“Excellent performance, now exit the stage,” renowned conductor James Conlon said Friday to his choruses and orchestra at the Jonathan Beach Club in Santa Monica. Instead of conducting for the Los Angeles Opera, though, he was leading elementary, middle and high school students from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified school district.
“It is all about opening them [students] up to music for the rest of their lives,” said Maestro Conlon.
Conlon, the music director for the LA Opera, was on hand last week to celebrate the birthday of British composer Benjamin Britten with performances by the students to commemorate the works of the late opera master.
November 22, 2013 would have been the 100th birthday of Britten, known for operas such as “War Requiem” (1962) and “Peter Grimes” (1945). Friday’s event was part of a broader celebration, in which people from all over the world held conferences, performances, and exhibitions on Britten and his work to bring emphasis on music written for young people.
“It is incredible how much a young mind can absorb,” Conlon said. “I urge every student to pursue their passion and listen, play, and learn anything and everything you can.”
He would know. One of the premier conductors in the world today, Maestro Conlon attended his first opera in his hometown of New York City at the age of 11, and said it instantly changed his perspective on life. Since his 1974 New York Philharmonic debut, Conlon has been a guest conductor at virtually every North American and European orchestra. Conlon has won two Grammy Awards during his time as conductor of the LA Opera, for Best Classical Album and Best Opera Recording.
Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Conlon focuses on educating young people in schools and universities. He dedicated his time earlier last week practicing with the students of the Santa Monica-Malibu schools, culminating in Friday’s performances.
Ryan Roberts, a 17-year-old oboist from Santa Monica High School, was honored to perform “Six Metamorphoses After Ovid,” a piece of music for solo oboe written by Benjamin Britten in 1951.
It was a dream come true for him to finally meet and perform in an event with Conlon.
“I can’t think of a better setting to perform a solo in,” said Roberts.
Roberts started playing piano at age five, then learned the clarinet before studying oboe. Roberts grew up in Malibu and every weekend he performs a private concert for his grandmother, who lives on Carbon Beach. Ryan currently plays in the Colburn Honors Woodwind Quintet and the American Youth Symphony. Last summer he played in Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra with violinist Joshua Bell and Maestro Valery Gergiev.
Christmas came early when everyone heard the angelic voice of Natalie Bay, a
Lincoln Middle School student, as she performed the soprano solo “In Freezing Winter Night.”
“It was real cool that James Conlon conducted,” Natalie said. “I am so glad I was chosen to do the solo.”
Natalie was dressed in an elegant gown. She received flowers from her biggest fan, her dad who was gleaming with pride as he watched his daughter perform under the direction of Conlon.
All the students impressed the crowd as they behaved in a manner consistent with professional performers. There was nothing amateurish about the last performance, by the Santa Monica High School Chamber Orchestra. Smiles lit up the students’ faces after they delivered a dynamic showing under Conlon’s wand that received a well-deserved encore.
Kimberly Daggy, a host at Classical KUSC radio who lives in the Pacific Palisades, emceed the Britten birthday bash. The event was made possible by support from many individuals and companies. Just to name a few, the schools, music teachers, opera members, musicians and the Jonathan Beach club all pitched in.
Benjamin Britten’s love for the sea played an enormous role in his life. He would have been honored that so many young people gathered to commemorate his works. Many say his works were the music of the water and of the sea, making Friday’s performance by the Santa Monica Bay a fitting toast to his legacy.
