James Smith-a fixture in the Santa Monica College Music Department for nearly four decades-will conduct the college’s symphony in his final concert on Sunday. Smith has been the conductor for 15 years. He has assembled a program of some of his favorite repertoire over the years. Film, television and stage actor and author Orson Bean will be the special guest narrator.
“It’s going to be a terrific concert in a wonderful space,” said Smith, who will continue to teach at SMC and continue to direct the SMC Concert Chorale until his retirement in June 2010. “I’m sure it will bring back plenty of memories of all the concerts we’ve performed over the years.”
On the program will be Prokoviev’s “Peter and the Wolf,” narrated by Bean, as well as pieces by Berlioz, Hindemith and Elgar. “Dolphin Dance,” by SMC music professor Dr. David Goodman, will also be featured, as will “Three Dance Episodes” from Leonard Bernstein’s “On the Town.”
In addition, Mozart’s “Toy Symphony” will be performed, with SMC Board Chair Rob Rader, Vice Chair Louise Jaffe and Student Trustee Cameron Henton featured on the toys.
The concert will take place at 4 p.m. on the new Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center, located at 1310 11th St. Tickets are $10 and are available by calling 310.434.3000.