On Sunday, September 29, we were delighted to host the Fremont Symphony Orchestra, prospective residents, and friends for A Taste of Broadway, an after noon of music and wine at our beautiful campus!
The first performance of the Symphony’s 2018-2019 concert season – for which many of us hold season tickets – is “BRAVO Broadway!” This fun show will pay tribute to classic Broadway musicals, including “Lés Miserables,” “Caberet,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Cats,” “Mamma Mia,” and other favorites. At the event, we were treated to an exclusive performance by the show’s stars.
The performers included vocalist Marcie Dodd, who is best known for mastering the starring role of Elphaba in the national tour of the hit musical “Wicked.” She sang rousing duets with Keith Bearden, whose accomplishments include more than 17 Broadway, national, and local performances, as well as providing back-up vocals for Barbara Streisand. Marcie and Keith were joined by famed vocalist and actor Fay Dewitt, who has held roles on TV classics like “Mork and Mindy” and “Three’s Company.” Carol Weiss, an award-winning pianist and composer who was once the musical director for the ABC TV series “General Hospital,” accompanied them on the piano.
“Acacia Creek residents and staff embody a successful aging culture, through which we focus on improving our overall wellness – social, intellectual, physical, and purposeful,” says Chuck Major, president and chief executive officer. “This event touched on all wellness categories: It was a marvelous opportunity to socialize with friends, to appreciate the stimulating music, to walk throughout campus, and to connect with the performances on a deep level.”
Prior to the main Symphony performance, we strolled through our picturesque campus, where we were serenaded by notable local musicians – cellist Dan Reiter and harpist Wendy Tamis. We enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres paired with tastings of local wines, courtesy of J. Lohr vineyards and wines. The samples included two award-winning Northern California vintages!
A Taste of Broadway gave a warm welcome to Jung-Ho Pak, the Symphony’s new artistic director and conductor. Jung-Ho’s remarkable career includes a role as music director of the San Diego Symphony, where he helped guide the orchestra’s emergence from bankruptcy to financial success. He has also been music director emeritus of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, as well as music director of the University of Southern California, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Colburn School of Music, University of California at Berkeley, and International Chamber Orchestra, among other distinctions. He has conducted throughout Europe, South America, and Asia, and is known for being a strong advocate of art, culture, and music education.
“We greatly appreciated the opportunity to host the Symphony and Jung Ho,” says Chuck. “We are looking forward to an exciting concert season!”
