On a chilly, wet and dark night last November, 35 musicians gathered to begin rehearsing for their spring concert. It was just one week after their “sold out” performance of “OLLI ooh la la” and six months before their next concert, scheduled for May 18. “The musicians were excited to discover what new challenges lie […]
Britta Tigan, Friend of OLLI Orchestra
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See “OLLI ooh la la” free concert this Sunday
“OLLI ooh la la” delightfully mixes fairy tales, scandalous songs, a sleepy satyr, and a dance of faraway lands with a conductor who also performs. OLLI Orchestra’s free concert of imaginative and charming (mostly) French music takes place Sunday, November 19, at 2 p.m. The concert features the music of Maurice Ravel, Claude Debussy, Jean-Philippe […]
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OLLI Orchestra thanks community for a full house
Nearly all the guests at the May 7 OLLI Orchestra’s concert had registered for free tickets. It “sold out” Sunday morning and a wait list was started on Eventbrite. Folks who had ordered too many tickets brought in their extras, so everyone who came was able to claim a seat. It was perfect. No standing in the […]
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OLLI Orchestra’s Free Concert Offers Music Written by Prodigies
OLLI, Nevada County’s Community Orchestra, presents “Mozart, Mason & More” on Sunday, May 7, at 2 p.m. Two pieces by Mozart will be performed. “The Living Daylights” Bond-film fans will recognize his “Symphony No. 40.” This tragic symphony contrasts well with his rambunctious “Overture to The Abduction from the Seraglio,” also featured on the program. […]
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OLLI Orchestra’s Violists Speak Out
Some musicians love to perform; others prefer rehearsals. For OLLI Orchestra violist Gregory Geraldo, rehearsal time is “sacred.” OLLI Orchestra has performed continually since 1978. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) adopted the group in 2005. Musicians live locally and pay a fee to join the group. OLLI is multi-generational. The youngest musician this year is […]
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OLLI Orchestra’s Free Concert “Mozart, Mason & More” on May 7
OLLI’s most recent concert last December caused a problem for Sierra College. Too many people came! “OLLI’s concerts in recent years have been packed, but this was the first time folks had to stand in the aisles,” says Britta Tigan, marketing volunteer. “Sure, it’s free. However, classical music scares, or even bores, some people.” “Classical […]
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OLLI Orchestra Invites You to Listen to the Music of Birds
Classical music uplifts listeners. It can excite, inspire, surprise and confuse. Attendees at OLLI Orchestra’s free concert, “Melody Takes Flight,” on Sunday, December 4, will probably find the last piece, “Chicken Reel,” funny. Forget traditional holiday music! This concert’s music is all about birds. OLLI’s music will spark your imagination. You’ll hear the music while […]
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Jolán Friedhoff to perform “Lark Ascending” at the free OLLI Orchestra winter concert on Dec. 4
OLLI Orchestra’s concert “Melody Takes Flight” features classical music inspired by birds. The 90-minute concert takes place at Sierra College, Grass Valley, on Sunday, December 4 at 2 p.m. The orchestra’s guest soloist, Jolán Friedhoff, has been friends with OLLI Conductor Wayland Whitney for many years. “We’re so fortunate to benefit from Jolán’s connection to […]
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OLLI Orchestra begins rehearsals next week – new members welcome!
OLLI Orchestra, Nevada County’s Community Orchestra, encourages local musicians to join this fall. Dedicated professional and amateur players have kept the group rehearsing and performing for 42 years. “It’s most important to me that all musicians take great pleasure in playing music. Everyone performs to the best of their ability and everyone has a great […]
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OLLI Orchestra’s Free Concert this Sunday, May 22
OLLI Orchestra will perform the world premiere of a Ukrainian folk song on Sunday. Flutist George Husaruk arranged the music just for OLLI Orchestra. He adapted the traditional Ukrainian melody “Life Is a Stormy Sea” because both parents were born in that war-ravished country. “I have lots of relatives living in Ukraine. This is my […]
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Young Conductor Invites Local Musicians to Join Nevada County’s Community Orchestra
OLLI Orchestra (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) re-starts this month after a two year hiatus. The orchestra was founded 42 years ago by local musicians who wanted to play orchestral music in a relaxed, welcoming organization. Before the pandemic break, OLLI’s free concerts were filled to capacity. OLLI’s exciting new conductor, Wayland Whitney, invites local musicians […]