Los Olivos is a rustic chic hamlet tucked away in the hills about six miles from Solvang and is best known for its stellar wineries and tasting rooms – that give the just over 1,200 residents an influx of oenophiles and visitors alike. The town’s other festivities include the 42nd annual Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series held at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley (SYV Concert Series). The 2022-2023 season runs from October to May with five concerts that will feature innovative and substantial works – which is the vision of Artistic Director Robert Cassidy.
“When I came on in 2019 I was given carte blanche to decide what artists to engage and repertoire to program. This was an amazing opportunity. Of course, I had to honor and be mindful of the legacy that Rose Knowles created and kept going with the Dunn School Concerts for more than thirty years. In terms of audience engagement, I try to make each season fresh and always evolving,” says Cassidy. He describes having the Los Olivos area as backdrop “An incredible gift.”
But of course Cassidy is in demand as solo pianist and chamber musician, as a former member of the Almeda Trio during his tenure at Cleveland State University, collaborations with members of ensembles such as Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Calder Quartet, Camerata Pacifica, Boston Symphony - as well as recording works by composers of our time including Joel Feigen’s Four Elegies for Piano (MSR Classics) and David Noon’s Elegy Variations, Op. 97 (Albany Records).
The SYV Concert Series season opener on October 7 will feature a powerhouse collaboration between Cassidy and superstar baritone John Brancy who received a Grammy Award in 2020 for Best Opera Recording in his role as Mr. Fox, in Tobias Picker’s Fantastic Mr. Fox. (This program will include Mahler’s Songs of a Wayfarer). Other musical treats will feature Takacs Quartet, standout flutist Demarre McGill with Rodolfo Leone and new music devote Conor Hanick playing – well something old and something unusual. “It is a real coup for us to have the Takacs Quartet perform on our series for the first time. Since they and cutting edge pianist Conor Hanick are both planning on presenting music from Beethoven’s late period, we consider this a mini-festival of sorts for the great composer.”
Hanick’s program on March 1 will feature sonatas of Beethoven and Galina Ustvolskaya, a former student of Shostakovich who developed a style of writing that is personalized and at times walks a tight rope of conventionality – at least for some. “Hanick’s juxtaposition of sonatas by Beethoven and Ustvolskaya provides a fascinating idea of linking music written so many years apart, in different countries and cultures. It is so important for all audiences to experience music that might be unfamiliar to them. These concerts are growth opportunities for all present.”
In addition to responsibilities as artistic director, Cassidy also teaches at Music Academy of the West and is Director of Piano Chamber Music at Santa Barbara Strings - an institute that offers students aged 9-14 chamber music and orchestral training, master classes and concert appearances.
“Coaching young students in chamber music is such an indescribable joy. This might be my favorite musical activity. I feel like I’m giving them the opportunity to discover the wonders of musical collaboration and the rewards it brings – not financial, of course but the emotional and spiritual connection that is inherent in making music with other people.” Cassidy comments that these participants are of upper intermediate through advanced levels and eager to learn. “Being younger, the students are completely open and excited to discover and play this great repertoire for piano and strings. Music always has its challenges but if you treat students with a smile it helps immensely.”
SYV Concert Series gives performers and attendees plenty to cheer about as Cassidy shares some goals. “We plan on adding the components of educational and community outreach in Santa Barbara Country to reach more audiences, especially during 2023. Diversity of people attending as well as size of turnout are two things I have in the forefront of my mind when thinking about each season’s offerings. Everyone should be able to access and enjoy music and musicians of the highest caliber.”