Program Notes by Susan Swinburne
Gabriela Lena Frank – Elegía Andina for Orchestra
Composer Gabriela Lena Frank is a musical phenomenon of epic proportion, possibly the most multi-hyphenated contemporary artist at work in classical music today. She is a pianist-composer-musical anthropologist and a creative mentor to the emerging composers whom she hosts at her Boonville farm – where she is also a farmer-beekeeper-environmentalist – to attend a residency at the eponymous music academy she founded in 2017 to encourage young talent. She is of Peruvian-Chinese-Spanish-Lithuanian-Jewish ethnic heritage, and actively explores these cultural connections in her composing. Hearing-impaired since birth, she lives with Graves disease, an auto-immune condition. Frank is the winner of innumerable prestigious awards-honors-kudos, including a Guggenheim fellowship, the 25th Anniversary Heinz Award, and a Latin Grammy. The Washington Post included her in their recent list of the 35 most significant women composers in history.
Frank’s interest in incorporating her multi-cultural heritage in her composing arose during trips she took as a young woman with her mother to visit Peru, reconnecting with extended family and searching out indigenous musical traditions:
“I realized that I had found my mission,” Frank explained. “I wanted to, in a very general way, be as mestiza in my music as I was in my person: I’m multiracial, I’m multicultural, and I think that that’s something deeply American. I love my country, and I’m surrounded by daughters and sons of immigrants that contribute and work hard — that was uppermost in my mind then, and in the course of recent events in our country, it’s uppermost in my mind now. It’s something that has become more urgent in my work as a musician, not less so.”
Elegía Andina, written in 2000 while Frank was completing her doctorate degree, is the composer’s very first orchestral work. Dedicated to her older brother, the neurobiologist Marcos Gabriel Frank, it takes inspiration from her deep connection to her Peruvian heritage. Of her connection to the family’s South American roots, she says:
“Elegía Andina (Andean Elegy) is one of my first written-down compositions to explore what it means to be of several ethnic persuasions, of several minds. It uses stylistic elements of Peruvian arca/ira zampoña panpipes (double-row panpipes, each row with its own tuning) to paint an elegiac picture of my questions. The flute part was particularly conceived with this in mind…I can think of none better to dedicate this work to than to “Babo,” my big brother — for whom Perú still waits.”
Joaquin Rodrigo – Concierto de Aranjuez
Imagine composing music in Braille. This is the painstaking process by which Joaquin Rodrigo produced every composition he wrote in his very long life (1901-1999). Born the youngest of 10 children to a well-heeled Spanish family, Rodrigo contracted diphtheria at the age of 3, which destroyed his eyes. At age 4, his parents enrolled him in a school for the blind in Valencia where he showed a talent for music, swiftly excelled in solfège, and became an accomplished pianist. Later studies at the Valencia Conservatory added composition to his musical talents. As a young man he moved to Paris and joined a brilliant expat cadre of Spanish artists that included Manuel Ponce and Manuel de Falla (who became a champion of the younger musician). There, he also met Turkish pianist Victoria Kamhi, who in 1933 became his wife and devoted partner in life and music.
So, how did a blind pianist – not a guitarist – come to compose the magnificent work that today is universally acknowledged as the quintessential concerto for classical guitar and orchestra? According to the composer himself, it happened as a result of a well-lubricated dinner party: In September of 1938, I was in San Sebastián on my return to France…It was during a dinner organized by the Marqués de Bolarque with [guitar virtuoso] Regino Sáinz de la Maza and myself.
We ate well and the wine was not bad at all; it was the right moment for audacious fantasizing… All of a sudden, Regino, in that tone between unpredictable and determined which was so characteristic of him, said: -Listen, you have to come back with a ‘Concerto for guitar and orchestra’ – and to go straight to my heart, he added in a pathetic voice: – It’s the dream of my life – and, resorting to a bit of flattery, he continued: – This is your calling, as if you were ‘the chosen one.’ I quickly swallowed two glasses of the best Rioja and exclaimed in a most convincing tone: – All right, it’s a deal!
By the time the Rodrigos returned to Madrid in September 1939, the original Braille manuscript of Concierto de Aranjuez was written and ready to be transcribed into musical score notation. It received its premiere on November 9, 1940 with the Barcelona Philharmonic and Regino Sáinz as soloist.
Aranjuez, just outside of Madrid, is famed for the palace and especially the extensive gardens that surround this centuries-old summer estate of the Royal House of Bourbon. As newlyweds, Victoria and Joaquín Rodrigo rented a small apartment nearby and frequently walked together in the vicinity.
Rodrigo described the Concierto as capturing, “the fragrance of magnolias, the singing of birds, and the gushing of fountains” in the gardens of Aranjuez.
Fun fact: In 1999, on the occasions of Joaquin Rodrigo’s death at age 97, only one piece of Spanish
music outranked Concierto de Aranjuez in paid music royalties: The Macarena, by the Spanish
flamenco-pop duo Los del Rio.
Handel – Water Music Suites 1 & 2
“At about eight in the evening, the King retired to his barge. Next to the King’s barge was that of the musicians, about 50 in number, who played on all kinds of instruments, to wit trumpets, horns, hautboys (oboes), bassoon, German flutes (transverse flutes), French flutes (recorders), violins, and basses; but there were no singers. The music had been composed specially by the famous Handel, a native of Halle, and His Majesty’s principal court composer… the number of barges and above all of boats filled with people wanting to listen was beyond counting.”
So wrote Friedrich Bonet, a Prussian diplomat in London, to his Berlin colleagues in a report detailing the extravagant and wildly popular summer river barge party for which George Friderich Handel composed his delightful Water Music. Written at the behest of England’s King George I, the work famously was performed by an orchestra floating through London on a barge on the river Thames. The date was July 17, 1717. In his own royal barge, the king and his lords, ladies, and retainers, along with hundreds if not thousands of Londoners in their own boats, all rode with the tide from Whitehall to Chelsea. The king’s group stopped for supper ashore, then made their watery way back to Whitehall. The summer excursion began at 8:00 p.m. and concluded at 4:30 a.m. the next morning. His majesty so enjoyed his countryman’s gorgeous new work, as reported by Herr Bonet, he required it to be performed in full, three times.
Handel, then aged 32, was already a popular and successful composer in London, his adopted home since 1712. Born in 1685 (incidentally, the same year as both J.S. Bach and Domenico Scarlatti), and raised outside of Leipzig, Germany, Handel was a musically precocious child; but his practically-minded father discouraged his interest in music as unpromising for career purposes. Fortunately, his mother disagreed, clandestinely helping him study piano and later composition. His elderly father died when he was 11, removing that impediment. His studies, experience, and reputation grew in Germany and a European musical career flourished at home as well as in Italy. In 1710, he was appointed Kapellmeister by the elector (aka prince) of Hanover, known then as Georg Ludwig but in 1714 – through truly byzantine hereditary and political machinations – to become George Louis: King George I of England.
It has been widely speculated that the Water Music was commissioned by the king, at least in part, as a P.R. stunt. George I holds the dubious distinction of being arguably England’s most unpopular monarch. The people of England can hardly be blamed for resenting that a distant descendant, German and three generations removed from queen Elizabeth I’s successor James Stuart (reign 1603-1625), ascended to their throne primarily because he was the next protestant in line, leaping over 48 others who were Catholic. Handel, however, was tremendously popular and everybody loves a party, so the King charged Handel with composing this masterpiece of entertainment to accompany his splendiferous spectacle of a river party. From the river barge, the music was free for all – anyone on the riverbanks as well as anyone with a boat on the water – to hear and enjoy.
Fun fact: Water Music is the first orchestral work in England to include brass instruments as full-fledged members of the orchestra, no longer relegated only to “conjuring images of the hunt” (Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque).
Ovation’s “The Score” – Winter 2026 IssueIN THIS ISSUE
Chair’s Column from Judy D’Ambrosio
As we start 2026, I have been thinking about New Year’s resolutions, defined as personal commitments to improve oneself at the start of the year, often focusing on mental, health (exercise, eating well), finances (saving money, budgeting), personal growth (learning skills, reading), or relationships (family time, connecting). Volunteering can benefit an individual’s mental, physical, and professional well-being, as well as for the community at large. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Volunteers report better physical health than non-volunteers. Research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older.”
I want to recap some of the recent activities supported by Ovation volunteers:
• At the annual Long Beach Symphony Golf Tournament at Virginia Country Club on December 3, 2025 Ovation volunteers were out in force helping make the fundraiser a success.
• In December, Instrument Petting Zoos (IPZ) were held for neighborhood children. New this year was the IPZ held at the Tichenor Clinic for Children in Long Beach. Staff at the clinic said the children really enjoyed the event.
• On January 28 and 29, 2026 Ovation volunteers helped make the Youth Concerts a huge success. Thousands of Long Beach fourth and fifth graders filed into the Terrace Theater. For some of the children it was the first time they were in the Terrace Theater and heard classical music. Additionally, volunteers hosted a VIP reception between youth concerts for our donors, sponsors, and special invited guests.
There are more volunteer opportunities coming up later this year and we will need your participation. We will be soliciting volunteers for Crescendo on May 3, 2026, additional Instrument Petting Zoos, refreshments for concert rehearsals for POPS and Classical, the Family Concert on June 7, 2026 and office support. Please watch your emails for more information. Remember Ovation Council meetings are open to all members. The Council meets at 4:00 PM on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 340 Nieto Ave Long Beach, CA 90814. A standing agenda item at these meetings is volunteer activities.
I hope that volunteering is on your resolution list for 2026 because volunteering is more fun than running on a treadmill.
Youth Concerts:
Celebrating Inspiration: A Look at the Symphony’s Youth Concerts – by Nancy Fox
This January, the Long Beach Symphony once again opened its doors—and its stage—to approximately 12,000 4th and 5th graders from across our community for the annual Youth Concerts. Held on January 28 and 29, 2026, these concerts continued a cherished tradition of nurturing music appreciation, sparking curiosity, and giving students the unforgettable experience of hearing a live orchestra.
The Youth Concerts are among the most meaningful events of the Symphony’s season, and they are made possible in large part by the commitment of Ovation volunteers, who played a vital role throughout both days—greeting classes, guiding teachers and students to their seats, assisting with logistics, and helping ensure a welcoming and smooth-flowing experience for all attendees. Shepherding so many young people does not require any special skills, but it does require a large number of volunteers. This year, a total of 35 volunteers contributed more than 140 hours of service to the Youth Concerts. Though this number is remarkable, we could have used even more help, and it is our hope that more Ovation members will come forward next year for this emotionally rewarding program.
While the performances themselves are the heart of these concerts, the impact goes far beyond the music. For many students, this marks their first visit to a concert hall—and perhaps even their first encounter with a live orchestra. Moments like these can shape a young person’s educational and artistic journey for years to come. As we reflect on the success of this year’s Youth Concerts, we extend heartfelt gratitude to all who volunteered their time and energy. Your enthusiasm and dedication created an atmosphere of warmth and excitement that made these concerts not only possible, but memorable. We look forward to bringing this magic to even more young listeners in the years ahead.
Ovation Orientation: Your Time is Our Treasure – by Joan Greenwood
On behalf of the Working Group, I want to thank everyone who attended the Ovation Orientation on December 3, 2025. This inaugural event was designed to enhance volunteer awareness of the Long Beach Symphony Association (LBSA) Governance Structure, Ovation’s Roles and Responsibilities for assisting LBS, and to make one-on-one connections with the various Ovation Committee Chairs. Assisted by Judy D’Ambrosio and Judy Way, I prepared the slide presentation. However, I am forever grateful to them for taking care of all the other details that made this another successful Ovation event. Input and comments from Kelly Ruggirello, Mark Hilmer and Victoria Chenevey were also greatly appreciated. Following a warm introduction by Council Chair Judy D’Ambrosio, Kelly Ruggirello gave an inspiring overview of the Vision and Mission of LBS, how LBSA is organized, and introduced the staff members that make things happen. Then, Judy presented a concise summary of the roles and responsibilities of the various committee chairs and their volunteers. She wrapped up her presentation by reminding us that volunteering is fun and rewarding as well as being a cherished LBS asset. The capstone activity was the breakout session that gave each attendee an opportunity to interact with Chairs to help them find how one of their passions could be converted to Ovation Treasure.
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give” (Kahlil Gibran)
Long Beach Symphony Golf Tournament
Our Ovation team did a great job this year turning out to support the annual Symphony Golf Tournament! With 21 volunteers providing assistance with registration, on-course contests, post-tournament dinner and auction activities, they were instrumental in ensuring the event provided a wonderful experience for all.
Over 25,000 children benefit annually from the generosity of the tournament’s participants by discovering the magic of music through the Symphony’s nationally recognized music education programs. We look forward to seeing you again at next year’s Golf Classic!
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Classic Concert Rehearsal Receptions: Would you enjoy mingling with our Symphony Orchestra while they enjoy tasty snacks prepared by you? This satisfying volunteer opportunity is offered to Ovation members during the week leading up to the Saturday night Classical concerts. It has become a popular volunteer activity, with two or three members joining forces to prepare and serve a delicious snack buffet that the orchestra enjoys during their rehearsal break. Their short break takes place around 9 pm at the Terrace Theater. It is a delight to hear the musician’s comments and be able to give back a little something to those hungry artists whom we admire so much. This season we have welcomed first time volunteers to serve as hosts, as well as seasoned volunteers who enjoy the chance to chat with favorite performers while hearing the strains of the upcoming program on the adjacent stage. Thank you to those of you who have participated, and will participate, during this current season! The orchestra will thank you, as well! If you are interested in joining, please contact Shannon Taylor.
Upcoming Ovation Occasion: Opera by the Bay
Please Save the Date – March 19th from 4:00 to 6:00pm – and join us for a lovely evening of entertainment and appetizers. Hear a preview performance by CSULB students of their upcoming Opera Spring production of a Mozart/Da Ponte Project Part 1 entitled “Cherubino’s Rise and Fall”. Students will sing selections from both the Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni operas. Held again at the beautiful waterfront office of Keesal, Young & Logan, this is a wonderful opportunity to support our local university and its talented students while socializing with our Ovation family. Purchase your tickets here.
Ovation Council andCommittee Chair Members
Chair – Judy D’Ambrosio
Chair Elect – Jennifer “JJ” Jank
Past Co-Chairs – Bobbie Cusato & Brian Buchanan
Secretary – Jennifer Jank
Treasurer – Vicki Sawtelle
Membership – Victoria Chenevey & Nicole Neesham
Committee Chairs:
- Education Programs – Ethel Sanford
- Fundraising – Victoria Chenevey
- The Score Newsletter Editors – Nancy Fox & Shelley O’Neil
- Nominating – Bobbie Cusato & Brian Buchanan
- Ovation Occasions – Kris Ajello
- Parliamentarian – Joan Greenwood
- Patron Engagement (Ambassador) – Mary and Steve Lang
- Personal Communications (Ovation Cares) – Kay Marsik
- Rehearsal Receptions: Classical & Pops – Shannon Taylor (Classical) & Ethel Sanford (POPS)
- Tributes and Memorials – Judy Way
- Volunteer Coordinators – Bobbie Cusato, Delfina and Glenn Skalland
- Vital Information Custodian–Vicki Sawtelle
PAST ISSUES OF “THE SCORE”
2/5/2026 – Long Beach Symphony Welcomed 12,000 Students to Annual Youth Concerts at the Terrace TheaterLong Beach Symphony Welcomed 12,000 Students to Annual Youth Concerts at the Terrace Theater
LONG BEACH, CA — February 4, 2026 — The Long Beach Symphony proudly presented its annual Youth Concerts at the Long Beach Terrace Theater on January 28 and 29, 2026, welcoming more than 12,000 fourth- and fifth-grade students from across Long Beach. Conducted by Music Director Eckart Preu, the four concerts brought live choral and orchestral music to students from 53 LBUSD elementary schools, as well as participating private, Catholic, charter, and home schools.
The concerts also featured the LBUSD All-District High School Honors Choir, comprised of 150 outstanding students, creating a powerful educational experience that connected choral students with 44 Long Beach Symphony musicians.
In 2025, the Linda L. Gunn Music Education Fund, and Linda L. Gunn, philanthropist and business owner of Gunn/Jerkens Marketing & Advertising, generously pledged $210,000 to fund the annual Youth Concerts through the 2027 season. This generous support ensures that this beloved pillar of our education department will serve another 12,000 elementary students next year, a continuation of a treasured tradition that has been bringing music to young students for over four decades.
Presented in partnership with the LBUSD Visual & Performing Arts Department, the Youth Concerts were coordinated by Christine Whipp, VAPA Coordinator, and Renee Bhatia, Music Education Curriculum Coach, with the support of the LBUSD Board of Education. Underwriting support also provided by Valero Energy Company and Ms. Ethel Sanford. More than 40 Long Beach Symphony Ovation Volunteers ushered and assisted throughout the two-day event.
“These concerts represent the very heart of our mission,” said Kelly Ruggirello, President of Long Beach Symphony. “They show students that music is not something distant or abstract—it is alive, collaborative, relevant, and something they can be part of now, and well into adulthood.”
Founded in 1934, the Long Beach Symphony has partnered with LBUSD in curriculum-based youth concerts since 1985, marking 41 years of sustained collaboration. Over the past four decades, its music education programs have served more than one million children in Long Beach and surrounding communities.
The Youth Concerts are a key component of the Symphony’s sequential music education programming, which includes:
- Instrument Petting Zoos for Children of all ages presented throughout the community
- Grades 2–3 elementary ensembles serving all 53 LBUSD elementary schools
- Grades 4–5 Youth Concerts at the Terrace Theater
- Middle school rehearsal observations and Q&A sessions with the Symphony’s Conducting Fellow
- LBUSD All-District High School Orchestra or Choir participating in the Youth Concerts on alternating years, ensuring students at multiple grade levels experience live, professional music mentorship. All high school students are also encouraged to volunteer with the Symphony as part of the Overture program.
Through this long-standing partnership, the Long Beach Symphony continues its commitment to equitable access to arts education and to inspiring the next generation of musicians, listeners, and creative thinkers.
For more information about the Long Beach Symphony and its education programs, visit longbeachsymphony.org or contact Sue Moylan at [email protected].
Food Drive
93,000 Long Beach residents are facing food insecurity with reduced SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.
Join Long Beach Symphony in providing support with goods or financial assistance.
Bring food items to the Iconic Voices of Change Pops concert on 11/15/25, or consider a financial donation:
Roger Wilkie: Celebrating 35 Years as Concertmaster
This 2025-26 season marks Roger Wilkie’s 35th year as Long Beach Symphony’s Concertmaster!
“Much has changed, but one thing has not – Long Beach Symphony is my family, my community, and my place to share the joy of music with you,“ said Wilke.
A Southern California native, violinist Roger Wilkie’s professional career began at age 21 when he joined the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, eventually being appointed Principal Second Violin, a position he held until 1989. He has also served as Guest Concertmaster with the LA Opera, Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the Real Filharmonia De Galicia, Spain under Music Director, Helmut Rilling. Roger’s career extends to the Hollywood Studios, where he has participated in the soundtracks of over 1000 films as well as television recordings. In 2005 he received the honor of serving as Concertmaster for John Williams’ scores for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Indiana Jones IV, Munich, and Memoirs of a Geisha. You may hear his solo work on the score of the movie A Single Man and a violin solo in The Adventures of Tintin score by John Williams. Wilkie has also performed on scores for Spider-Man: Homecoming, Deadpool, Avatar, Gone Girl, The Town and many more. Read more…
“Roger exemplifies the role of the perfect concertmaster: A quiet leader in full support of the conductor, a mind reader par excellence, a fabulous musician with incredible technique and gorgeous sound, and a musical model for all: The violin section, the string section as well as the entire orchestra. Attentive to every detail, always shaping cohesiveness of the entire ensemble, and beautiful in all concertmaster solos, he displays not only the highest work ethic but an incredible spirit that brings people together and makes music come alive. Roger is dream to work with – and it is an honor to call him a friend,” says Eckart Preu, Long Beach Symphony Music Director.
MAKE THE MUSIC POSSIBLE – CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE
“One of the happiest moments for me and Long Beach Symphony was when Roger joined our orchestra as the Concertmaster. Roger has been a consummate musician and leader, with brilliant orchestral knowledge, virtuosity, warmth, and stellar leadership. He is a tremendous soloist and caring colleague, and I can never thank Roger enough for our partnership. Congratulations dear Roger for 35 years of peerless musicianship, leadership, and friendship.” ~ JoAnn Falletta, multiple GRAMMY-winning conductor, music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and former Music Director of Long Beach Symphony (1989-2000)
IN THIS ISSUE
Chair’s Column from Judy D’Ambrosio
As Ovation Council Chair I would like to welcome you all to the 91st season of the Long Beach Symphony! Under the baton of Eckart Preu, we can look forward to an exciting Classical and Pops Season.
You may have noticed the revised look and feel of our SCORE newsletter. We are happy to announce that we have made recent changes to align with the new Symphony Notes. You should be receiving both communications. The Symphony Notes is sent to a broad audience and focuses on all topics related to the Long Beach Symphony. Our SCORE newsletter is designed specifically for our Ovation volunteer members and will continue to share information and updates relating to Ovation activities.
I am honored to be the Chair for Ovation this coming year. Serving with me on the Ovation Council are:
- Secretary – Jennifer Jank
- Treasurer – Victoria Sawtelle
- Membership – Victoria Chenevey & Nicole Neesham
Committee Chairs:
- The Score Newsletter – Nancy Fox & Shelley ONeil
- Personal Communications (Ovation Cares) – Kay Marsik
- Tributes and Memorials – Judy Way
- Ovation Occasions – Kris Ajello
- Ovation Volunteers – Bobbie Cusato, Delfina and Glenn Skalland
- Rehearsal Receptions: Classical & Pops – Shannon Taylor (Classical) & Ethel Sanford (Pops)
- Education Programs – Ethel Sanford
- Fundraising – Victoria Chenevey
- Patron Engagement (Ambassador) – Mary and Steve Lang
- Vital Information Custodian–Victoria Sawtelle
- Parliamentarian–Joan Greenwood
There are many opportunities for service and fun as an Ovation volunteer. This year, like past years, Ovation volunteers are needed at the Youth (January 28, 29, 2026) and Family (June 7, 2026) concerts, Golf Classic (December 8, 2025), Crescendo (May 3, 2026), Instrument Petting Zoos, rehearsals, and many more. You will receive specific information on these volunteer activities prior to the event. Helping at these activities reinforces Ovation’s mission to support the programs, policies, and goals of the Long Beach Symphony through the coordination and facilitation of volunteer activities. We need and welcome your involvement in these worthwhile events.
Like all organizations, we need to increase our membership. Our membership drive is ongoing. You should have received your renewal information and reminders were emailed. The easiest way to renew or become a member is online at longbeachsymphony.org/Ovation. Talk to friends and neighbors about joining Ovation as a volunteer. It takes hundreds of volunteer hours to make events successful and they are made possible with your support.
As Ovation members you are welcome and encouraged to attend Ovation council meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 340 Nieto Ave, Long Beach, CA 90814 starting at 4 pm.
Thank you in advance for your support and volunteering!!!!
The Bobbie Cusato Volunteer of the Year Award 2025: Nina West
The Bobbie Cusato Volunteer of the Year award was established in 2019 to honor a Symphony volunteer who espouses the character of its namesake:
- Years of dedicated service
- Demonstration of extraordinary leadership
- Committed to working long hours
- One who has a “can-do” attitude
- Creative and quick problem-solving skills
- One who builds consensus while being a team player
- A passionate advocate and ambassador for the Long Beach Symphony
We are very excited to announce that this year’s award recipient is Nina West. Nina has been supporting the Long Beach Symphony for decades. For ten years, Nina has been an active Ovation member, recently serving on the education committee, a dependable, hard-working Youth Concert volunteer, as well as assisting with our IPZ’s, specializing in mouthpiece sanitation. Volunteers and staff alike agree that she is an absolute joy to work with. Nina was delighted to be selected: “I am so proud to have won the award. It was a big surprise to me and I’m just so pleased!”
Nina – Congratulations on this well-deserved honor as you are recognized for your outstanding leadership within Ovation and the Long Beach Symphony family!
Instrument Petting Zoo Program: Opening Doors to a Lifelong Love of Music
The Instrument Petting Zoo (IPZ) was conceived with a simple but ambitious vision: to make music tangible, accessible, and irresistible to children. The goal is not only to nurture future musicians but also to foster a community that understands the transformative power of music, thereby expanding the base for our symphony concerts. We’re proud to report that in 2025 we took this hands-on experience for young children to more than 20 locations spanning 280 square miles throughout Long Beach and neighboring communities, among them Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Cerritos and Redondo Beach. In total, we served nearly 1,000 people; more than in 2024. By offering this program free of charge, the Symphony removes financial barriers and opens doors for those who might otherwise never explore music.
How the Program Works: Picture a vibrant space—a local library, school auditorium, or outdoor festival—alive with the chatter of excited children and the gentle hum of tuning strings. Here, an array of orchestral instruments awaits: violin, viola, cello, trumpets, French horn, trombone, flute, clarinet, oboe, percussion instruments and even a snare drum. Each instrument is carefully displayed and supervised by volunteers and student interns. Children are invited to pick up, hold, and try each instrument. This tactile approach demystifies orchestral music, breaking down barriers of intimidation and replacing them with the playful spirit of experimentation. Some Petting Zoo’s events are paired with mini-concerts and/or instrument demonstrations, such as the RumBa Foundation Family Concert.
Impact on the Community: The Instrument Petting Zoo is more than an educational program—it’s a bridge between the Long Beach Symphony and the broader community, bringing music to neighborhoods that may not have ready exposure to the arts. The Petting Zoo also fosters intergenerational connection. Grandparents and parents reminisce about their own musical experiences, while younger generations discover new possibilities. Many parents have shared stories of their children asking for music lessons after attending the Petting Zoo.
Join the Fun! Volunteers are the lifeblood of this program, and although the IPZ program served more children and families in 2025 than in previous years, we had lower volunteer participation. If we want to continue to operate at the current level- and perhaps aspire to even greater numbers– we will need more volunteers. No special skills are required. If you love music and enjoy working with children, we invite you to become part of this joyful initiative. Volunteers greet families, guide children in safely handling instruments, and create a welcoming environment where every child feels empowered to explore music. Although not a prerequisite for participation, the Symphony encourages Ovation members to attend the IPZ orientation session in early summer. If you are interested in volunteering for future IPZ events, please contact Ethel Sanford.
Ovation Occasion: Picnic in the Garden
On Friday, September 26th, Ovation hosted a sold-out event “Picnic in the Garden with Maestro Eckart Preu” at the beautiful Zaferia Junction Community Garden. Attendees were treated to a garden tour, cello performance by Hank Taylor, buffet lunch and the highlight was Maestro Preu, featuring Pianist Fei-Fei and introduction by LB Symphony President Kelly Ruggirello.The annual picnic is always a wonderful opportunity to connect with Maestro Preu and key members of the Symphony staff while visiting with Ovation members. During the presentation, Maestro Preu offered a look into his life and the 2025-26 season. He answered attendee questions on his process for music selection and performance preparation. Maestro Preu also invited Pianist Fei-Fei to share her insights from a musician’s perspective. It was truly a fascinating and inspiring conversation!
The program also included an update from Kelly Ruggirello on exciting future plans for the Symphony. Kelly shared behind the scenes details on the construction of a world class amphitheater on Queen Mary Island, involvement in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics festivities and the on-going expansion of educational outreach programs.
The picnic showcased a cello performance by local musician, Hank Taylor. Hank began playing cello at Rogers Middle School, was a member of the Poly High School Orchestra, completed a summer intern program with the Symphony and recently graduated from Jacob’s School of Music. Hank is connected to Ovation through his proud grandmas, long time Ovation members Margie Masterson and Shannon Taylor, and has assisted with Instrument Petting Zoo events and other youth activities. It was very special to have him performing for us.
The garden location was described by many as totally charming and very unexpected. Zaferia Junction Community Garden is part of the Long Beach Organic (LBO), a nonprofit organization committed to transforming urban vacant lots into beautiful community gardens. Zaferia is LBO’s largest garden with 115 individual plots, large composting operation, communal grape arbor and orchard. The garden tour highlighted the dedication of LBO members to create an environment that is productive, beautiful and sustainable. The tour also included a special beekeeping demonstration. Use of the garden was made possible through LBO President, Valerie Condon. We are very grateful to Valerie and her team for making our visit such a memorable experience.
RuMBa Foundation Family Concert: Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony Captivates Long Beach Families
Special Recognition
This past June, Brian Buchanan passed the torch as editor of The Score. We are very grateful to him for all his efforts in this area! As editor for over 4 years, Brian expanded and developed the newsletter to make it what it is today. Not only did Brian lead content creation, but he was also responsible for print formatting which was a considerable task. Then, during these last 2 years, in addition to his role as newsletter editor, he also served as Ovation Council Co-President. When asked where he found his motivation, Brian shared: “As a long-time supporter of the Long Beach Symphony, I discovered that involvement in Ovation really expanded my connection to the Symphony and staff which heightened my appreciation and enjoyment of the Symphony. Participating in Ovation is truly rewarding.” We are very happy to report that Brian remains committed to continuing as an active member of Ovation and is looking forward to having more time to support volunteer activities. Thank you Brian!
Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities: Save the Date for the 27th Annual Long Beach Symphony Golf Classic
The Long Beach Symphony Golf Classic returns to Virginia Country Club on Monday, December 8th. The event will feature a full round of golf, refreshments, dinner and auction. Proceeds support the Long Beach Symphony music education and youth programs. There will be opportunities to help with check-in, on-the-course contests and a post-tournament silent auction. Watch for the notice in early November that will outline sign-up. Hope you can join us for a fun day on the links and support this worthwhile cause!
Youth Concerts are scheduled for January 28th and 29th of 2026. This is always a stand out educational activity reaching 12,000 4th and 5th graders. Everyone is strongly encouraged to please consider volunteering to support this effort. More information will be provided soon.↑ Back to top
Important Announcement: Ovation Orientation
Efforts are currently underway to schedule our first ever Ovation Orientation in early December. This session is being designed for all Ovation members to provide enhanced awareness of Ovation activities and processes. Details will be shared very soon. We hope to see everyone there!
Did you spot the Long Beach Transit bus with our ad?
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Long Beach Symphony is named 2025 California Nonprofit of the YearLong Beach, CA – Long Beach Symphony is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2025 California Nonprofit of the Year by Senator Lena A. Gonzalez, 33rd District. Long Beach Symphony is one of more than one hundred nonprofits honored by their state senators and assemblymembers for their outstanding contributions to the communities they serve.
Founded in 1934, Long Beach Symphony has evolved into one of Southern California’s premier professional regional orchestras. Under the leadership of Music Director Eckart Preu, the Symphony continues to inspire and unite diverse audiences through the transformative power of music. Its mission focuses on engaging audiences of all ages and cultures, fostering a deep appreciation for the arts within the community.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from Senator Gonzalez,” said Kelly Ruggirello, President of Long Beach Symphony. “This award is a testament to our dedicated musicians, staff, and supporters who strive to make music accessible and meaningful for everyone in our community.”
“We are grateful for the work of Long Beach Symphony and want to extend our congratulations for this well-deserved recognition,” said Geoff Green, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits), the sponsor for this initiative. “Nonprofits provide critical services, advocate for our most vulnerable neighbors, and enrich the lives of all Californians. From the childcare program to the soccer team, from the art class to the health clinic, and from the community organizer to the animal shelter, nonprofits make our communities stronger.”
“Nonprofits are not just innovators and problem-solvers, but also a major economic force within the state,” said Green. According to “Causes Count,” a 2019 report commissioned by CalNonprofits, the nonprofit sector is the 4th largest industry in the state, employing more than 1.2 million people. Each year, California nonprofits generate more than $273 billion in revenue and bring in $40 billion in revenue from outside of California. The unpaid labor contributed by volunteers at nonprofits is equivalent to 330,000 full-time jobs every year.
Now in its tenth year, the California Nonprofit of the Year initiative provides the opportunity for each California state legislator to recognize a nonprofit organization doing outstanding work in their district. The program culminated with a celebratory luncheon at the Capitol on California Nonprofits Day, May 21st. Long Beach Symphony was represented by President Kelly Ruggirello and VP of Development John Cross.
The program is sponsored by the CalNonprofits in partnership with the state Senate and Assembly Select Committees on the Nonprofit Sector. CalNonprofits, the leading policy voice for California’s nonprofit sector, focuses on advocacy, education, and research to build a more powerful and politically engaged nonprofit network across the state.
For more information about the Long Beach Symphony and its programs, please visit longbeachsymphony.org.
Ryan Schulten
Ryan Schulten joined the Long Beach Symphony Board of Directors in February, 2025. Schulten is a commercial real estate professional specializing in investment sales transactions of retail properties across the United States. He began his brokerage career in 2021 at Matthews Real Estate Investment Services, specializing in single-tenant net lease properties. There, he demonstrated a strong ability to manage complex transactions and deliver high-quality service, contributing to the firm’s success and establishing valuable industry relationships.
In May 2024, Ryan joined CP Partners, where he continues to focus on the acquisition and disposition of retail assets. Leveraging his deep market knowledge
and strategic acumen, he navigates complex transactions, achieving exceptional results for his clients and contributing to CP Partners’ expansion into Southern California.
Ryan’s diverse background includes roles in technology-focused growth equity at Blueprint Equity and real estate private equity at Pacifica Enterprises, Inc. This multifaceted background enhances his ability to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to his clients’ unique needs. He earned a double major in Finance and Real Estate from the University of San Diego, which laid a solid foundation for his career. During his time at the university, Ryan was an active member of the Student Finance Association and competed on the school’s waterski team. Passionate about giving back to his community, Ryan is eager to leverage his expertise to make a meaningful impact in the Long Beach area where he grew up.
Melissa Evans
Melissa Evans joined Long Beach Symphony Board of Directors in Spring, 2025. Evans has been a journalist, editor and publisher since 1995, and currently serves as the CEO of the Long Beach Journalism Initiative, a nonprofit news organization that includes the Long Beach Post and the Long Beach Business Journal. As a reporter for outlets on the West and East Coast, her coverage included religion, social issues, health and much more. Evans earned an undergraduate degree in journalism from San Diego State, and a graduate degree in theology from Loyola Marymount. Evans also works as a part-time lecturer in the Journalism and Public Relations Department at Cal State Long Beach. A native of Gilroy, Calif., Evans has lived in Long Beach since 2007.