The Ventura College Symphony Orchestra celebrated the coming of spring in their first concert of the year.

The orchestra, directed by Dr. Burns Taft, performed to a packed theater on Sautrday March 14.

The program opened with Beethoven-Meyers “Egmont Overture” led by Assistant Conductor David Gorospe, an Ojai music teacher and VC student. Taft has an extreme respect for Gorospe and his passion for music. The percussion went through the hatred and oppression of the Dutch from Spain.

The concert continued with “Symphony No.1 in C major, Opus 21” conducted by Taft, who was given a roar of applause from the audience.

During the intermission the audience was abuzz with delight.

“I am enjoying it,” said Patrick Rae, 33, a music major. Rae who is a student in Burns music theory class said that it’s a little different listening then learning about it. “In class its mostly about the theory, with intervals and scales.”

The last performance of the night was Chopin’s “Piano Concerto No.2” which soloist Louise Lofquist, a professor at Pepperdine University, performed.

She expressed her delight to perform with the orchestra.

“I really enjoyed playing with the Ventura Symphony,” said Lofquist. “I thought the orchestra played remarkably well, and conductor Burns Taft did a great job of keeping the orchestra together with me.”

A resident of Camarillo, Lofquist is known as one of “California’s best collaborative pianist,” as stated from the press release. Lofquist holds many degrees in various fields and is also vocal soloist. This will be Lofquist fourth time joining the VC symphony orchestra.

Her favorite part of the concert was Chopin “No.2” because of the beautiful music.
“It is perhaps the most beautiful nocturne (which means “night music”) ever written, and I especially loved playing that with the orchestra,” said Lofquist. “I am so grateful that Dr. Taft gives me the opportunity to perform with his up-and-coming orchestra every year.”