chimes in with Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust. The concert is free, so come early with blankets, chairs and sunscreen. Sponsored by the Town of Los Gatos and the Los Gatos Recreation Department.