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THE SANTA BARBARA SYMPHONY YOUTH ENSEMBLES FREE CONCERT AT LOBERO THEATRE ATTRACTED A FULL HOUSE OF YOUTH AND ADULT MUSIC LOVERS

On November 23 it was my pleasure to be among an audience of music lovers and supporters of the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony at the Lobero Theatre, which was the second performance given by this talented group of musicians who also performed on November 22 at Hahn Hall. It was fun to see the Lobero Theatre filled with young musicians who had come to see their friends perform, as well as proud parents, and community supporters of Santa Barbara Youth Symphony.

In this autumn celebration the Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles performed two free November concerts for the Santa Barbara community. The first performance on Saturday, November 22, at the Music Academy of the West’s Hahn Hall and featured the Camerata Ensemble and the Philharmonia Orchestra directed by Marisa Mc Leod, the first concert focused on spooky tango and ghostly legends to festive favorites and featured students in grades 2^nd through 10^th grade.

The second concert featured the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony at the Lobero Theatre, Directed by Dr. Daniel Gee, the Youth Symphony performed a galaxy-themed program, including movements from Holst’s The Planets: Mars, the Bringer of War; Venus, the Bringer of Peace; and Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity, along with John Williams’ Duel of the Fates from The Phantom Menace Suite in collaboration with the Westmont College Choir. Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Concerto Competition winner Gretta Ulivo was featured as soloist for Arvo Pärt’s Fratres on Cello, and her performance was so impressive.

The collaboration of Santa Barbara Youth Symphony with Westmont College Choir was extremely professional and a delightful musical experience. Congratulations to Dr. Daniel Gee on his amazing direction and the synergy created during this exciting musical afternoon. He was a very entertaining emcee and his command of these young musicians was quite impressive as well.

“With these three substantial and challenging movements from the Planets, it feels like we are diving in headfirst,” remarked Gee, conductor of the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony and director of the Westmont College Choir. “The students have been practicing and rehearsing diligently to bring this exhilarating music to life.” In further collaboration with Westmont College, Dr. Gee brought the musicians of the Youth Symphony to campus to view Saturn and various constellations through Westmont’s Keck Telescope, led by his wife, Dr. Jennifer Gee, Assistant Professor of Physics and Director of the Westmont Observatory. “Our collaboration with Westmont has been twofold this cycle,” said Gee, “resulting in what I hope to be an ever richer educational and musical experience.”

“The Santa Barbara Symphony’s Youth Ensembles are about much more than music lessons,” said Kathryn R. Martin, President & CEO of the Santa Barbara Symphony. “They represent our vibrant community where students learn leadership, discipline, teamwork, and the joy of artistic expression. These performances are a chance for audiences to witness the dedication of these young students, and to nurture our next generation of performing artists and community leaders.”

Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles program is currently accepting mid-year applications for all three levels. The application deadline is December 1, 2025. One year of experience playing an instrument and the ability to read music is required. For more information, go to https://thesymphony.org/education/youth-ensembles-audition-information/.

Founded with the college in 1937, the Westmont College Choir continues as a living legacy of Westmont’s spirit and mission, drawing together singers from all areas of academic study in worship and service to the community. The College Choir represents Westmont in the Santa Barbara community, featured at the annual Westmont Christmas Festival at the Granada Theatre, as well as in performances with the Santa Barbara Symphony and other local ensembles. Internationally, the College Choir has toured extensively, including in Italy, Austria, Germany, Costa Rica, Guatemala, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Currently under the direction of alumnus Dr. Daniel Gee ‘13, the College Choir celebrates the diversity of cultural influences in Southern California, particularly highlighting Spanish-language choral music alongside the traditional Western concert repertoire.

More than 100 student musicians in grades 2nd through 12th learn to collaborate, lead, and progress on their instruments through The Symphony’s multi-level Youth Ensembles program, which provides young musicians with unique opportunities to develop their skills and connect with music and each other in a welcoming and supportive environment. Students receive weekly rehearsals and perform three public concerts each year. As part of their curriculum, students also attend performances by The Santa Barbara Symphony.

Symphony’s Camerata Ensemble, led by conductor Marisa McLeod, is composed of musicians who are early in their musical training. It introduces students to the basics of ensemble playing, following a conductor, and listening across a musical group while playing. The Philharmonia Orchestra, also led by conductor Marisa McLeod, is the second of three levels in the Symphony’s Youth Ensembles’ hierarchy and is designed to hone the technical skills and student musicianship required for the advanced challenges of the Youth Symphony.

The Santa Barbara Youth Symphony brings together gifted young musicians from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties to perform works across the orchestral repertoire. Directed by conductor Dr. Daniel Gee, this advanced ensemble is the culminating step in the Santa Barbara Symphony’s Youth Ensembles program. It instills the discipline and commitment that budding young professionals need for the next step in their careers, whether in music or another field.

Now in its 73rd year, The Santa Barbara Symphony delivers artistic excellence, outstanding music education stewardship and programming, and community collaboration—all through symphonic music. Under the charismatic leadership of Maestro Nir Kabaretti as Music & Artistic Director since 2006, The Symphony is one of the region’s premier cultural institutions. This globally admired conductor and Santa Barbara resident invigorates audiences and musicians alike through his passion, creativity, and vast experience. As the only music education program tied to a professional symphony orchestra in the region, The Symphony serves more than 2,000 students annually throughout Santa Barbara County. While the Symphony continues to evolve, its commitment to bringing joy, engagement, and connection remains a steadfast pillar of its mission. This dedication was especially evident during the pandemic, when the organization not only thrived but also announced a historic milestone: Board Chair Janet Garufis and President & CEO Kathryn R. Martin joined Music & Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti in making a five-year commitment to serve in their leadership roles. For additional information, visit TheSymphony.org.