New Years Eve at the Symphony

By Bonnie Carroll

Celebrating New Year’s Eve at the Granada with the Santa Barbara Symphony has been a special night for area residents for many years, and I am one of them. While attending the New Year’s with The Symphony this weekend I found myself reminiscing over past years enjoying this annual performance at the Granada with family and friends. The only change in 2022 was seeing everyone wearing masks. Over 800 patrons attended and enjoyed this year’s special performance.

The 2022 New Year’s Eve with the Santa Barbara Symphony included the musical talent of Guest Conductor Bob Bernhardt, Baritone Cedric Berry, and Pianist Natasha Kislenko, who were all outstanding and included a program of cherished favorites, featuring a selection of compositions from renowned Hollywood films that had audience members clapping and applauding.

A new addition to the annual evening performance was a dedication to our Veterans Medley lead by guest conductor Bob Weinman, highlighting members of individual armed services with those veterans in attendance standing to be recognized as their individual branch anthem was performed. It was very touching and a wonderful tribute to our Santa Barbara Veterans. The performance of the beloved Burns “Auld Lang Syne” was also appreciated by the audience.

Peter Martin and Kathryn R. Martin, President & CEO, welcoming guests to The Santa Barbara Symphony

Bravo to Kathryn R. Martin, The Symphony President & CEO, her team, and the volunteers for bringing the community together to celebrate 2022 with family and friends in a safe compliant environment. Special congratulations to The Symphony for meeting their 2021 financial matching $50,000 goal in support of The Symphony during this event, with generous matching from Sarah & Roger Chrisman, which bring music and music education to the community.

Sponsors for the 2020 New Year’s Eve with The Symphony included Montecito Bank & Trust, Principal Concert Sponsor, Dr. Bob Weinman, Baton Sponsor, Sarah & Roger Chrisman, 2021/22 Season Sponsors, 2021/22 Corporate Season Sponsor Montecito Bank & Trust, The Granada Theatre 2021/22 Grand Venue Sponsor.

Upcoming season events include Fandango Picante, conducted by Maestro Nir Kabaretti with Anne Akiko Myers on Violin Saturday and Sunday January 15-16. Georges Bizet, Selections from Carmen Suite, Rimsky-Korsakov, Capriccio Espagnol, Arturo Marques, Fandango Violin Concerto, Arturo Marquez, Danzon No.2 will be performed. For information please visit: www.TheSymphony.org.