ASIA AMERICA SYMPHONY 2009 SEASON
David Benoit, Music Director & Conductor
Saturday January 24, 2009 – 8:00 PM
James R. Armstrong Theatre
Torrance, California
AN EVENING WITH JEFF KASHIWA
THE DAVID BENOIT TRIO
David Benoit, piano
David Hughes, bass
Jamey Tate, drums
Musicians of the ASIA AMERICA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Yun Tang, violin
Michele Wood, violin
Qiang (John) Wang, viola
Catherine Chan Biagini, cello
One of the most successful smooth jazz saxophonists, Jeff Kashiwa made his name as a member of the popular group the Rippingtons. Kashiwa's solo career has been in joyfully frenetic overdrive since the incredible success of "Hyde Park (The Aah, Ooh Song)," a number one hit on the Radio & Records airplay chart for over eight weeks in 2000. Jeff will join Music Director David Benoit in another unique evening of foot stompin’ smooth jazz along with members of the Asia America Symphony String Quartet. This concert also features the World premiere of Waltz for Soprano Sax and Chamber Orchestra composed specifically for this concert by Mr. Benoit.
Other selections to be announced from the stage
Co-sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Sunday February 8, 2009 – 7:00 PM
James R. Armstrong Theatre
Torrance, California
“Music for Two Trios”
THE AHN TRIO
Angella Ahn, violin
Maria Ahn, cello
Lucia Ahn, piano
THE DAVID BENOIT TRIO
David Benoit, piano
David Hughes, bass
Jamey Tate, drums
Returning for their third triumphant AASA appearance, the Ahn Trio "sisters Maria, Lucia, and Angella" are redefining the art and architecture of chamber music, breathing new life into the standard piano-trio literature and giving electrifying performances to sell out crowds all around the world. Recently, Maestro Benoit was commissioned by the Laguna Arts Festival to compose a piece that would best represent the two very different and divergent qualities of the classical trio of violin, cello and piano and the electric jazz trio consisting of electric piano, electric bass and drums. “Music For Two Trios” by David Benoit will be the centerpiece of the evening as well as repertoire from the Ahn trio, and an impromptu jam session with both trios. Definitely expect the unexpected on this very special and unique concert experience.
Other selections announced from the stage
This concert co-sponsored by the ARATANI FOUNDATION
Sunday April 19, 2009 – 7:00 PM
James R. Armstrong Theatre
Torrance, California
ASIA AMERICA YOUTH ORCHESTRA
David Benoit, Music Director & Conductor
Joe Marino, Assistant Conductor
The Asia America Youth Orchestra (AAYO) was founded in 2001 by Music Director and Conductor, David Benoit, to provide opportunities for young musicians from of all cultures and backgrounds an opportunity to play in a professional-level ensemble. This year, the Asia America Youth Orchestra will present four outstanding young soloists hand picked by a panel of esteemed judges. This competition, better known as “Asian American Idol,” features winning soloists Eleanor Dunbar, violin; Jessie Chen, violin; Justin Klunk, alto saxophone; and Vincent Huang, Chinese Shakuhachi.
AAYO will also celebrate the music of television including Lalo Schifrin’s iconic hit, “Mission Impossible,”as well as current favorites of the younger generation, “Family Guy”and “High School Musical”
Co-sponsored by Supervisor Don Knabe's Arts Educational Partnership Program
This concert co-sponsored by the Asia America Symphony Guild
Saturday May 30, 2009 - 8:00 PM
Aratani Japan America Theatre
Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles
ASIA AMERICA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
David Benoit, Music Director & Conductor
Special guest: LEA SALONGA
Lea Salonga is a multi-award winning Filipino singer and actress who is best known for originating the role of Kim in the musical “Miss Saigon.” In the field of musical theater, she is recognized for having won the Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and Theatre World awards - the first to win various international awards for a single role. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical “Les Misérables”on Broadway. Miss Salonga is the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from “Aladdin” in 1992 and Fa Mulan for “Mulan” and “Mulan II” in 1998 and in 2004, respectively. Ms. Salonga will be performing many of her Broadway smash hits including “Here In The Land Of The Loving,” the official Philippine State tourism theme composed by Maestro Benoit. This concert will open with the electrifying Leonard Bernstein composition, “The Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.”
This concert exclusively sponsored by PIONEER NORTH AMERICA, INC.