The Christmas Story in 7 Musical Vignettes at Saddleback College

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – As part of its Reflections of the Ocean Classical Keyboard Series, Saddleback College, Department of Music, presents A Musical Gallery: 7 Portraits at Christmastide on Thursday, December 6th at 7 pm in the McKinney Theatre.

Thought-provoking, powerful, touching, and perhaps even a little shocking, this is not mere holiday fare!  Monks in procession, lighting effects, lute and harpsichord, and bells from Coventry Cathedral are used to set the stage for seven musical vignettes of classical piano music.  Well-known Pianist, Professor and Chair of the Piano Department at California State University at Fullerton, Dr. Rob Watson tells the Christmas story through a fascinating web of solo piano works from the 16^th to the 21^st centuries.  In Dulci Jubilo, Greensleeves, and Adeste Fidelis will also make cameo appearances.

Pianist and Professor, Dr. Rob Watson revels in placing classical music in unusual contexts.  While he also explores new music, he always seeks to reach the heart of his listeners.  He has given solo recitals in international music festivals in Bulgaria, presented lecture recitals in China and Japan, performed with internationally renowned musicians such as the St. Petersburg String Quartet, and performed concertos such as Rhapsodies by Gershwin and Rachmaninoff. He also created two truly unique concerts that have left audiences uplifted and enthusiastic.  In his “A Musical Gallery: 7 Portraits at Christmastide”, he combines visual images and sounds along with singers and instres works from the 1500s through the 21^st century all of which had some kind of Christmas element.

Tickets are $12 general; $7 seniors; $5 students; 17 and under FREE with paying adult; teachers with MTAC/CAPT contact the box office to receive complimentary tickets for your students or guest.  The ticket office is open Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 4 or order your tickets online at any time at www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo, just east of Interstate 5 at the Avery Parkway exit.  Free parking is available in Lot 12.  Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway turn left to the third traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite entrance. Turn right into the campus and take the second left to Theatre Circle, turning right into Lot 12.

The Music Department has established a comprehensive program which is considered to be one of the finest in California:  a complete lower-division curriculum for transferring music majors, numerous performance groups, private and group lessons, a full concert series with faculty and guest artists, and general music courses.  The nationally recognized faculty is dedicated to performance and to teaching in all areas such as vocal, instrumental, jazz, guitar and piano.  Other music classes include harmony, musicianship, composition, history and appreciation of western art music, rock, jazz and world.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community.  Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers more than 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals.  For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu.  For Fine Arts events, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.