For three decades, a group of 75 local volunteers have taken their passion for music to the next level, bringing a unique variety of classical music to Southern Arizonans, and audiences as far away as China, in the process.
"I joke to my friends that as far as I'm concerned, it is like a hobby run amok," said Tim Secomb, vice president and personnel manager of the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra, which presents five pairs of local concerts and various special events each season.
Secomb, whose day job is professor of mathematics and physiology at the University of Arizona, said the all-volunteer community orchestra is made up of a mix of professional-level, amateur and student musicians with diverse backgrounds, ranging from engineers and physicians to retirees and school-bus drivers.
The group's diversity extends to its programming, chosen by music director Linus Lerner. Compositions range from world premieres and beloved classics to rare treasures and original works and often include collaborations with local groups or solo artists as well as national and international guest artists.
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Guests this season included teenage pianist George Li and Belgian-born cellist Thomas Landschoot. The orchestra, which toured five cities through China last winter, also welcomed guest conductor Tao Fan, National First Class Conductor in the People's Republic of China.
The orchestra will feature pianist Jesus Maria Figueroa from Mexico City in February, soprano Ana Paula Brunkow from Brazil and Italy along with the Southern Arizona Opera Company in April, and guitarists Eduardo Costa and Gabriel Navia in May.
"We can afford to be very adventurous in the music we play. We can take a little bit more risk. We play a wide range of different music since we can survive even if we do things that are not so well-known to audiences," Secomb said.
"In other words, we pre-sent some music that otherwise wouldn't be heard and our audiences get a different musical experience."
In its mission to promote the enjoyment of music for all ages, the orchestra sponsors an annual competition for local high school students, the winner of which gets the opportunity to play with the orchestra in a spring concert.
It also works to incorporate local traditions and special events into its programming: On March 12 and 13 it will commemorate the 300th anniversary of the death of Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino with concerts at St. Augustine Cathedral featuring the Coronation Mass of Mozart in conjunction with the Catalina Community Chorus and Tucson Masterworks Chorale.
President Debbie Bouchard, a local accountant, said the orchestra is both an outlet for musicians who love to play and a resource for people who want quality, memorable music at a reasonable price.
"Our music exposes the audience and the players to new experiences. Some will be liked, some will be loved and some will be hated, but it gives a good exposure of a broad variety of music," she said. "Especially for kids, we help them realize classical music isn't just one thing - it encompasses so much."
If you go
• What: Fifth Annual StarStruck Gala to benefit the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra
• When: 5 p.m. Jan. 29
• Where: MountainView Country Club, 38759 S. Mountain View Blvd., in SaddleBrooke
• Cost: $90 per person
• Etc: Festivities include a no-host bar and silent auction followed by dinner and a live auction featuring grand prizes such as the opportunity to conduct the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra and a sculpture by Tucson artist Dave Dame.
Master of ceremonies is Harold Dixon and featured entertainment is HarpFusion.
For tickets or more information go to www. sasomusic.org or call 323-7166.
Contact freelance writer Loni Nannini at ninch2@comcast.net
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