Up first is the Vallejo Symphony Orchestra, celebrating the beginning of its 78th season with its opening program on Sept. 19. Under the direction of its acclaimed maestro, David Ramadanoff, it will be performing a variety of “German Fireworks,” playing pieces from Handel, Beethoven, and Brahms and featuring pianist Wonny Song. Ramadanoff, who came to this North Bay orchestra in 1983, has transformed what was a semiprofessional group into an outstanding professional orchestra that has won rave reviews for its handling of challenging works. As a bonus, ticket holders can arrive one hour before the performance to hear free concert appreciation lectures.
In the East Bay, the Fremont Symphony Orchestra and the Fremont Opera are joining forces to explore the “World of Opera” on Sept. 26, at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts at Ohlone College. Founded in 1964, this is also a fully professional orchestra under the direction of David Sloss. The program showcases operatic favorites, including selections from Carmen, Madama Butterfly, Marriage of Figaro, Pagliacci, and Rigoletto.