`SIPS FOR THE SYMPHONY'
Local benefit pairs wine, music and the rollout of a new venue
On March 24, the Ukiah Symphony is presenting an exclusive fundraiser featuring a group of Mendocino's finest musicians, fine wine and fine food- served in an equally delectable location.
Dancing Crow Vineyards in Hopland is teaming up with the storied organization for an afternoon of music featuring pianists Spencer Brewer and Ben Rueb, violinist Jeff Ives, violist Paul Yarbrough, cellist Joel Cohen and Saxophonist Wenbo Yen. The musicians will be performing two sets of music for two hours as a benefit for the Symphony.
Phillip Lenberg, the Symphony's conductor and music director as well as Professor of Music at Mendocino College is enthusiastic about the partnership and the opportunity to showcase the amazing group of musicians.
“Since the pandemic, the Symphony hasn't offered many fundraising concerts. This year we're coming back with a full season and additional events. We're very excited,” he smiles.
The concert is an opportunity for 75 individuals to share an intimate afternoon of chamber music, a complimentary glass of Dancing Crow's finest and food prepared by Mendocino College's culinary arts program, led by instructor Nicholas Petti. Each musician is a master performer, composer or both. “We're thrilled to present the Mendocino Piano Quartet,” says Lenberg. “The quartet features Ben on piano and Jeff on violin, Paul on viola and Joel playing cello.”
“Ben is an amazing, classically focused pianist,” he continues. Ben Rueb hails from the Netherlands and has been a piano instructor for over 20 years. Along with his encyclopedic knowledge of classical music, Ben has made a local splash with his family's successful Willits-based mushroom business.
Jeff Ives is the principle violinist with the Ukiah Symphony and the Symphony of the Redwoods, and recently had an orchestral piece premiered by the Symphony of the Redwoods as part of the California Festival of New Music. Ives moved to California in 2000. Prior to his move he studied violin at the Hartt School of Music with members of the Hartford Symphony in Connecticut. His original compositions evoke hints of jazz and eastern European folk.
Paul Yarbrough is one of the original founders of the celebrated Alexander String Quartet. “We are very fortunate that Paul moved to Mendocino County,” Lenberg notes. Recently retired, Yarbrough performs primarily as an orchestral soloist while teaching and pursuing personal projects. Along with being the principal violinist of the Chamber Orchestra of New England, Yarbrough and the Quarter received honorary doctorates from Allegheny College for their service to the arts and education. He serves on the board of the San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music.
Grammy nominated cellist Joel Cohen is one of the region's string powerhouses. He was the principal cellist with the Oakland Symphony and the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and has toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia and Boston, where he performs with the “spontaneous chamber music” group Improvelocity.
Spencer Brewer will be playing a selection of his contemporary classical pieces. A musician and entrepreneur who needs virtually no introduction, Brewer's music became synonymous with the emergence of “new age” music. His compositions have made the Number One position on the Billboard Top 10 charts and have been featured in hundreds of television shows and events including the Olympic World Games, Sex and the City, Home Alone 2, Oprah and many more.
Dr. Wenbo Yin is a native of China who fell in love with the saxophone as a child. He received his undergraduate degree at Ithaca College in music performance, finished his Masters at the University of Cincinnati's College- Conservatory of Music and has now completed his doctorate. He appreciates and plays all genres- from classical to jazz, contemporary to pop and even beatbox saxophone.
“There will be a variety of great music and the musicians will be playing in different combinations,” Lenberg continues.
This event marks the launch for the new owners of the Dancing Crow vineyard- Tony Cartlidge, his wife Sarah Forni and sons Adam and Stefan. “Spencer and I visited there. They have a grand piano in their tasting room, which is right next to the barrel room, where you can see directly into the hall. The grounds are gorgeous. We are all very honored that we were chosen to be part of their inaugural event.”
Lenberg is thrilled that the non-profit organization will be returning to a 4- concert season in 2024. “We have amazing guest coming,” he notes. This season's final concert takes place
April 6th and 7th, which will feature a concerto by Clara Schumann, a Bach Concerto for two violins, a very unique Wagner composition “that is not a five-hour opera,” Lenberg smiles, and a performance of Beethoven's 2nd Symphony.
As an instructor at Mendocino College, Lenberg cannot overstress the importance of encouraging young people to attend these concerts.
“The Symphony is working on a Strings Education in the Schools program. Currently there is no string program in any school in Mendocino County. We want to ensure that we have a robust group of string players to keep the 40-year legacy of the Symphony alive.”
Sips for the Symphony begins at 2 p.m. Dancing Crow Vineyards is located at 12141 Hewlett Sturtevant Road in Hopland. Tickets are available at https://www.ukiahsymphony.org.