The Santa Barbara Symphony and the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony both performed at the Granada Theatre in November. First up was the Symphony’s Stravinsky extravaganza starting with a collaboration among SBS, Ensemble Theatre Company and State Street Ballet for “The Soldier’s Tale,” a theatrical work based on a Russian folk tale about a soldier returning from war who trades his violin to the Devil for unlimited wealth, “to be read, played, and danced.” A septet of the Symphony’s finest led by Nir Kabaretti handled the complex score, Christopher Lloyd provided dramatic narration and actors Nick Ballard and Jamie Torcellini played the principals, all directed by ETC’s Jonathan Fox, while dancers Leila Drake, Cecily MacDougall, and James Folsom (taking over as the soldier for the dance portions) performed choreography by SSB’s William Soleau. Following intermission, the full Symphony took to the stage for a rousing “Rite of Spring.”
The Youth Symphony, part of SBS’s education wing, played a tight and fun show of seasonal favorites in a free to the community concert that was preceded by the opportunity for youngsters to try out various orchestral instruments under the guidance of SBS’s Music Van volunteers. It was the first time the Youth Symphony, under the direction of Andy Radford, played on the stage of the Granada Theatre, and it was a complete success!
