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CALIFORNIA PHILHARMONIC IS RIGHT ON TRACK
Arcadia Weekly May 07, 2012
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2012 Season Will Relocate to Santa Anita Park
After a press conference prior to the first Cal Phil concertof the season at the Los Angeles County Areboretum, Santa Anita Park officials confirmed Saturday that it will serve as the new home for the acclaimed California Philharmonic and its highly-successful Festival on the Green summer concert series beginning next summer.
All parties involved are working out the final details which will be announced by the second concert of this season. The new season at the spectacular venue will kick off on June 30, 2012 and will continue every other Saturday – July 14, 2012, July 28, 2012, August 11, 2012, August 25, 2012 – for a total of five concerts.
“Santa Anita Park is thrilled to announce its new association with Cal Phil and all of the exciting things that we have in store for concert-goers beginning next summer. ,” said George Haines, President of Santa Anita Park. “We take great pride in providing the Southland with the finest entertainment, and are pleased to not only offer first class horse racing, but now the best of summer concerts. The California Philharmonic is a front runner among orchestras-what better place for them to perform than at one of the world’s greatest outdoor pleasure grounds.”
With table and lawn seating on the plush green grass of the infield and the area’s best unobstructed view of the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Anita Park is the perfect backdrop to the great music performed by the California Philharmonic under the masterful direction of Maestro Victor Vener. But that is just the beginning. Cal Phil’s new summer home also boasts many amenities that will enhance the Festival on the Green experience for both the audience and musicians.
“Cal Phil is honored to call Santa Anita Park its new summer home beginning June 2012. I personally have always been a huge fan of the venue and everything it has to offer ranging from top tier horseracing to amazing views and atmosphere,” said Vener, who founded Cal Phil more than 15 years ago. “The energy at Santa Anita Park is palpable and we are thrilled to share the 2012 Festival on the Green concert series with our longtime followers as well as an ever-expanding new audience.”
Among its many distinctions, Santa Anita Park has ample and convenient onsite parking to accommodate every attendee, plentiful permanent restrooms and four full bars offering not only beer and wine but premium spirits. There will also be live video of the performance on jumbo video screens, allowing music lovers to witness the intricacy and wonder of music making, whether they are seated at a table or lounging on the lawn.
The unique space also features corporate BBQ pits for pre-party festivities and
pre-concert family-friendly activities that include pony rides, a musical instrument petting zoo and playground for the kids.
While attendees are able to bring their own picnic or fine bottle of wine, why would they when Santa Anita Park’s award-winning chefs will prepare a wide range of delicious dishes available for concert patrons to purchase on site.
Continuing Cal Phil’s Festival on the Green tradition, there will also be live jazz music pre-concert and, something new, post-concert. The live music will continue into the evening during the public after party where concert-goers will have the opportunity to speak with the Maestro and featured performers.
About Santa Anita Racetrack:
Prior to the 2012 California Philharmonic concert season, Santa Anita will conduct two live Thoroughbred race meetings, running Thursdays through Sundays from October 1 to November 6 and from December 26 to April 15, 2012.
Santa Anita Park is open every day of the year to watch horses in training from 5:00A to 10:00A and serves breakfast at Clockers’ Corner on the west end of the grandstand (enter Gate 8 off Baldwin Avenue).
Go to www.santaanita.com for more information.
About Cal Phil:
The mission of the CalPhil Foundation is to bring excellent and professional performances of great music to the widest possible audience.
To achieve our mission, we work to provide access to performances; serve as a major cultural resource; achieve regional, national and international recognition for the California Philharmonic; provide free and low-cost educational outreach concerts and programs for all people; encourage community involvement in the organization beyond concert attendance, through volunteer participation, network groups and leadership role opportunities.
Go to www.calphil.org for more information.
