The Moorpark College Symphony Orchestra performed, in front of a full house, Mozart’s “Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K. 183” directed by James J. Song in commemoration of Mozart’s 250th birthday on Oct. 7 at the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center

The first piece the symphony performed was “Festive Overture” composed by Soviet composer, Dimitri Shostakovich. Then they performed “Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K. 183” composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart when he was seventeen years-old.

After a brief intermission, Moorpark professor, Steve Burch, conducted his own piece, “Midnight Ride”, commemorating the famous ride of Paul Revere to warn the colonies of the coming British invasion.

The headline event was nineteen year-old classical guitarist Cameron O’ Connor. O’Connor has gained unheard of prestige for a guitarist his age. Throughout his young career, he is the first guitarist in CSUN’s history to have won the Concerto Competition at the age of eighteen. During his senior high school, O’Connor was the highest ranking guitarist in the Antelope Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale J.S. Bach Competition.

As O’Connor entered the stage, he was greeted with cheers and standing ovation. After performing “Concerto de Aranjuez for Guitar and Orchestra” by Joaquin Rodrigo, he was applauded with more cheers and standing ovation.

O’Connor returned on stage to give an encore solo performance of “Segovia” written by the father of modern classical guitar Andres Segovia.

Classical music isn’t my forte nor is it something that I will often listen to. However, after this show, I’ve decided to attend every Moorpark College Symphony Orchestra performance and chances are you’ll do the same.