Staff Report –
The Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra will kick off its 25th year on Sunday, Nov. 1 with a Matinee Concert at 2 p.m. in the Great Lounge of the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park.
“Yes, 25 years,” said Les Masden. “We’re beginning our 25th Year. Our 25th Anniversary Year.“
It’s technically the start of the 22nd season, due to that three season COVID hiatus.
“No matter,” he said. “It’s the years that count, and BOY, have they ever!
“When I think back on the past 25 years, my mind immediately goes to the incredible number of wonderful musicians who’ve come through this organization over the years. And that always gladdens my heart, as I hope it does yours,” he said in the announcement on the web.
Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra
“We’ve lost so many, of course,” he said. “How could we not, when our very first season included some then in their 70s and 80s? But we look back upon them with such happiness, such affection – and especially with gratitude for the time they spent in this orchestra, and for all they shared of their musical lives to help make ours so much brighter.”
And so he’s dedicating the 25th Anniversary season to them
“To those wonderful late MYSO musicians whose talent and personalities built this orchestra and to the legacy they left us,” he added.
Somewhat surprisingly, he said, there are three or four of the Founding musicians who are not only still around, but still playing in this orchestra,” he said. “And they have many more years left to them, too!
“I am so thankful they and their peers and colleagues over the past many years have believed in this orchestra, in its mission, its accomplishments,” he continues. “And how they have meant so much to this entire region, and – I hope: to you. Because we do it all for you, and so: here’s to our first 25 years, and to all of YOU for supporting us.”
The opening concert will be held over the span of two weekends, just because of how Halloween falls on the calendar this year, he said, and also due to the availability of venues.
“But the most exciting part,” he said, is the Sunday, Nov. 1 Matinee Concert at 2 p.m. when “we will finally return to our second home: the Great Lounge of the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite.”
“Believe it or not,” he said, “we have not played in the Ahwahnee since October of 2019 – a full seven years!”
That following Spring, everything ground to a halt due to COVID and forced a hiatus. Even when the orchestra came back, he said, the Ahwahnee was undergoing its years-long renovations.
“But now – we’re BOTH back, and looking forward to our return to that grand old room in that magnificent 99-year-old landmark – where I hope you’ll join us.”
He invites everyone not to forget the next concert on Saturday, October 24 in the Fiester Auditorium where it all began – at 7 p.m.
“Why not join us for BOTH concerts?” he said. “After all: We musicians will all be there, so join us!”
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