Samarkand, which translates from Persian to “hearts desire,” is one of the oldest cities in central Asia and was an important stop along the Silk Road. Its namesake in Santa Barbara has a long and storied history going from a cattle ranch to a posh boys’ school to a luxury resort named the Samarkand Persian Hotel. After numerous owners failed to make a go of it following WWII, it was torn down and eventually became a retirement community in 1966 which is still going strong. It occasionally presents concerts and other entertainments for its residents and Camerata Pacifia guiding light Adrian Spence was joined by a fabulous pianist Bridget Hough on the stage of Mountain Hall for an hour of delightful and spirited music, and, a brief history of the flute. Their performance of the beautifully lyrical 3rd movement of Prokofiev’s Sonata for Flute & Piano in D Major brought tears to my eyes as many memories of my parents, who lived in this Shangri La on the hill for over 20 years until their deaths, came flooding back. They would have enjoyed this concert a lot!
Bridget Hough and Adrian Spence performing at Mountain Hall, Samarkand Retirement Community 8/22/17
Bridget Hough and Adrian Spence performing at Mountain Hall, Samarkand Retirement Community 8/22/17
Bridget Hough and Adrian Spence performing at Mountain Hall, Samarkand Retirement Community 8/22/17
Adrian Spence greeting concert-goers at Mountain Hall, Samarkand Retirement Community 8/22/17
