At Ensemble Monterey we are busy preparing a gala celebration of our 20-year history. Our two decades of programs have been marked by much more than our share of risk taking.   As you know, our concerts have included a happy concoction of adventurous programming, bold discovery, whimsy, reverence for the music, and a dash of magic thrown in.  Above all, we have rejoiced in bringing the music that thrills us, the musicians, to you, the audience.  

Here’s what we have in mind;

Music to be Scared By – a Halloween Concert to Remember - A concert to be delighted out of your wits by on October 29th and 30th,  2011, including David Del Tredici’s  Dracula and Michael Daugherty’s Dead Elvis.  Come in costume!             

The Art of the Dance  February 11th and 12th, 2012.  Fully staged dance productions including Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Astor Piazzolla’s tango classic, Concierto Del Angel.  Presented with our long-time collaborators and beloved friends, the Monterey Dance Collective.

April Fools! March 31st and April 1st, 2012. The single most requested concert in our history returns with more than a few laughs including the great bargain-counter tenor, Benzino Gassolini, starring in P.D.Q. Bach’s immortal masterpiece, Iphigenia in Brooklyn.  What would a concert be without the Royal Firewater Music, the Concerto Grosso for Cell Phones and Candy Wrappers, and of course, Teddy the Wonder Dog in Mack Sennett’s Teddy at the Throttle?

The Saint Matthew Passion  May 5th and 6th, 2012.  One of the cornerstones of western musical culture and perhaps Bach’s greatest masterpiece comes alive with Cantiamo! Ensemble Monterey, the Cabrillo Children’s Choir and soloists conducted by Cheryl Anderson.

Please join us once again as we present our most ambitious and imaginative season ever.    We won’t start without you!


John Anderson
Conductor
Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra