LINDA STAFFORD BURROWS, SERIES COORDINATOR

           ROBERT CASSIDY, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
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Donations to support the SYV Concert Series are welcome!

DONATE TO THE SYV CONCERT SERIES

​Transformation
Celebrating the Return of Live Concerts
Enjoy the recording below

Enjoy a recording of the first live performance offered by the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series since the pandemic began. On  Saturday, June 26, 2021 Artistic Director and pianist Robert Cassidy, and cellist extraordinaire Ani Aznavoorian performed three transformative works for cello and piano in the beautiful space of St. Mark's.
Beethoven's Sonata in C Major, Op 102 #1, Debussy's Sonata for Cello and Piano, and Brahms' Sonata in E Minor, Op. 38, were featured on the program, and each is a masterwork to nourish the soul.
Life has changed for all due to Covid-19, but music remains to help us carry on. Listen, and enjoy! 

Click for the Concert Program

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Beethoven Sonata for Piano and Cello in C Major
Op. 102 #1

Beethoven

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Debussy Sonata for Cello and Piano

Debussy

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Brahms Sonata in E Minor, Op. 38

Brahms

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A Benefit Concert
This was a free, benefit concert open to public. Those who wish are welcome to make donations of any amount to support upcoming presentations of world class artists ​in the SYV Concert Series at St. Mark's-in-the-Valley. You are invited to donate as you are able here (click button below) or at the door.

DONATE TO THE SYV CONCERT SERIES

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Questions? Clarifications? Email syvconcerts@smitv.org

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Meet the Artists
Pianist Robert Cassidy has received widespread acclaim for his performances and recordings of both solo piano repertoire and chamber music.  The Cleveland Plain Dealer review of his eponymous solo recording noted, “Cassidy demonstrates a keen grasp of varied styles on his new recital disc, which spans three centuries. with delicate and expressive sensitivity, savoring the magical atmospheres.”  In March 2016, Dr. Cassidy released his second solo disc “Pathways” which includes works by Chopin, Debussy and Joel Feigin. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music; and Doctor of Arts in Piano Chamber Music and Accompanying/Piano Performance from Ball State University. A sought after soloist, chamber musician, as well as teacher and coach, Dr. Cassidy has recently performed with Almeda Trio. Cleveland Orchestra and Mari Sato of the Cavani String Quartet. In addition to his performances, Dr. Cassidy continues his active teaching career based at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara.  Dr. Cassidy has been Artistic Director of the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series since 2019.

Cellist Ani Aznavoorian is described by The Strad Magazine as having “Scorchingly committed performances that wring every last drop of emotion out of the music. Her technique is well-nigh immaculate, she has a natural sense of theater, and her tone is astonishingly responsive.” Ms. Aznavoorian received both her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from The Juilliard School and continues to perform often in New York and also throughout the world including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, Tokyo Philharmonic, Helsinki Philharmonic, Finnish Radio Symphony, International Sejong Soloists, Belgrade Philharmonic, Juilliard Orchestra and Edmonton Symphony. Ms Aznavoorian also is a member of the faculty at summer festivals as well as the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana. This season marks Ms. Aznavoorian’s 14th year as principal cellist with Camerata Pacifica. A recent highlight was the honor of performing Lera Auerbach’s “Dreammusik” for Cello and Chamber Orchestra which was written and commissioned for her by Camerata Pacifica.  

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​Our 41st season of presenting great artists and performances begins in October!

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Looking ahead to the 41st Season in 2022: Are you interested in being a Series Sponsor, an Artist Sponsor, or a Season Subscriber with reserved seating?​
Contact Music Series Coordinator Linda Stafford Burrows at 805-705-0938 or syvconcerts@smitv.org