Children take the spotlight at New West Symphony fundraiser

JOHN LOESING/Acorn Newspapers YOUNG TALENT—From left, Nelson Dodge, executive director of the New West Symphony, shares a moment with young piano virtuoso Alexander Agate of Moorpark and Ed Francis of Thousand Oaks, a music teacher assisting the symphony, following Alexander's performance on Sept. 21 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. The 13-year-old played Bach's "Concerto in D Minor" at the organization's annual Symphony of Wine fundraiser. Children aren't usually considered fans of classical music, but that old tune is changing.

Supporters of the New West Symphony bid more than $150,000 on live and silent auction items last weekend as part of the organization's annual Symphony of Wine fundraiser to support the group's youth music programs.

The Sept. 21 dinner and wine tasting at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village drew more than 250 people, including local dignitaries and supporters of the arts.

The event has raised more than $1 million since its inception in 2001.

Alexander Agate, an accomplished 13-year-old piano player from Moorpark, entertained the audience with a flawless performance of Bach's "Concerto in D Minor." Alex, a home-schooled student who is often found playing piano-cello duets with his sister, also is an accomplished violinist and plays with the California State University Northridge Youth Orchestra.

Earlier this year, Alexander was a featured artist of the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic.

New West Symphony's focus on youth includes annual performances called Symphonic Adventures led by internationally renowned music director Boris Brott.

In addition, the symphony sponsors a Music Van that travels to area schools and communities and provides children the opportunity to learn about classical instruments firsthand.

"Hundreds of kids at a time can get up close and personal to the instruments and try them out," said Nelson Dodge, New West Symphony executive director. "It becomes an entry point for young people to start developing an interest in music."

New West also offers a program called Front Row that allows parents and their children to obtain front-row seating at a greatly reduced price.

The New West Symphony is the resident orchestra of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center and Barnum Hall in Santa Monica.

The symphony gives more than 30 performances a year, including the Symphonic Adventures and 18 regular shows at the T.O., Oxnard and Santa Monica venues.

New West is the fifth-largest symphony orchestra in the Los Angeles region.

Gourmet meals, luxurious international vacations and magnum bottles of vintage red wines were among the items up for bid at last weekend's live auction.

"Everything that we raise we can give to the symphony," said Karl Klessig, the event chairman. "It's been a great thing for all of us to get together and make this happen."

Klessig's wife, Westlake Village Mayor Philippa Klessig, is also a New West supporter and attended the auction.

Bob and Pat Long of Long Vineyards were given the annual "Maestros of Food Wine" award at the Four Seasons gala. Their fiveacre estate in Napa Valley produces small lots of premium Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

For more information about the New West Symphony visit www.newwestsymphony.org.