Dear Editor,
What an enchanted evening was had by those fortunate to attend
the South Valley Symphony concert held in the mission church in San
Juan Bautista Saturday evening.
Dear Editor,
What an enchanted evening was had by those fortunate to attend the South Valley Symphony concert held in the mission church in San Juan Bautista Saturday evening. The lucky ones heard George Bizet’s Third Symphony played flawlessly by the orchestra under the baton of Henry Mollicone.
I have been around and have heard symphony orchestras for years and years, but never have I heard, nor enjoyed, such beautiful music in such an impressive setting. Upon entering the church, I had my doubts about the acoustics. How will the orchestra sound in this building with its massive arches, a high ceiling, adjacent halls and a back wall with multiple alcoves up to the ceiling? The acoustics could not have been better.
What a setting for the orchestra with that wall with six alcoves rising behind; each alcove holding a Christian saint against a scarlet backdrop. Words cannot describe the beauty of that setting; the subdued lighting, the candles – all most impressive. Then there was Bizet’s Symphony; beautiful, softly repeated heavenly sounds most appropriate for a church.
To think this great concert was available in San Juan Bautista is truly remarkable.
I was a bit saddened to learn this was Henry Mollicone’s last concert as conductor of the South Valley Symphony. He will be missed!
I am hoping for a repeat performance of a symphony concert in this mission church in the coming years. Boy, if so, what a treat there is in store for us.
J. G. McCormack, Gilroy
