Dear Friends,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the seventeenth season of the Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra.  As you know, it is our mission to bring you a combination of chamber works from the masters, undiscovered treasures from the past, and the best of bold, new and innovative works of today.  As you look over the varied collections for this season, you will find outstanding representatives of each category.  From Beethoven’s wonderful Septet  to brand new arrangements from jazz legend Ray Brown, from Joseph Rheinberger's  beautifully romantic Nonet  to Clark McAllister’s Lou’s Mountain Bread (another Ensemble Monterey commission), this is a season vibrant with musical discovery and enjoyment.

In order to fully experience the wide range of styles and moods this season has to offer, I invite you to join us as a season subscriber.  A musical season is planned like a fine meal, and I would like to see each of you there from hors d’oeuvres through dessert.  I would also invite you to join the many members of our community who make fine music possible for everyone through their generous contributions.  By supporting Ensemble Monterey you join a magnanimous group of  individuals, businesses and grantors who recognize that innovation and bold exploration are at the heart of music.

It is my added pleasure to invite you back to our 3rd annual gala celebration, “Wine, Women and Song” at the beautiful Martine Inn in Pacific Grove on May 3rd, 2008.  “Wine, Women and Song” has quickly become a tradition we all eagerly anticipate, and this year will be no exception.  Be sure to make your reservation early, as we anticipate another sell-out.

As the beginning of the season grows near, all of us on and off the stage look forward to seeing you again.  We continue to be moved and inspired by the loyalty and encouragement of you, our audience members.  Your generosity and enthusiasm have made possible sixteen wonderful seasons, and we look forward to many more.

All Best Wishes -

John Anderson
Conductor
Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra