Holidays in harmony

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Zuma Youth Orchestra members (front row) Emma Gallagher, Sofi Peterson, Rachel McConnell, Maria Hemelfarb, Molly Gallagher, (back row) director John Kibler, Ryan Gallagher and Timothy Gallagher prepare to perform at the city’s holiday concert on Friday. (Not pictured: Nicky Anthony) 

The Zuma Youth Orchestra delighted the crowd by performing three pieces during the City of Malibu’s Holiday Concert at the Malibu Civic Theater on Friday. The group’s performances included “Celtic Roots” by Soon Hee Newbold, “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, and “Teddy Bears’ Picnic” by John W. Bratton. Rather than playing typical classical pieces, the ensemble prefers to play modern and international music. 

“The Zuma Ensemble is really not your average youth orchestra,” founder and director John Kibler said. “Everything from selecting the repertoire to running the rehearsals is done by its members. It’s really just a group of young, motivated musicians that I have the pleasure of working with.” 

The group will reform in the spring, and new members are welcome.