Orchestral music echoed off the walls of the William S. Hart High School Auditorium on Sunday during the fourth Annual Pops Concert featuring Emeralde.
Some 40 members of the Santa Clarita Philharmonic graced the stage with Mark Gasbarro and Margie Russomanno of Emeralde to perform various themes from the movies and other pop-related music.
“It’s nice to bring something fun and enjoyable,” said Jeff Gilbert, the director of the Santa Clarita Philharmonic. “It appeals to a much wider audience.”
Gasborro of Emeralde is a sought-after pianist in the entertainment industry and has even had piano solos in the Academy Award winning movie, “Up.” The audience was lucky to see a live performance of those award-winning piano solos Sunday evening.
He lives in the Santa Clarita Valley and was enthusiastic to be sharing his talent with his own community.
“This is part of why we make art,” he said. “This is us being part of the community…and enriching the community with everyone’s gifts and good will.”
The concert was a success with hundreds of people in attendance, as Mark Elfont, the president of the Santa Clarita Philharmonic, pointed out. He started the philharmonic around four years ago with the longing to bring orchestral music to his own community.
“I felt there was a need for classical music (in Santa Clarita),” he said.
If you missed out on Sunday’s concert, the Santa Clarita Philharmonic will be performing again on May 21 at Hart High School.
