You might think that a season called “Why Beethoven?” would mostly feature the music of Beethoven, right? Well, if you know anything about Camerata Pacifica Artistic Director Adrian Spence, maybe not. He’s a passionate proponent of classical music and it’s relevance in people’s lives in our overstimulated times, and he likes to take an intellectual and curiosity driven approach to his programming. So, the 2018-19 season with that provocative title, is an exploration of the importance and impact of Beethoven by mixing one piece by him with some by others, from Hayden, Brahms and Mozart to Adams, Glinka, Ives, Arensky and more, tracing an arc from his predecessors and contemporaries to living composers. It’s a matter of showing connections and prodding listeners to make their own. The third installment, and second Concert in October, featured the outstanding playing of oboist Nicholas Daniel, violinists Kristin Lee and Jason Uyeyama, violist Richard O’Neill and cellist Ani Azanoorian. Brilliant playing and “different” programming makes for challenging and delightful listening. If you want to experience chamber music at its best and most rewarding in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Marino and Ventura, this is the ticket.
