For years, the grand scale of a full symphony orchestra has defined the sonic landscape of the Inland Empire. But on May 15, the San Bernardino Symphony is pivoting toward a more intimate architecture. The organization will debut its first small ensemble group, the San Bernardino Symphony Woodwinds Ensemble, in an inaugural performance designed to strip away the wall of sound and highlight the individual virtuosity of its principal players.
The concert, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. At the San Bernardino Valley College auditorium, represents a strategic evolution for the symphony under the leadership of music director Anthony Parnther. By carving out these smaller configurations, Parnther aims to bridge the gap between the audience and the musicians, offering a chamber music experience that is as much about the conversation between performers as We see about the composition.
This initiative is not a one-off event but the first step in a broader series of planned ensemble concerts. The focus on the wind section serves as a catalyst for a new era of programming that emphasizes versatility and accessibility, bringing high-caliber classical and contemporary music into a more concentrated, personal setting.
A Vision for Intimacy and Artistry
The creation of the Woodwinds Ensemble is the realization of a long-held goal for Anthony Parnther. Known for his commitment to diversifying the orchestral canon and expanding the reach of symphonic music, Parnther views these small ensembles as a way to showcase the “principal players” who often blend into the larger orchestral texture.
“Having our own ensembles made up of the principal players our audience members have enjoyed for so many years is something I have long desired for the San Bernardino Symphony,” Parnther stated in a recent announcement. “wait to bring this first of many planned ensemble concerts to our region and am particularly excited to begin with our outstanding wind section.”
The shift toward chamber music allows for a different kind of musical risk. Without the safety net of a full string section or the power of brass and percussion, the woodwind players must rely on precise synchronization and a heightened sense of listening. This vulnerability often results in a more emotive and transparent performance, allowing the audience to appreciate the nuance of each instrument’s timbre.
A Global Map of Sound
The program for the May 15 performance is curated as a geographical and emotional journey, spanning the Americas, and Europe. Parnther has assembled a repertoire that emphasizes “modern takes on traditional dance forms,” contrasting the natural world with the structured energy of metropolitan life.
The evening will feature a diverse array of composers, each bringing a distinct cultural lens to the stage:
- Paquito D’Rivera: The Cuban-American virtuoso’s “Aires Tropicales” brings the rhythmic vibrancy and syncopation of the Caribbean.
- Eric Ewazen: The “Roaring Fork Quintet” provides a sonic depiction of the American West, specifically the rushing waters and mountain vistas of the Colorado Rockies.
- Federico Ibarra: With “Juegos Nocturnos,” the ensemble explores the contemporary sounds of Mexico.
- Julio Medaglia: “Belle Epoque in Sud America” blends the elegance of European traditions with the spirit of Brazil.
- Francis Poulenc: The Sextet for Piano and Wind Quintet anchors the program in the neoclassical tradition of France, offering a sophisticated, witty contrast to the more rhythmic South American pieces.
Parnther notes that the program is designed around the concept of movement—ranging from the “physical flow of water” in Ewazen’s work to the “rhythmic flow” of the dances. By pairing the rustic imagery of the Roaring Fork with the urbanity of the “Belle Epoque,” the symphony creates a dialogue between the wild and the refined.
The Ensemble and Logistics
The inaugural performance will feature a curated group of the symphony’s top talent, accompanied by the harmonic foundation of the piano. The lineup includes:
- Patricia Cloud: Flute
- Marilyn Schram: Oboe
- Margaret Worsley: Clarinet
- Kristin Morrison: French horn
- Alex Rosales Garcia: Bassoon
- Mitsuko Morikawa: Piano
For those planning to attend, the event is hosted at the San Bernardino Valley College auditorium, located at 701 S. Mount Vernon Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., an hour before the 7:30 p.m. Start time. Free parking is available adjacent to the auditorium.
| Event | Date | Time | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodwinds Ensemble Debut | May 15 | 7:30 p.m. | $20 – $100 |
| Student (with adult) | May 15 | 7:30 p.m. | $15 |
| Youth & Overture Orchestra | May 17 | 3:00 p.m. | $10 |
Tickets for the Woodwinds Ensemble are tiered from $20 to $100 and can be purchased via the official symphony website at sanbernardinosymphony.org, by calling 909-381-5388, or at the door. The symphony is also offering a discounted rate of $15 for students accompanied by an adult, reflecting a continued effort to engage younger audiences in the arts.
Investing in the Next Generation
The musical activity in San Bernardino extends beyond the professional ensemble. Following the Woodwinds debut, the symphony will turn its focus toward its educational pipeline. On May 17 at 3 p.m., the San Bernardino Symphony’s Youth Orchestra and Overture Orchestra will perform their own concert at the Valley College Auditorium.
This sequence of events—moving from the mastery of the principal players to the raw potential of the youth orchestras—highlights the symphony’s role as both a cultural beacon and a teaching institution. By keeping ticket prices low for the youth concert ($10), the organization ensures that the community can witness the growth of local talent.
The May 15 concert serves as the first confirmed checkpoint in a new series of ensemble-based performances. While the full schedule for subsequent small-group concerts has not yet been released, the success of the Woodwinds Ensemble will likely dictate the timing and composition of future chamber groups within the symphony.
Do you think chamber music makes the symphony more accessible to new listeners? Share your thoughts in the comments or share this article with a fellow music lover.
