Performance Archive

And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson 

Play by Jim Leonard Jr.

Directed by
Nathan Cole

Scenic & Lighting Design by 
Jamie Birkett

Costume and Make-up Design by
Anais Libunao

Five Performances:

Wednesday, April 29, 7:00pm (Free Preview)

Thursday, April 30, 3:00pm (Pay What You Can)

Friday, May 1, 7:00pm

Saturday, May 2, 3:00pm

Sunday, May 3 3:00pm 

Yunker Auditorium 

Ventura College

4700 Loma Vista Rd.

Ventura CA 93003

RESERVE TICKETS 

Don’t miss Ventura College’s upcoming production of “And they Dance Real Slow in Jackson” by Jim Leonard Jr. Nathan Cole directs this raw and deeply human story about a young girl with polio navigating growing up in small-town America — the play is unflinching in its honesty, and ultimately a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. (preview: April 29, performances: April 30-May 3). 

“And they Dance Real Slow in Jackson” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service. www.concordtheatricals.com 

Gathered in Song

VCCCD Choirs at the San Buenaventura Mission

Ventura College Concert Choir: Brent Wilson, Director

Ventura College Singers: Brent Wilson, Director

Ventura College Community Chorus: Luvi Avendano, Director

Oxnard Chorus: Christina Ramsey, director

Moorpark Chorus: David Castillo, director

One Performance: 

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 7:00pm 

San Buenaventura Mission 

211 E Main St.

Ventura, CA 93001

FREE COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE 
FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED SEATING

On Friday, April 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM Choirs from all three of Ventura Community College District – Ventura College, Oxnard College, and Moorpark College – will present a joint evening of beautiful music (including selections from Gioachino Rossini's Petite messe solennelle and Copland's Old American Songs) under the direction of Brent Wilson, Luvi Avendano, Christina Ramsey, and David Castillo. You won't want to miss this amazing program of choral gems as our district's choirs join musical forces in the vibrant acoustics of the historic San Buenaventura Mission.

Kids Concert

Ventura College Instrumental Music

Ashley Walters, Director

One Performance: 

Friday, April 24, 2026: 11:15 – 11:45 AM

VC Performing Arts Center Room 139

4700 Loma Vista Rd.

Ventura, CA 93003

FREE COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE 
FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED SEATING

Join us for a fun-filled morning of live music made just for kids! Sing along with a string quartet, enjoy the sounds of our Guitar Ensemble, and groove to favorite kids' songs and more — all hosted by the one and only Duane Bartels. It's a free, family-friendly performance you won't want to miss!

VC Chamber Music at the San Buenaventura Mission

Ashley Walters, Director 

One Performance: 

Thursday, April 23, 7:00pm 

San Buenaventura Mission 

211 E Main St.

Ventura, CA 93001

FREE COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE 
FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED SEATING

The VC Chamber Music program will present an evening of intimate musical exploration on Thursday, April 23 at 7 PM at the San Buenaventura Mission. Under the direction of Ashley Walters, talented student musicians perform chamber works from across the musical spectrum. This dynamic program showcases the versatility and artistry of small ensemble performance, featuring works that traverse diverse styles, periods, and traditions. From classical masterworks to contemporary innovations, this concert will offer the audience an opportunity to experience the power and precision of chamber music in an intimate setting.

The Laurel Project

Discussion & Music with composer Jocelyn Hagen

Blood Money: The rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes

Monday, April 13, 12:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd.

Ventura CA 93003

RESERVE TICKETS (FREE)

Jocelyn Hagen composes music that has been described as "simply magical" (Fanfare Magazine) and "dramatic and deeply moving" (Star Tribune). A pioneer in her field, she pushes the expectations of musicians and audiences with large-scale multimedia works, electro-acoustic music, dance, and opera. The majority of her compositions are for the voice — solo, chamber, and choral — and her melodic music is rhythmically driven, texturally complex, and deeply heartfelt.

In 2019 she premiered her multimedia symphony The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci, combining choir, orchestra, and film with video projections highlighting da Vinci's drawings, inventions, and texts. The work has been performed over fifty times across the United States and internationally. Her dance opera Test Pilot received the 2017 American Prize in the opera division and a Sage Award for Outstanding Design. Her second opera The Song Poet, the first Hmong story brought to the operatic stage, was commissioned by Minnesota Opera in 2023 and sold out six months before its premiere.

As an advocate for gender equality in music, Hagen founded Compose Like A Girl, an initiative that amplifies female-identifying composers, helps conductors diversify their programming, and provides mentorship to emerging women composers. She is also one half of Nation, an a cappella duo with composer Timothy C. Takach, and together they perform and serve as clinicians for choirs worldwide.

For complete bio, please visit: www.jocelynhagen.com

Ventura College Symphony Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor

Featuring winners from the 2026 Allegro Solo Competition:

Geraldine Cabanban, violin

Tyler Edwards, viola

One Performance:

Saturday, March 21, 2:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

RESERVE TICKETS (PAY WHAT YOU CAN)

Join us on Saturday, March 21 at 2:00 PM as conductor Ashley Walters leads Winners of the 2026 Allegro Solo Competition and the Ventura College Symphony Orchestra in an afternoon of soaring music. In addition to selections from Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet Swan Lake, violinist Geraldine Cabanban performs Mozart's sparkling Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major; violist Tyler Edwards takes center stage for Rebecca Clarke's luminous "Sonata." One performance only! Pay-what-you-can pricing. 

"A Sunday Matinee of Jazz"

VC Jazz Band, Fundi Legohn, director

One Performance:

Sunday, March 15, 3:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

RESERVE TICKETS

On Sunday, March 13, 2026 at 3 PM, The VC Jazz Band returns for their spring program, presenting an afternoon of jazz under the direction of Fundi Legohn. The concert features the full range of the ensemble — guitar, woodwinds, brass, and percussion — with vocal influences woven throughout. 

The Laurel Project

Ovanes Arakelyan, Piano

Wendy Castellanos (Dance and Choreography)

Hugo Nogueira, Guitar

Christina Ramsey, Mezzo-soprano

Victoria Sabonjohn, Oboe

Scott Wolf, Guitar

Maia Zander, Violin

& Flamenco 805 Dancers

One Performance:

Monday, March 2, 12:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd.

Ventura CA 93003

RESERVE TICKETS (FREE)

Songs and dances from Spain, Latin America, and beyond take center stage in this afternoon concert featuring Ventura College faculty and guest artists. The program moves through Brazilian choro, Argentine tango, Spanish flamenco, and folk song, with works by Villa-Lobos, Piazzolla, Granados, and De Falla performed by an ensemble of piano, guitar, violin, oboe, and voice. Guest artists Wendy Castellanos and the dancers of Flamenco 805 will join the musicians for this performance. Free and open to the public.
 

Presented as part of The Laurel Project: Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

Flamenco 805 Dancers: Danielle Brown, Christele Cazin, Masami Cowling, Lori Montoya, Adela Oregon, Pilar Ortega, McKenna Parcher, and Tracye Williams

VC Music Theatre & Opera presents:

“The Old Maid and The Thief”

By Gian Carlo Menotti

Plus Scenes from Operetta & Musical Theater

Brent Wilson, stage director

Shio Tepper, music director/pianist

Jamie Birkett, Scenic & Lighting Design

Anais Libunao: Costume Design

PURCHASE TICKETS

Three Performances:

Thursday, Feb 5
– Saturday, Feb 7

Thurs/Fri: 7:00pm

Saturday: 2:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Studio Theatre

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

VC Music Theatre & Opera presents Gian Carlo Menotti's delightful comic opera The Old Maid and the Thief, a razor-sharp satire about small-town gossip, moral hypocrisy, and misplaced desires. When a mysterious stranger arrives in town, spinster Miss Todd and her maid hatch a scheme that spirals out of control. The evening also features compelling scenes from works including The Secret Garden, Little Women, and Next to Normal, plus an exciting new commission.

"Echoes of Andalucia"

Presented by The Laurel Project

Adam del Monte, Guitar

One Performance:

Tuesday, February 3, 12:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd.

Ventura CA 93003

Join acclaimed guitarist Adam del Monte for an intimate journey through the passionate heart of Spanish flamenco and classical guitar. A recording artist for Deutsche Grammophon and faculty member at USC, del Monte seamlessly bridges tradition and innovation, drawing on his training with legendary flamenco masters in Spain and his work with major orchestras worldwide.

This solo recital features del Monte's own evocative flamenco compositions—including Soleá, Minera, Alegrías, and Sevillanas—alongside Albéniz's beloved Granada and Sergio Assad's Three Spanish Impressions. Experience the raw emotion of authentic flamenco palos and the lyrical beauty of Spanish classical repertoire in one captivating afternoon performance.

Presented as part of The Laurel Project: Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

One Performance: 

Saturday, December 6, 3:00 PM

Music Department Winter Concert 

VC Chamber Choir (Brent Wilson, director)

VC Jazz Band (Fundi Legohn, director)

VC Wind Ensemble (Nicholas Akdag, director)

VC Orchestra (Ashley Walters, director)

Performing Arts Center
Helen Yunker Auditorium
4700 Loma Vista Rd.
Ventura, CA 93003

On Saturday, December 6 at 3:00 PM, the VC Chamber Choir, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra team up for an afternoon of beautiful music to celebrate the season and to highlight some of our amazing performing ensembles. Under the direction of Brent Wilson, Fundi Legohn, Nicholas Akdag, and Ashley Walters, this program will be a varied celebration of selections from across the musical spectrum!

FREE COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE!

Jazz...the Best Medicine

VC Jazz Band & Combo Concert (Fundi Legohn, Director)
 

One Performance:


Friday, December 5, 7:00pm

Performing Arts Center


Helen Yunker Auditorium


4700 Loma Vista Rd

Ventura, CA 93003

RESERVE TICKETS
 

Need a prescription for the holiday blues? On December 5, 2025, the VC Jazz Band has just what the doctor ordered! Join us at 7:00 PM in the Helen Yunker Auditorium for an evening of swinging standards, and soulful improvisations. Under the direction of Fundi Legohn, our jazz combo will present a program including a bit of everything – from timeless classics to fresh contemporary arrangements. 

Cross Currents {Act 2}

VC Chamber Music

Ashley Walters, Director 

One Performance: 

Wednesday, December 3, 4:00pm 

VC Performing Arts Center, Room 139

4700 Loma Vista Rd

Ventura, CA 93003

FREE COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE 

The VC Chamber Music program will present an afternoon of musical exploration on Wednesday, December 3 at 4 PM at VC's Performing Arts Center (Room 139). Under the direction of Ashley Walters, talented student musicians perform chamber works from across the musical spectrum. This dynamic program showcases the versatility and artistry of small ensemble performance, featuring works that traverse diverse styles, periods, and traditions. From classical masterworks to contemporary innovations, "Cross Currents, Act 2" offers audiences an opportunity to experience the power and precision of chamber music in an intimate setting.

VC Chamber Music at the San Buenaventura Mission

Ashley Walters, Director 

One Performance: 

Friday, November 21, 7:00pm 

San Buenaventura Mission 

211 E Main St.

Ventura, CA 93001

FREE COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE 
FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED SEATING

The VC Chamber Music program will present "Cross Currents," an evening of intimate musical exploration on Friday, November 21 at 5 PM at the San Buenaventura Mission. Under the direction of Ashley Walters, talented student musicians perform chamber works from across the musical spectrum. This dynamic program showcases the versatility and artistry of small ensemble performance, featuring works that traverse diverse styles, periods, and traditions. From classical masterworks to contemporary innovations, "Cross Currents" offers audiences an opportunity to experience the power and precision of chamber music in an intimate setting.
 

VC Fall Dance Production

Directed by Krenly Guzman Gonzalez 

Three Performances:

Thursday, November 20, 7:30pm

Friday, November 21, 7:30pm

Saturday, November 22, 7:30pm 

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd.

Ventura, CA 93003

RESERVE TICKETS 

I've Known Rivers

VC Choirs at the San Buenaventura Mission

VC Concert Choir & VC Singers

Brent Wilson, Director

VC Community Choir

Luvi Avendano, Director

One Performance: 

Thursday, November 20, 7:00pm 

San Buenaventura Mission 

211 E Main St.

Ventura, CA 93001

FREE COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE 
FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED SEATING

On November 20, 2025, the VC Choirs will present an evening of beautiful music at the historic San Buenaventura Mission (7:00 PM). Under the direction of Brent Wilson and Luvi Avendano, VC Concert Choir, Singers and Community Choir present a rich program of choral gems, with selections including "Sacred Place" by Alex Berko and Gwyneth Walker's "I’ve Known Rivers" (based on Langston Hughes's famous poem). This special concert is presented in the harmonically vibrant acoustics of the historic San Buenaventura Mission.

 

Harvey 

Play by Mary Chase

Directed by
Will Pellegrini

Scenic Design by 
Will Pellegrini & Jamie Birkett

Costume and Make-up Design by
Anais Libunao

Lighting Design by
Paul Oseguera

Assistant Directed & Choreographed by
Savannah Atchison-Maldonado

Five Performances:

Wednesday, November 12, 7:00pm (Free Preview)

Thursday, November 13, 7:00pm

Friday, November 14, 7:00pm

Saturday, November 15, 3:00pm

Sunday, November 16, 3:00pm 

Studio Theatre 

Ventura College

4700 Loma Vista Rd.

Ventura CA 93003

RESERVE TICKETS 

VC Theatre Arts presents Mary Chase's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Harvey this November 12–16. Directed by Will Pellegrini, Step into the delightful world of "Harvey", Mary Chase’s classic comedy about Elwood P. Dowd — a charming young man whose best friend just happens to be an invisible, six-foot-tall rabbit! As Elwood’s peculiar companion turns his family’s world upside down, laughter and heartwarming surprises abound. Don’t miss this whimsical tale that reminds us that a little imagination can make life wonderfully extraordinary!
 

Friends in Harmony

Presented by The Laurel Project

Ani Aznavoorian, cello

April Amante, soprano

Brian Hotchkin, baritone

Armen Guzelimian, piano

One Performance:

Monday, November 3, 12:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd.

Ventura CA 93003

RESERVE TICKETS (FREE)

Experience an afternoon of musical camaraderie as artists Ani Aznavoorian (cello), April Amante (soprano), VC Voice Faculty Brian Hotchkin (baritone), and celebrated pianist Armen Guzelimian join forces for Friends in Harmony. This vibrant program showcases voice and cello in a diverse program of chamber music, art song, opera arias and duets, and a few surprises. Enjoy works by composers including Lehár, Leoncavallo, Donizetti, Cole Porter, and more!

Presented as part of The Laurel Project: Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

VC Symphony Orchestra Concert

Ashley Walters, Conductor

One Performance: 

Saturday, November 1, 3:00pm 

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd.

Ventura, CA 93003

RESERVE TICKETS (PAY WHAT YOU CAN)

Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue 
(Felix Eisenhauer, piano)
GUERRA: Old Havana*
Lawson: Tumaini 
Márquez: Danzón No. 2 
MENZIES: Encantos*
POWERS: Celebration*
THOLL: Another Way Forward 
(but still in front of you)*

* World Premiere Performance
 

On November 1, 2025, the VC Symphony Orchestra will present a concert at 3:00 PM in the Helen Yunker Auditorium under the direction of Ashley Walters. The diverse program is a celebration of Ventura College's Centennial. Repertoire includes works by VC's Composition Faculty: Yalil Guerra, Ollie Powers, and Andrew Tholl; Tumaini (which means hope) composed by former VC Department Chair and Schwab Director Robert Lawson; Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez (VC Orchestra gave the west coast premiere), as well as George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue (which celebrated it's own centennial last year) with VC faculty Felix Eisenhauer as soloist. In addition, the program will include a new work being written for the VC Symphony Orchestra by New Zealand composer Mark Menzies. The concert and the premiere will mark the end of a week long residency where Menzies will be working with Ventura College students in a series of classes, masterclasses, and workshops.  

Frankenstein The Musical

Music by Mark Baron

Book & Lyrics by Jeffrey Jackson

Original Story Adaptation by Gary P. Cohen

Directed by Brent Wilson

Set & Lighting Design: Jamie Birkett

Costume & Makeup Design: Anais Libunao 

Four Performances:

Thursday, October 23, 7:00pm

Friday, October 24, 7:00pm

Saturday, October 25, 1:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd.

Ventura, CA 93003

RESERVE TICKETS ($10-$20)

This October 23–25, 2025, VC Musical Theatre program presents "Frankenstein The Musical" at the Helen Yunker Auditorium. With earnest ballads and soaring ensemble numbers, this compelling musical brings the suspense and romance of the classic tale to life in a uniquely faithful, yet thoroughly innovative adaptation of Mary Shelley’s original novel. In his quest to discover the secret of life, Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant young scientist, creates a human of his own design that turns out to instead be a horrifying beast. This is no “Hollywood monster,” but a flesh-and-blood man who, while terrifying in appearance, grows to become articulate, cunning, and thirsting for revenge upon the creator who abandoned him. A tragic love story and exploration of humanity, Frankenstein: The Musical breathes new life into the world-renowned story of man and creator pitted against one another in epic battle. Brent Wilson directs.

VC Jazz Band & Combo Concert


Directed by Fundi Legohn
 

One Performance:


Sunday, October 12, 3:00pm

Performing Arts Center


Helen Yunker Auditorium


4700 Loma Vista Rd

Ventura, CA 93003

RESERVE TICKETS
 

On October 12, 2025, the VC Jazz Band & Combos will present an afternoon concert at 3:00 PM in the Helen Yunker Auditorium. The performance will feature a dynamic program of classic jazz standards and contemporary works, showcasing the improvisational artistry, rhythmic drive, and expressive range of Ventura College’s talented jazz students. Under the direction of Fundi Legohn, the combo highlights small-group interplay and solo creativity – a chance to hear the next generation of jazz musicians in an intimate concert setting.
 

Fortuna Wind Quintet

Presented by The Laurel Project 

Suzanne Duffy, flute

Kimaree Gilad, oboe

Sarra Hey, clarinet

Nick Akdag, bassoon

Jon Titmus, horn

One Performance:

Monday, October 6, 12:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd.

Ventura CA 93003

RESERVE TICKETS (FREE)

The Laurel Project's second concert will feature the return of the Fortuna Wind Quintet. This ensemble is formed by VC faculty members Kimaree Gilad on oboe, Nick Akdag on bassoon, and Jon Titmus on horn, joined by guest artists Suzanne Duffy on flute and Sarra Hey on clarinet. In honor of the college’s centennial, the program will highlight works of a similar vintage, including Carl Nielsen’s Wind Quintet, Op. 43 – a piece written 102 years ago. The ensemble will also perform Gordon Jacob’s Wind Quintet No. 2.

Presented as part of The Laurel Project: Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

Greek Rebetiko Trio

Presented by The Laurel Project

Dimitris Mann, bouzouki

Anastasia Malliaras, soprano

Taso Comanescu, guitar

One Performance:

Monday, September 8, 12:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. 

Ventura CA 93003

FREE RESERVED SEATING

The Laurel Project opens its fourth season with the Greek Rebetiko Trio, bringing audiences the raw, improvisational sounds of rebetiko - Greece's "outlaw blues" that emerged from urban tavernas and hashish dens a century ago. Each performance showcases the virtuosic skills that have made this trio captivating since 2014. The group is led by Dimitris Mann, a multi-award-winning composer who has worked under legends like Hans Zimmer and contributed music to over 100 films and TV shows. At the same time, some of his deepest musical roots trace back to his grandfather's Piraeus barbershop where rebetiko filled the air, which has driven his mission to keep this unique musical heritage alive. Joining him are soprano Anastasia Malliaras, a multifaceted singer who brings empathetic vocal storytelling and a colorful vocal timbre to a wide variety of music projects, and guitarist Taso Comanescu, whose subtly nuanced performances have gained acclaim around the globe. Together, they will weave stories of exile, love, and the human experiences while introducing audiences to this authentic Greek folk tradition.

Presented as part of The Laurel Project: Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

Mahler Symphony No. 1: "The Titan"
Schwab Summer Orchestra

Saturday, July 19 at 4:00pm 
(Lobby Opens at 3:00PM)

Performing Arts Center
Helen Yunker Auditorium
4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Pay-What-You-Can Admission: Click Here to purchase

On Saturday, July 19, the Schwab Academy Summer Orchestra (Ashley Walters, conductor) caps off the 2025 summer season with Mahler's Symphony No. 1. This symphony, subtitled "The Titan," is a bold and dynamic work that showcases the composer’s early genius. From its sweeping pastoral moments to its thrilling climaxes, this concert offers a compelling introduction to Mahler’s symphonic voice.

Schwab Academy Chamber Music

Friday, July 11 at 5:00pm (Lobby Opens at 4:00PM)
Saturday, July 12 at 4:00pm (Lobby Opens at 3:00PM)
Friday, July 18 at 5:00pm (Lobby Opens at 4:00PM)

Performing Arts Center
Helen Yunker Auditorium
4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Pay-What-You-Can Admission: 
Click Here to purchase

On July 11, 12, & 18, students from our Chamber Music program (Ashley Walters, director) present varied and engaging selections of chamber works from classical masterworks to lesser-known gems. All performances take place at the VC Performing Arts Center's Helen Yunker Auditorium (4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003). The lobby opens one hour prior to each performance. Admission is Pay-What-You-Can, and can be purchased prior to concerts by visiting www.ventura.vbotickets.com. 

Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition

Featuring the Schwab Academy Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor
 

Two Performances:

Saturday, July 5 at 4:00 PM (Category A)

Carlos Ozuna: Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major K. 219, “Turkish”
Isabella Zhou: Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26
Leonora Vukovitz: Julius Conus Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 1

Sunday, July 6 at 4:00 PM (Category B)

Maya Kim: Mozart – Violin Concerto No. 5 (Mvt. 3)
Nicole Alexander: Lalo – Symphonie Espagnole (Mvt. 1)
Yiyi Chang: Ten Have – Allegro Brillante Op. 19
Leo McDonnell: Saint-Saëns – Introduction et Rondo Capriccioso

Pay-What-You-Can Admission

Click Here to purchase

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Schwab Academy kicks of its 2025 Summer Season with the finals of the 15th Annual Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition, featuring the Schwab Academy Summer Orchestra (Ashley Walters, Conductor). Competing in two categories, our incredible finalists compete on Saturday, July 5 (Category A) and Sunday, July 6 (Category B). Concerts Begin at 4:00PM | Lobby Opens at 3:00PM

"Odyssey"

Ventura College Chamber Music
Ventura College Wind Ensemble

Ovanes Arakelyan, Nick Akdag, Hugo Nogueira: directors

One Performance:

Sunday, May 18, 12:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Sunday, May 18, at 12:00 PM, students from the Ventura College Chamber Music program (Ovanes Arakelyan & Nick Akdag, directors) as well as Guitar Ensemble (Hugo Nogueira, director) wrap up the spring semester with this special concert, featuring a variety of music from across time and space.

Ventura College Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor

One Performance:

Saturday, May 17, 3:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Join us on Saturday, May 17 at 3:00 PM for an exciting afternoon of live music with the Ventura College Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. The Chamber Orchestra will open with Jessie Montgomery’s vibrant “Starburst” followed by Philip Glass’s rhythmic and cinematic String Quartet No. 3 (“Mishima”). The Symphony Orchestra will perform Gustav Holst’s bold and imaginative “The Planets,” Op. 32. Ashley Walters conducts. The concert will be held at the Helen Yunker Auditorium in the Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura, CA 93003.

VC Jazz Band

Fundi Legohn, director

One Performance:

Friday, May 16, 7:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Friday, May 16, 2025 at 7 PM, The VC Jazz Band presents a program featuring Afro Latin Jazz music. The colorful and energetic program will include music from composers Chico O'Farrill, Mongo Santamaria, Horace Silver, Ahmad Jamal and others. Dancing is encouraged! Under the direction of Fundi Legohn.

VC Dance: The Body Keeps The Score:
Movement Memory & Meaning

Krenly Guzman Gonzalez, director

Three Performance:

May 8-10, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

From May 8-10 (Thursday through Saturday) VC Dance presents a program that tells stories of history, resilience, and the imprints of trauma on our lives through movement. Under the direction of Krenly Guzman Gonzalez.

“Dark and Luminous Night”
VC CHOIRS AT THE MISSION

(Free Community Performance)

One Performance:

Friday, April 25, 7:00pm

San Buenaventura Mission

211 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001

VC Concert Chorus & VC Singers

Brent Wilson, conductor

Mark Holmstrom, piano

VC Community Choir

Luvi Avendano, conductor

Dorrie Kelly, piano

Experience the beautiful choral sound of Ventura College's Choirs in the beautiful acoustic of the historic San Buenaventura Mission on Friday, April 25th at 7:00 PM . In this FREE community performance, (directed by Brent Wilson and Luvi Avendano), our talented students will present a program featuring pieces by Ola Gjeilo, Eric Whitacre, and Jocelyn Hagen, plus Missa Deus Nobiscum by Philip Stopford.

📍 Location: San Buenaventura Mission, 211 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
🕖 Date & Time: Friday, April 25, 7:00 PM
💵 Admission: FREE

VC Theatre Arts presents:

“The Edgar Allen Poe Afterlife Radio Show”

April 24–27, 2025

Thursday/Friday: 7:00 PM
Saturday/Sunday: 3:00 PM

Nathan Cole, director

Performing Arts Center

Studio Theatre

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

PURCHASE TICKETS

Admission: $10 (students/ seniors: $5)

Thurs April 24 - Pay What You Can Preview

[Studio seating is extremely limited, reservations highly recommended!]

Join VC Theatre Arts for "The Edgar Allen Poe Afterlife Radio Show” this April 24–27. When Edgar Allen Poe seeks to keep his stories alive from beyond the grave, an otherworldly radio broadcast proves just the thing! Poe is joined by an eccentric cast of spectral guests for a haunting and hilarious journey through death, literature, and the unknown! Nathan Cole directs.

Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)

"Right in the Eye"

Created by Alocléa & cie
Presented by The Laurel Project

PURCHASE TICKETS

Monday, April 7, 12:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

A Sunday Jazz Matinee
with VC Jazz Combos

Fundi Legohn, director

PURCHASE TICKETS

One Performance:

Sunday, March 16, 3:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Sunday, March 16 at 3:00 PM, jazz combos formed from the members of the Ventura College jazz band present a Sunday matinee of jazz favorites under the direction of Fundi Legohn.

VC Chamber Music

Ovanes Arakelyan & Nick Akdag, directors

GET TICKETS

One Performance:

Sunday, March 9, 3:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Ventura College Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor

PURCHASE TICKETS

PAY WHAT YOU CAN PRICING

One Performance:

Saturday, March 8, 3:00pm

On Saturday, March 8 at 3:00pm, Ashley Walters leads Ventura College's Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra in a performance featuring the winners of the 2025 Allegro Competition: Tyler Edwards (viola); Jeff Frumkin (piccolo trumpet); and Carlos Ozuna (violin). The program includes Liszt's "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2"; The first movements from  Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5, Edwards' Concerto in G minor,
and Grieg's Quartet in G Minor, Op. 27, as well as Ivanova's "18 Degrees Below Horizon" and Marcello's Oboe Concerto in D minor.

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Laurel Project presents:

"Quartet for the End of Time"
by Olivier Messaien

Steven Zander, violin
Ani Aznavoorian, cello
Juan Gallegos, clarinet
Ovanes Arakelyan, piano

PURCHASE TICKETS

One Performance:

Monday, March 3, 12:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

The Laurel Project presents Quartet for the End of Time by Olivier Messiaen. This deeply moving and transcendent work, composed while Messiaen was a prisoner of war, explores themes of time, eternity, and divine presence through lush, meditative harmonies and intricate rhythms. The performance, featuring Steven Zander on violin, Ani Aznavoorian on cello, Juan Gallegos on clarinet, and Ovanes Arakelyan on piano, is part of Ventura College's faculty and guest artist concert series, The Laurel Project. 

Presented as part of The Laurel Project: Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

Artist Residency: Wadada Leo Smith

Wednesday, Feb 12 – Friday, Feb 14

Concert: Wadada Leo Smith: A Portrait

Friday, Feb 14, 3:00 PM

PURCHASE TICKETS

Pulitzer Prize finalist trumpeter and composer Wadada Leo Smith comes to Ventura College for a three-day residency, culminating with a concert featuring VC's music students and ensembles.

The residency, designed to engage the student body and community at large through conversations, workshops, and concerts, includes both public events and special sessions for VC students and faculty, and is held in conjunction with events presented by LA’s Tuesdays @ Monk Space and the Ojai Music Festival.

Smith’s compositions use a remarkable musical notation of his own creation that incorporates a variety of mediums including pens, paints, metallics, and found objects. His genre-spanning work has earned him many accolades and his recent teaching positions include visiting lecturer at Harvard University. Smith lived in Ventura for 13 years and has deep ties to the city. The inspiration for some of his work comes from his daily walks on Ventura’s beaches.

CONCERT INFORMATION

Wadada Leo Smith’s three-day Ventura College residency will conclude with a concert at 3:00 PM on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Ventura College’s Yunker Auditorium in the VC Performing Arts Center. The program will showcase the composers incredible versatility, and will feature Ventura College’s talented student musicians. The program will start with Smith’s String Quartet No. 3, Black Church: A First World Gathering of the Spirit, featuring Carlos Ozuna and Liah Kraft (violin), Alex Fager (viola), and Ashley Walters (cello). The Ventura College Chamber Singers (Brent Wilson, director) will perform excerpts from Rosa Parks – Oratorio of Seven Songs and the VC Jazz Band (Fundi Legohn, director) will perform Mrs. Till and Emmett Till: Again: Can You See the Light. The VC Symphony Orchestra (Ashley Walters, conductor) will perform Smith’s Violin Concerto for LeRoy Jenkins (World Premiere), featuring VC student Carlos Ozuna as soloist. Students from various disciplines across the VC Campus will join the music department to perform Winter, one of Smith's ankhrasmation scores.

SCHEDULE & AFFILIATED EVENTS

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12

10:00 - 11:15 AM

Opening Session: ‘Exploring Ankhrasmation’
Location: VC PAC, Room 139

This session explores Smith’s scores, and is an opportunity for spoken word artists, poets, fine artists, actors, dancers, or musicians to workshop Smith’s work as a pre-cursor to the Feb-14 concert.

Open to the VC community

1:00 - 2:15 PM

Open Rehearsal: VC Chamber Singers 
Location: VC PAC, Yunker Auditorium

Open to the public 

2:30 - 3:30 PM

Open Rehearsal: String Quartet 
Location: VC PAC, Yunker Auditorium 

Open to the public

6:30 - 9:00 PM

Open Rehearsal + Q&A: VC Symphony Orchestra 
Location: VC PAC, Yunker Auditorium

Open to the public
 

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 13

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Flex Day Faculty Event
Location: VC PAC, Guthrie Hall
This Flex-day event is only open to Faculty. It will include a performance of 'String Quartet No. 3, Black Church: A First World Gathering of the Spirit.'

4:00 - 5:00 PM

Session 2: A Chat on Creativity and Inspiration with Wadada Leo Smith
Location: VC PAC, Yunker Auditorium

Open to the VC community

5:15 - 6:15 PM

Rehearsal: Wadada Leo Smith: Winter
Location: VC PAC, Yunker Auditorium

This rehearsal is for all the VC students, staff, and faculty who will perform in the piece 'Winter' (open to VC students of all disciplines) on the Friday concert.

Open to the VC community

6:30-7:45 PM

Open Rehearsal: Jazz Band 
Location: VC PAC, Yunker Auditorium

Open to the public

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14

11:30 - 2:00 PM

Dress Rehearsal: Wadada Leo Smith: A Portrait
This rehearsal is for all the VC students, staff, and faculty who will perform in the concert.

3:00 - 5:00 PM

Concert: Wadada Leo Smith: A Portrait
Location: VC PAC, Yunker Auditorium

Tickets: Pay What You Can, www.venturacollege.edu/performing-arts

RELATED EVENTS

Tuesday, Feb-11 / 8:00 PM
Tuesdays @ Monk Space presents Wadada Leo Smith and RedKoral
String Quartet No. 17
Location: Monk Space – Los Angeles / 4414 W. 2nd Street. Los Angeles, CA 90004
Tickets: $15-$25 (Limited free tickets available for VC students)
www.brightworknewmusic.com/tuesdays-at-monk-space

Saturday, Feb-15 / 7:30 PM
Ojai Music Festival presents Wadada Leo Smith and RedKoral
String Quartet No. 19 (World Premiere)
Location: The Red Canteen at Matilija / 703 El Paseo Road, Ojai, CA
Tickets: $25 suggested (Limited free tickets available for VC students)
www.ojaifestival.org/creative-lab-02-15-25

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Wadada Leo Smith (b. 1941) is a trumpet player and composer, originally from Leland, Mississippi. Smith’s early musical education was from his stepfather, Alex “Little Bill” Wallace, and through the U.S. Military band. He furthered his education at Sherwood School of Music and Wesleyan University where he studied Indonesian music performance, African and South Indian flute music, Anthropological study of American Indigenous music, and Japanese koto music.

Smith has held teaching positions at the University of New Haven, Bard College, the California Institute of the Arts, and most recently as a visiting lecturer at Harvard University.

Smith’s awards and accolades are numerous and include the awards of Artist, Trumpeter, and Album (America’s National Parks) of the year in DownBeat Magazine’s 65th Annual Critics Poll, Artist of the Year in the Jazz Times’ Critics Poll of 2016, and Musician of the Year in 2017 by the Jazz Journalists Association. In addition, he was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 2013 for his work Ten Freedom Summers, was a Guggenheim fellow in 2009, received the 2016 Doris Duke Artist Award, was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Vision Festival in 2022, and was inducted into The American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2023.

Over his lifetime, Smith has created own symbolic language score called Ankhrasmation. This guides his work as a composer, creator, performer, and educator. These scores are developed with a variety of mediums including pens, paints, metallics, and found objects. These pieces have been on exhibit in The Museum of Rhythm, Museum Sztuki, Łódź, Poland; The Hammer Museum, University of California, Los Angeles, CA; Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, MI; Kadist Art Foundation, San Francisco, CA; and the Renaissance Society, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

VC Music Theatre & Opera presents:

“Trouble in Tahiti”

Music and Lyrics by Leonard Bernstein

Plus Scenes from Operetta & Musical Theater

Brent Wilson, stage director

Shio Tepper, music director/pianist

Jamie Birkett, Scenic & Lighting Design

Anais Libunao: Costume Design

PURCHASE TICKETS

Three Performances:

Thursday, Feb 6
– Saturday, Feb 8

Thurs/Fri: 7:30pm

Saturday: 5:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Studio Theatre

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Leonard Bernstein's sharp and witty Trouble in Tahiti explores the disillusionment behind the American Dream. Set in a 1950s suburban paradise, the work follows a married couple, caught in the clash between their idealized lives and the reality of their disconnected relationship. Bernstein's jazzy, stylish score mirrors the tension, blending biting social commentary with a poignant examination of love, dissatisfaction, and identity.

VC Chamber Music

Ovanes Arakelyan & Nick Akdag, directors

PURCHASE TICKETS

One Performance:

Sunday, Dec 8, 3:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Ventura College Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor

PURCHASE TICKETS

One Performance:

Saturday, Dec 7, 3:00pm

On Saturday, December 7 at 3:00pm, Ashley Walters leads Ventura College's Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra in a performance featuring Mozart’s String Quartet no.7; the world premiere of Cabanban’s Limerance; Boccherini’s Quintet no. 4; de Falla’s El Sombrero de Tres Picos; and Bizet’s Carmen Suites Nos. I & II. Guest artists include Kimaree Gilad (oboe), Trisha Merete (flute), Ovanes Arakelyan (piano), Scott Wolf (guitar), and Wendy Castellanos (flamenco dancer).

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

DECEMBER JAZZ

VC Jazz Band

Fundi Legohn, director

PURCHASE TICKETS

One Performance:

Friday, Dec 6, 6:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

The Ventura College Jazz Band presents their Winter Jazz Concert featuring both our full VC Jazz Band as well as combos made up from its members. Director of Fundi Legohn and our talented musicians will bring you Jazz treatments of standards and other songs to help get you inspired you for the festive season ahead!

VC Theatre Arts presents:

“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane”

Nathan Cole, director

PURCHASE TICKETS

*NEW DATE*

December 4, 2024, 7:30 PM

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Join us at the Ventura College Theatre Arts Department for a heartwarming journey as we present "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane," adapted by Dwayne Hartford from the beloved book by Kate DiCamillo. This tale follows Edward, an extremely vain porcelain rabbit who only loves himself. More concerned with his wardrobe than the affection of his owner, Edward falls overboard during a voyage from New York to London, beginning an amazing twenty-year adventure. A magical story for both children and adults, the play teaches its audience that even a heart of the most breakable kind is truly not alive until it feels the love of others and offers that love in return. This production will captivate audiences of all ages. This performance will be held at VC's Yunker Auditorium, and admission will be on a pay-what-you-can basis.  Come and be part of this unforgettable experience!

Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC., of Woodstock, Illinois

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane was originally commissioned, developed, and produced at Childsplay in Tempe, Arizona. David P. Saar, artistic director; Steve Martin, managing director.

VC Dance Presents:

Aspects of the Self

Krenly Guzman Gonzalez, director

PURCHASE TICKETS

Three Performances:

Thursday, Nov 21–Sunday, Nov 23, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

“A picture is engraved in my heart”
VC CHOIRS AT THE MISSION

VC Concert Chorus & VC Singers

Brent Wilson, conductor

VC Community Choir

Luvi Avendano, conductor

Elaina Crenshaw, guest conductor
Mark Holmstrom, piano
Dorrie Kelly, piano

FREE COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE

One Performance:

Thursday, Nov 14, 7:00pm

San Buenaventura Mission

211 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001

Experience the beautiful choral sound of Ventura College's Choirs in teh beautiful acoustic of the historic San Buenaventura Mission on Thursday, November 14th at 7:00 PM . Under the direction of Brent Wilson and Luvi Avendano, our talented students will present a program centered around themes of peace, love, and hope, featuring the exquisite "Five Hebrew Love Songs" by Eric Whitacre, this FREE community performance will  inspire and uplift. Come celebrate the power of music with us!

📍 Location: San Buenaventura Mission, 211 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
🕖 Date & Time: Thursday, Nov 14, 7:00 PM
💵 Admission: FREE

Alastair Edmonstone, piano

Presented by The Laurel Project

PURCHASE TICKETS

Tuesday, November 12, 12:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Tuesday, November 12th at noon, VC’s Laurel Project presents pianist Alastair Edmonstone. His performance will explore a rich tapestry of contemporary piano repertoire, including John Luther Adams’ evocative "Nunataks (Solitary Peaks)," Philip Glass’s hypnotic "Mad Rush," John Cage’s innovative "Bacchanale," and John Adams’ vibrant "Phrygian Gates," showcasing Edmonstone’s ability to bring modern works to life with both precision and emotional depth.

A native of Perth, Scotland, Alastair Edmonstone is a pianist renowned for his dynamic performances and deep commitment to modern music. He has graced stages across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Africa, including significant venues such as Carnegie Hall, Boston’s Jordan Hall, and Seattle Art Museum. Edmonstone’s career is distinguished by collaborations with influential composers like Jonathan Harvey and Gunther Schuller, and he has championed numerous 20th and 21st-century works, including Luciano Berio’s Sonata per pianoforte solo and Olivier Messiaen’s Vingt regards sur l'enfant-Jésus. His chamber music experience includes performances with members of major orchestras and celebrated artists. Edmonstone holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Washington and has held faculty positions at institutions including Towson University and Lincoln University. Currently, he serves as the Keyboard Collaborative Artist and Music Director of Opera Theater at California State University, San Bernardino.

VC Chamber Music

Ovanes Arakelyan & Nick Akdag, directors

PURCHASE TICKETS

One Performance:

Sunday, Oct 27, 3:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Sunday, Oct 27 (3:00pm), VC Chamber Music (Ovanes Arakelyan & Nick Akdag, directors) presents: "A Chain of Gold." This will be a unique and varied program with music from the baroque to our modern era performed by Ventura College's talented chamber music students. One performance only!

Ventura College Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor

Glinka: Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila

Schubert: Symphony No. 9 in C major, D 944 "The Great"

One Performance:

Saturday, Oct 26, 3:00pm

PURCHASE TICKETS

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Saturday, October 26, at 3:00 PM, Ashley Walters will conduct the Ventura College Orchestra in a performance featuring two significant works. The lively and dramatic overture from Ruslan and Lyudmila introduces themes from Mikhail Glinka's celebrated opera. Franz Schubert's Symphony No. 9 in C major, commonly known as "The Great," is an expansive work noted for its structure and lyrical melodies. The concert will be held at the Helen Yunker Auditorium in the Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura, CA 93003.

VC Jazz Band

Fundi Legohn, director

One Performance:

Sunday, October 20, 4:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 4 PM, jazz combos formed from the members of the Ventura College jazz band present a Sunday matinee of jazz favorites under the direction of Fundi Legohn. Program highlights include Summertime, Pink Panther, Isn’t She Lovely, and The Great Pumpkin Waltz.

VC Music Theatre presents:

“Sunday in the Park with George”

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Book by James Lapine

Brent Wilson, director

Jamie Birkett, Scenic & Lighting Design

Anais Libunao: Costume & Hair/Makeup Design

PURCHASE TICKETS

Four Performances:

Thursday, Oct 10
– Sunday, Oct 13

Thurs/Fri: 7:30pm

Sat/Sun: 3:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Studio Theatre

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Step into the vibrant world of Sunday in the Park with George, Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking musical that breathes life into the creative process. Inspired by the painter Georges Seurat’s iconic painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," this stunning work delves into the struggles and triumphs of the artist, blending Sondheim’s unforgettable music with a poignant exploration of art, love, and legacy.

Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine
Orchestrations by Michael Starobin.

Performances are presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Laurel Project presents:

Fortuna Wind Quintet

Suzanne Duffy, flute
Kimaree Gilad, oboe
Sarra Hey, clarinet
Nick Akdag, bassoon
Jon Titmus, horn

PURCHASE TICKETS

One Performance:

Monday, October 7, 12:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

The Laurel Project's second concert will feature the return of the Fortuna Wind Quintet. This ensemble is formed by VC faculty members Kimaree Gilad on oboe, Nick Akdag on bassoon, and Jon Titmus on horn, joined by guest artists Suzanne Duffy on flute and Sarra Hey on clarinet. The program, inspired by the energy and power of the 2024 Paris Olympics, features music by composers Milhaud, Ibert, Bozza, Debussy, and more.  

Presented as part of The Laurel Project: Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

Duo Apollon

Presented by The Laurel Project
Anastasia Malliaras, soprano
Taso Comanescu, guitar

Monday, September 9, 12:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

The Laurel Project starts its third season with a performance by the Duo Apollon, featuring soprano Anastasia Malliaras and Taso Comanescu on guitar. Hailed for their "grace, poise, and fearless expressivity," the duo has performed recitals for venues and concert series throughout Los Angeles, including the "Sundays Live" series at LACMA. Duo Apollon was selected as winners of the 2019 Beverly Hills National Auditions, which gave them the opportunity to perform a series of concerts throughout Los Angeles and its surrounding communities. The duo's debut album, FOLKSONGS was released in August 2023 with Navona Records.

Greek-American soprano Anastasia Malliaras is dedicated to exploring new artistic and vocal dimensions. Known for her warm and bright timbre, her voice has a distinctive elegance and natural tone. She has performed a range of operatic roles including Nannetta, Olympia, Zerbinetta, Marie, and Frasquita. This spring, Anastasia will debut with Opera Mississippi as Pamina in The Magic Flute. In 2023, she was an apprentice at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, covering Despina in Mozart’s Cosí fan tutte and making her professional debut as Mrs. Hayes in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah. Previously, she was a Studio Artist at Central City Opera, portraying Ruth Baldwin in Musto’s Later That Same Evening. She has also been involved in the Young Artist Vocal Academy at Houston Grand Opera and the iSing! International Young Artist Festival. Anastasia has achieved recognition in various prestigious competitions, including the Loren L. Zachary Competition, the Irene Dalis Vocal Competition at Opera San Jose, and the Metropolitan Opera National Council Los Angeles District and Western Regionals. She is also an active performer on the concert stage in Los Angeles, having been featured as the soprano soloist in Messiah with the Dream Orchestra of Los Angeles and performing with the Los Angeles Symphony. A USC graduate with a Master of Music degree in Vocal Arts, Anastasia is also the co-founder and a vocalist in the chamber music ensemble Duo Apollon. The ensemble released their debut album, Folksongs, in August 2023 with Navona Records.

American guitarist Taso Comanescu has emerged on the classical music scene as a colorful performer full of subtle nuance, strong musicianship and a variety of repertoire that creatively captures his audiences. Comanescu is an in-demand solo performer, ensemble artist and instructor whose accomplishments have taken him around the globe with numerous recitals in the United States, Europe and Asia. During the 2023-2024 season, Comanescu performed a solo recital at the Los Angeles Guitar Festival headlining the event alongside virtuosos Pepe Romero, Antonio Rey and Adam Del Monte. His debut solo recording, “Epitaphios”, showcases music from around the world and his second album, “Renaissance | Baroque”, features transcriptions originally for lute, vihuela, theorbo and baroque guitar. Taso has also performed and recorded with internationally acclaimed dramatic tenor Charles Castronovo. He received his degrees from Pepperdine University studying with Christopher Parkening and the University of Southern California under Scott Tennant. Taso has been a member of the music faculty at Pepperdine University since 2011 and is a featured instructor at EliteGuitarist.com. In addition to his pursuits in classical music he is a member of the Greek Rebetiko Trio and LA-based rock band Blind
Sparrow. Connect with Taso on Instagram and Facebook @tasocomanescu
TasoGuitar.com

Presented as part of The Laurel Project: Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition

Featuring the Schwab Academy Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor

One Performance:

Sunday, July 21 at 4:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Sunday, July 21, the Schwab Academy Summer Orchestra (Ashley Walters, Conductor) accompanies the finalists of the 14th Annual Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition.  Day 2 of 2

Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition

Featuring the Schwab Academy Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor

One Performance:

Saturday, July 20 at 4:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Saturday, July 20, the Schwab Academy Summer Orchestra (Ashley Walters, Conductor) accompanies the finalists of the 14th Annual Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition.  Day 1 of 2

Schwab Academy Chamber Music

Ashley Walters, director

One Performance:

Friday, July 19 at 5:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Friday, July 19, the Schwab Academy Chamber Music Program (Ashley Walters, director) presents its second concert of the 2024 season.  One performance only!

Shostakovich Symphony No. 5
Schwab Academy Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor

One Performance:

Saturday, July 13 at 4:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Saturday, July 13, the Schwab Academy Summer Orchestra (Ashley Walters, Director) presents its first concert of the 2023 season, featuring Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5.  One performance only!

Schwab Academy Chamber Music

Ashley Walters, director

One Performance:

Friday, July 12 at 5:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Friday, July 12, the Schwab Academy Chamber Music Program (Ashley Walters, director) presents its first concert of the 2024 season.  One performance only!

Opera Gala

UC Santa Barbara Department of Music
UC Santa Barbara Theater/Dance
Ventura College Performing Arts Department

Isabel Bayrakdarian, director
Brent Wilson, conductor
Christina McCarthy, choreographer

Thursday, May 16, 7:30pm at VC
(& Friday May 17 at UCSB)

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Thursday, May 16th (7:30 pm) Ventura College's Department of Performing Arts partners with UC Santa Barbara Music and Theater/Dance departments to present an Opera Gala featuring scenes by Mozart, Gluck, Handel, Bologne, and Oliveira. Isabel Bayrakdarian directs and Brent Wilson conducts, with choreography by Christina McCarthy. The Ventura College Chorus & Singers accompany soloists from UCSB's Voice Department, with a joint orchestra.

One Performance:

Sunday, May 5, 2:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

On May 5, VC Chamber Music (Ashley Walters, director) presents a varied program with selections from across the musical spectrum.

Ventura College Symphony & Chamber Orchestra
Ashley Walters, conductor

One Performance:

Saturday, May 4, 4:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

On Saturday, May the 4th, Ashley Walters leads the VC Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra in a program that includes the US Premiere of Mark Menzies' Wai-rā-rawa; Shostakovich's Quartet No. 8; The first movement from Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major, featuring Allegro Competition Winner Alex Fager as violin soloist; plus John Williams' Star Wars Suite for Orchestra. Fans of the films won't want to miss music including Princess Leia’s Theme, Darth Vadar’s Imperial March, and Yoda’s Theme: May the Fourth be with you!

STRAIGHT AHEAD
Ventura College Jazz Band
Fundi Legohn, director

One Performance:

Friday, May 3, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

On Friday, May 3 (7:30 pm) Fundi Legohn leads the Ventura College Jazz Band in an exciting, energetic, eclectic program. The talented student musicians will present a program that explores jazz styles including swing, bebop, blues, straight ahead, big band, funk, and experimental. Don't miss this one-night only event!

Ventura College Concert Choir
Ventura College Singers

Brent Wilson, director
Anastasia Milliaras, soprano
Christina Pezzarossi, mezzo-soprano
Benjamin Brecher, tenor
Luvi Avendano, baritone

Saint-Saëns Requiem, Op. 54

Vivaldi Magnificat

One Performance:

Friday, April 26, 7:00 pm

San Buenaventura Mission

211 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001

free admission (donations accepted) No tickets required.

On Friday, April 26, Brent Wilson will lead the Ventura College Concert Choir and Singers in a performance of Camille Saint-Saéns' moving Requiem and Vivaldi's Magnificat. For the second year in a row, this free, one-night only performance will be held at the San Buenaventura Mission. Featuring guest artists: Anastasia Milliaras, soprano; Christina Pezzarossi, mezzo-soprano; Benjamin Brecher, tenor; and Luvi Avendano, baritone. This special community concert is offered at no charge, seating is first-come, first-served.

Ventura College Theatre Arts
2024 Student Directed Play Festival

Five Performances:

Wednesday, April 17 *PREVIEW* 7:30pm

Thursday, April 18, 7:30pm

Friday, April 19, 7:30pm

Saturday, April 20, 7:30pm

Sunday, April 21, 3:30pm

Performing Arts Center

VC PAC Studio Theater

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Join us for an evening of plays acted, directed, and designed by VC Theatre Arts students. The evening promises to be full of laughs and thought-provoking moments that explore humanity through a variety of scenarios and situations. Student directors are: Savannah Atchison, Alyssa Renae, Alessandra Gotico, Mae Lazarovits, Isaiah Maldonado, Joshua Minjarez, Jerome Morata, and Miles Vega. Due to limited seating, reservations are highly encouraged.  Please be aware this production contains strong language, adult situations, and lighting effects that may affect visually sensitive patrons.

TICKETS

Students/Staff/Seniors: $5
General Admission: $15

Plays Include:

A Brief Argument of Time by Kyle Harpole
directed by Alessandra Gotico
A Brief Argument of Time is produced by special arrangement with Heuer Publishing (www.hitplays.com)

Bullies Anonymous by E.M. Bell
directed by Josh Minjarez
produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)

For Mr. Cuddles by Erin Moughan
directed by Alyssa Renae

Game Theory by Peter Sagal
directed by Miles Vega
“Game Theory” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. (www.concordtheatricals.com)

Pay it Backwards by Donna Hoke
directed by Mae Lazarovits

The Proxy by Philip J. Kaplan
directed by Savannah Atchison

Smitten by Mark Harvey Levine
directed by Isaiah Maldonado

Whose Bag is it Anyway by Michele Markarian
directed by Jerome Morata

Produced by Nathan Cole

Costumes by Anais Libunao

Sets/Lighting by Jamie Birkett

The Laurel Project

One Performance:

Friday, April 12, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Presented as part of The Laurel Project (Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series), internationally recognized guitarist Rovshan Mamedkuliev will perform an intimate program of guitar music.

The Azerbaijani-born musician moved with his family Russia, where he started taking guitar lessons at the age of eleven. Showing exceptional musical talent, he was accepted to the Nizhny Novgorod Conservatoire where he studied with nationally recognized guitarist Aleksey Petropavlovsky. He completed his studies with Honors in 2009 and was promptly invited to teach at the conservatory. In 2014 was named associate professor of classical guitar in the Maimonides State Classical Academy (Moscow). In 2023 he was named professor at the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music (Moscow).

His solo career has taken him around the world to cities including Brasilia, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Amsterdam, Berlin, Zagreb, Belgrade, Istanbul, Vilnius, Sarajevo, Chisinau, Baku, Minsk, Seoul, Beijing, Moscow, Bangkok, Toronto, and Los-Angeles. He has given solo concerts at Carnegie Hall and Amsterdam's Concertgebouw. After winning GFA's International Concert Artist Competition, Rovshan gave a 51-concert solo tour throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. He has been a soloist with ensembles and orchestras including l’Ensemble orchestral de Valencia (Spain); Orchestre du Conservatoire National de Musique Superiur de Paris (France); Azerbaijani State Chamber Orchestra; Nizhny Novgorod Philharmonic Symphonic Orchestra; and the State Symphony Orchestra of the Udmurt Republic. Rovshan has premiered many new works for classical guitar, including Concerto №3 "Antony" for guitar and symphonic orchestra by Philippe Lemaigre (Antony, France, 2012) and Concerto "Famalicao" by Elena Lebedeva for guitar and chamber orchestra (Kostroma, Russia, 2008).

Rovshan Mamedkuliev has been awarded top honors in many international competitions, including the "Hommage à Leo Brouwer" Competition in France; the Heitor Villa-Lobos Competition in Spain; the A. Frauchi Competition in Moscow; the Francisco Tárrega Competition in Spain; and the Michele Pittaluga Competition in Italy. In 2012 Rovshan won one of the most prestigious guitar competitions in the world - XXX Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition (Charleston, SC, USA).

His published arrangements for guitar include "Masters of Russian Composition: Alexander Borodin and Anatoly Lyadov” (2014), "Fikret Amirov. 6 Miniatures”(2015). His recordings include “Con Anima” (2011), “Semi-Awake, Semi-Dream”(Contrastes Records, 2015) and a guitar recital for the prestigious Naxos label’s Laureate Series (2012).

Presented as part of The Laurel Project: Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

One Performance:

Sunday, March 10, 2:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On March 10, VC Chamber Music (Ashley Walters, director) presents a varied program with selections from across the musical spectrum.

Ventura College Symphony & Chamber Orchestra
Ashley Walters, conductor

One Performance:

Saturday, March 9, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On March 9, Ashley Walters leads the VC Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra. Program includes Dvořák's String Quartet #12 ("American"); Márquez's Danzón No. 2; Ethel Smyth's Overture to The Wreckers; plus our Allegro Solo Competition making their debuts with the VC Symphony Orchestra. Dylan Gruber (flute) performs the third movement from Mozart's Flute Concerto in D-Major, and Jonathan Tellez (euphonium) performs Belén by Ricardo Mollá.

The Laurel Project
Ani Aznavoorian, cello
Robert Koenig, piano

One Performance:

Monday, March 4, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Presented as part of The Laurel Project (Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series), renowned musicians Ani Aznavoorian (cello) and Robert Koenig (piano) present an intimate program of passionate, dazzling music from the chamber music repertoire. Canadian pianist Robert Koenig has performed throughout the world to great acclaim as a collaborative pianist and chamber musician. He has performed at many of the world's most important stages including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, The Louvre Museum, and in San Francisco, Vancouver, Tokyo, Taiwan, Hong Kong’, London, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Koenig is Head of Collaborative Piano at UCSB and he is the recently appointed Artistic Director of the Palm Springs International Piano Competition. Cellist Ani Aznavoorian has appeared as soloist with
orchestras around the world including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic, Helsinki Philharmonic, and Boston Pops. Aznavoorian is the principal cellist of Camerata Pacifica and appears regularly at chamber music festivals globally. She has also served on the music faculty at the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana. She is the recipient of the Bunkamura Orchard Hall Award, was named Presidential Scholar in the Arts upon receiving a medal from President Bill Clinton, and was a top prize winner of the International Paulo Cello Competition. Ms. Aznavoorian has been Grammy nominated for her recordings for her label Cedille Records, and she proudly performs on a cello made by her father Peter Aznavoorian in Chicago.

Presented as part of The Laurel Project: Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

L'Enfant et les sortilèges

By Maurice Ravel

Brent Wilson, director

Ovanes Arakelyan, Piano

Elaina Crenshaw, Asst. Music Director

Jamie Birkett, Sets/Lighting

Anais Libunao, Costumes

Four Performances:

Thursday, February 1–3, 7:30 PM
***Sunday, February 4  Cancelled due to weather**

Performing Arts Center

Studio Theater

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

After misbehaving, a frustrated mother sends her child to the attic. To the child’s surprise, the objects abandoned there come to life, and the animals that live in the eaves begin to speak! Colette’s timeless story and Ravel’s charming music are sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Performances at the VC Performing Arts Center

One Performance:

Sunday, December 10, 2:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On December 10, VC Chamber Music (Ashley Walters, director) presents a varied program with selections from across the musical spectrum.

After the Freeze

Ventura College Symphony & Chamber Orchestra
Ashley Walters, director

One Performance:

Saturday, December 9, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On December 9, Ashley Walters leads the Ventura College Symphony & Chamber Orchestra in a premiere performance featuring Anuj Bhutani's After the Freeze for strings and special guests Mayuri Vasan (voice) and Neelamjit Dhillon (tabla); Grieg's Holberg Suite, Samuel Barber's lush sweeping Adagio for Strings; and selections from Gustav Holst's The Planets.

Ventura College Jazz Band
"Holiday Jazz"

Fundi Legohn, director

One Performance:

Friday, December 8, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Friday, December 8th (7:30 pm) Fundi Legohn leads the Ventura College Jazz Band in a holiday program with music from Scotty Morris (Big Bad Voodo Daddys), Wayne Shorter, Jessie Sharps, Wes Montgomery and more. Special guest Ms. Maia lends her talents on harp, flute and voice. Don't miss this one-night only event!

Ventura College Theatre Arts
The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later

BY:
Moisés Kaufman
Leigh Fondakowski
Greg Pierotti
Andy Paris
Stephen Belber

Four Performances:

Thursday, November 30, 7:30pm

Friday, December 1, 7:30pm

Saturday, December 2, 7:30pm

Sunday, December 3, 3:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Shortly after the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, playwright Moises Kaufman’s (founder of the Tectonic Theater Project) led a team of theater-collective collaborators to create The Laramie Project. Together, they blended the more than 200 interviews they conducted with Laramie residents with re-enactments of parts of the trials of Shepard's killers. Ten years later, the team went back to Laramie to re-interview many of the people they'd met a decade ago — as well as talking to some new sources. They wanted to write an epilogue that addressed the continued debate over the reasons for Shepard death and to explore time's complicated effect on personal and collective memory and narrative.

Directed by Nathan Cole

Costumes by Anais Libunao

Sets/Lighting by Jamie Birkett
 

FROSTIANA,
Music Celebrating the Changing Seasons
Ventura College Chorus & Singers

One Performance:

Friday, November 17, 7:00pm

211 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001

FREE COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE

On November  17, Brent Wilson leads the VC Concert Choir and VC Singers in a special free program at the San Buenaventura Mission featuring Frostiana by Randall Thompson, with music set to poetry by Robert Frost. The program also features selections by Drew Corey, Amy Bernon, Eric Whitacre as well as arrangements of “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” and “The Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy.” Brent Wilson, conductor; Mark Holmstrom, piano.

Armen Guzelimian, piano

One Performance:

Monday, November 6, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

This November, The Laurel Project will feature noted pianist Armen Guzelimian in a program entitled "The Composer and the Performer, A Personal Narrative." Guzelimian is a celebrated soloist, collaborative artist, and chamber musician. He has received national and international critical acclaim for his appearances in many of the major concert halls in the U.S.A and Europe. He has appeared as a soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and has collaborated with such major artists as Kiri Te Kanawa, Thomas Hampson, Lucia Popp. He has performed with conductors including Neville Marriner and has had the privilege of working closely with the great composers Aram Khachaturian, Witold Lutoslawski, Thomas Pasatieri and others. As an educator, he has taught and coached at institutions including the USC School of Music, Music Academy of the West, the Merola Program at San Francisco Opera, Paris Opera, the Eastman School of Music, and the Aspen Music Festival and School. ​As a recording artist, Mr. Guzelimian's performances are represented on the EMI, Angel, Teldec, Nonesuch, Delos and Crystal labels. 

Presented as part of The Laurel Project: Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

One Performance:

Sunday, November 5, 2:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On November 5, VC Chamber Music (Ashley Walters, director) presents a varied program with selections from across the musical spectrum.

One Performance:

Saturday, November 4, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On November 4, Ashley Walters leads the VC Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra in a program featuring Leoš Janáček's Idyll, Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, and Robert Schumann's  “Rhenish” Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Brent Wilson, director/conductor

Four Performances:

Thursday, October 19-Sunday, October 22, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Winner of four Tony Awards (including Best Musical), A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder is a  British black comedy revolving around Monty Navarro, a poor relation of one of England’s wealthiest families, who learns he is eighth in line to the family fortune. Snobbish treatment from his relatives—and desperation to impress a woman — sets him on a murderous path to eliminate those who stand in the way of his inheritance.

Based on a novel by Roy Horniman, Gentleman’s Guide features music by Steven Lutvak, lyrics by Lutvak and Robert L. Freedman, and a book by Freedman.

Ventura College’s Brent Wilson conducts/directs; Costumes by Anais Libunao; Sets and lighting by Jamie Birkett.

Four Performances at the VC Performing Arts Center

Fortuna Wind Quintet

Suzanne Duffy, flute

Kimaree Gilad, oboe

Sarra Hey, clarinet

Nick Akdag, bassoon

Jon Titmus, horn

One Performance:

Monday, October 2, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

The Laurel Project's second concert will feature the newly-formed Fortuna Wind Quintet. This ensemble is formed by VC faculty members Kimaree Gilad on oboe, Nick Akdag on bassoon, and Jon Titmus on horn, joined by guest artists Suzanne Duffy on flute and Sarra Hey on clarinet. Works by Fisher Tull, Amy Beach, William Grant Still, John Biggs, Irving Fine.

Presented as part of The Laurel Project: Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

"Fire Dance" ZePure Trio

Ovanes Arakelyan, piano
Chika Inoue, saxophone
Maksim Velichkin, cello

One Performance:

Monday, September 11, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003
 

The Laurel Project starts its second season with a performance by the ZePure Trio. This ensemble is formed by VC faculty Ovanes Arakelyan on piano, joined by Chika Inoue on saxophone and Maksim Velichkin on cello. The program, called Fire Dance, features Manuel de Falla's "Danza ritual del Fuego" (Ritual Fire Dance) and other fiery selections.

Presented as part of The Laurel Project: Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition

Featuring the Schwab Academy Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor

One Performance:

Sunday, July 23 at 2:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Sunday, July 23, the Schwab Academy Summer Orchestra (Ashley Walters, Conductor) accompanies the finalists of the 13th Annual Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition.  Day 2 of 2

Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition

Featuring the Schwab Academy Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor

One Performance:

Saturday, July 22 at 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Saturday, July 22, the Schwab Academy Summer Orchestra (Ashley Walters, Conductor) accompanies the finalists of the 13th Annual Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition.  Day 1 of 2

Schwab Academy Chamber Music

Ashley Walters, director

One Performance:

Friday, July 21 at 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Friday, July 21, the Schwab Academy Chamber Music Program (Ashley Walters, director) presents its second concert of the 2023 season.  One performance only!

Schwab Academy Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor

One Performance:

Saturday, July 15 at 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Saturday, July 15, the Schwab Academy Summer Orchestra (Ashley Walters, Director) presents its second concert of the 2023 season.  One performance only!

Schwab Academy Chamber Music

Ashley Walters, director

One Performance:

Friday, July 14 at 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Friday, July 14, the Schwab Academy Chamber Music Program (Ashley Walters, director) presents its first concert of the 2023 season.  One performance only!

Schwab Academy Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor

One Performance:

Saturday, July 8 at 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Saturday, July 8, the Schwab Academy Summer Orchestra (Ashley Walters, Director) presents its first concert of the 2023 season.  One performance only!

Verdi: Nabucco Overture
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn
Ravel: Boléro

VC Symphony Orchestra

VC Chamber Orchestra

Ashley Walters, director

One Performance:

Sunday, May 14 at 2:30

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

“The Ventura College Orchestra gave a strong performance and clearly won over the audience. The sound of the big orchestra filled the hall; the performance was lively, loud and convincing. Cheering and an enthusiastic ovation from the audience followed. It is clear that Conductor Ashley Walters has brought the Ventura College Music program to a high level of accomplishment, building new cultural bridges in the process.”

~ Review in Sequenza 21 (Paul Muller)

VC Jazz Band

Fundi Legohn, director

One Performance:

Saturday, May 13 at 6:00pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Saturday May 13th, the Ventura College Jazz Band (Fundi Legohn, director) pays tribute to tenor saxophonist Wayne Shorter, whose influential career as a performer and composer spanned more than half a century, during which time he was the tenor saxophonist and in-house composer for Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and the Miles Davis Quintet. This concert will feature special guest artist tenor saxophonist Randal Fisher.

VC Chamber Music

Ashley Walters, director

One Performance:

Friday, May 12 at 7:30

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Friday, May 12, Ventura College Chamber Music (Ashley Walters, Director) presents its talented chamber music students in organically-formed ensembles collaborating to perform highly varied repertoire spanning the classical era to present day. The program for this concert features music by composers including Clara Schumann, Henri Duparc, J.S. Bach and Sebastián Yradier. One performance only!

DURUFLÉ: Requiem

HAGEN: The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci

The Ventura College Chorus and Singers

Brent Wilson, director

The Gold Coast Concert Chorus

ELIZABETH HELMS director

Two Performances:

Friday, April 21, 7:30pm

Saturday, April 22, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Primavera Guitar Quartet

Featuring faculty from Ventura and Oxnard Colleges,

Northeastern University and Orange Coast College

Works by Telemann, Stravinsky, Bellinati, and Torroba

One Performance:

Monday, April 10, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Monday, April 10, The Laurel Project presents the Primavera Guitar Quartet. From the Baroque to the 20th century, the Primavera Quartet presents guitar ensemble works exploring over 300 years of music from Europe and the Americas, including works by Georg Philipp Telemann, Igor Stravinsky, Paulo Bellinati, and Federico Moreno Torroba. This concert features music faculty from both Ventura & Oxnard Colleges, Northeastern University and Orange Coast College: Hugo Maia Nogueira, Randy Pile, Bob Ward, and Scott Wolf.

Presented as part of The Laurel Project:

Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

"Sound in Motion"

VC Chamber Music

Ashley Walters, director

One Performance:

Sunday, March 12 at 2:30

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

"Music for Dancing"

VC Symphony Orchestra

VC Chamber Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor

One Performance:

Saturday, March 11 at 7:30

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On March 11, the VC Symphony Orchestra and the VC Chamber Orchestra present "Music for Dancing." Led by Ashley Walters, this concert is centered around music inspired by or written for dancing. The program includes Borodin’s “Polovtsian Dances,” Mendelssohn’s “Midsummer Night's Dream,” Saint–Saëns’ “Dance of the Tumblers,” Bloch’s “Concerto Grosso No. 1,” Berteau’s “Sonata for two cellos and bass continuo” and Shostakovich’s “Piano Quintet in G Minor.” One performance only!

"Songs my Mother Taught Me"

Arnold Livingston Geis, tenor

Catherine Miller, piano

One Performance:

Monday, March 6, 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003
 

On Monday, March 6 Arnold Livingston Geis (tenor) and Catherine Miller (piano) present "Songs my Mother taught Me." This emotionally powerful program is a tribute to Geis’s mother, who was a successful opera singer who received her master’s in Psychology just before her untimely death due to breast cancer on September 11th, 2002. Geis's personal tragedy inspired this autobiographical program that explores the intersection of music, faith, forgiveness and healing.

Featuring music by Robert Schumann, Richard Strauss, W.A. Mozart, Franz Lehar, Antonin Dvořák, Ricky Ian Gordon & Missy Mazzoli.

Presented as part of The Laurel Project: Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

Artist Biographies

Arnold Livingston Geis is a graduate of the Cafritz Young Artist Program, has been an Apprentice Artist with Chautauqua Opera, a Young Artist with Opera on the Avalon and Glimmerglass Opera, and an Apprentice Artist with Bel Canto at Caramoor. He received his Master of Music from the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California and his Bachelor of Music from Biola University.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL BIO

Native Californian Catherine Miller is the Artistic Director of the Pasadena Vocal Competition, a member of the music staff for San Diego Opera and active as a vocal coach and recitalist with classical singers. Appearances in recital with renowned soprano Angel Blue have included iconic venues such as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Wigmore Hall and The Ravinia Festival. Catherine has worked extensively in the Los Angeles area with Los Angeles Opera, Opera Pacific, Opera Santa Barbara and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

The Addams Family Musical

Book: Marshall Brickman

Book: Rick Elice

Music and Lyrics: Andrew Lippa

Brent Wilson, director

Jamie Birkett, scenic design

Anais Libunao, costume/makeup design

Four Performances:

Thursday, February 2, 7:30pm
Friday, February 3, 7:30pm
Saturday, February 4, 7:30pm
Sunday, February 5, 2:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium, PAC

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

The Addams Family is a comical feast that embraces all things macabre and celebrates the wackiness in every family. In Andrew Lippa's musical, the ghoulish bunch confronts middle–American values when Wednesday Addams falls in love. Her nice, young beau and his aggressively normal parents accept Gomez and Morticia's invitation to dinner, prompting mischief and misunderstandings that change both families forever.

Light Up the Season

VC Chamber Music

Ashley Walters, director

One Performance:

Sunday, December 11 at 2:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

On Sunday, December 11, Ventura College Chamber Music (Ashley Walters, Director) presents “Light Up the Season” This varied program, featuring notable works by a diverse slate of composers from across the musical spectrum, will be performed in the Helen Yunker Auditorium  at VC’s Performing Arts Center. – One performance only!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

A Celebration of Hope

The VC Symphony Orchestra

& Chamber Orchestra

Ashley Walters, conductor

One Performance:

Saturday, December 10 at 7:30

CORELLI: "Christmas Concerto" Op. 6, No. 8

BRAHMS: Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80

LAWSON: Tumaini (”Hope”)

MÁRQUEZ: Danzón No. 2

On Saturday, December 10, The VC Chamber & Symphony Orchestras (Ashley Walters, Director) present “A Celebration of Hope.” The program honors Robert Lawson on his retirement, and the repertoire is a celebration of friendship and collaboration. One performance only!

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Lost Luggage & Tangled Christmas Lights

The Ventura College Chorus and Singers

Brent Wilson, director

One Performance:

Friday, December 9 at 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

“I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way s/he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.”
– Maya Angelou

On Friday, December 9, the Ventura College Chorus & Singers will present a program combining music set to wise, witty texts by poet Maya Angelou with a selection of music to kick off the holiday season. Join conductor Brent Wilson and pianist Mark Holmstrom and our talented singers for this energetic and varied program.

Ventura College Jazz Band

Fundi Legohn, director

One Performance:

Saturday, December 3 at 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

DAL SEGNO Vocal Ensemble

Brent Wilson, director

One Performance:

Monday, November 7, 7:30 PM

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Presented as part of The Laurel Project:

Faculty & Guest Artist Concert Series

The Laurel Project presents vocal ensemble,“Dal Segno.” Founder and conductor Brent Wilson leads the eight voice ensemble in Giovanni Palestrina’s foundational, exhilarating Missa Papae Marcelli. The program also features works by Caroline Shaw, including Partita, a piece hailed as “exhilarating, sensual and playful” by The New York Times which went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 2013, making Shaw the youngest composer to ever receive this honor.

Music for Strings, Brass, Winds, Guitar, & Percussion

Ashley Walters, director

One Performance:

Sunday, November 6 at 2:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

Led by Ashley Walters, the talented students from Ventura College's Chamber Music program present "Let Beauty Awake," an afternoon of music for Strings, Brass, Guitar and Percussion. Repertoire includes music by Mozart, Schubert, Schuman, Brahms, Handel, and Corelli.

The Dawn of a New World

The VC Symphony Orchestra

& VC Chamber Orchestra 

Ashley Walters, conductor

One Performance:

Saturday, November 5 at 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium, PAC

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Led by Ashley Walters, the VC Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra present "The Dawn of a New World." Repertoire includes Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 ("From the New World"), Borodin's String Sextet in d-minor, and Haydn's Quartet in B-flat Major ("Sunrise").

The Turn of the Screw

Brent Wilson, director

Jamie Birkett, set design

Four Performances:

Thursday, October 27, 7:30pm
Friday, October 28, 7:30pm
Saturday, October 29, 2:30pm & 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Studio Theatre, PAC

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Opera’s best ghost story comes to Ventura College! Brent Wilson leads Benjamin Britten’s “The Turn of the Screw” in a production designed by Jamie Birkett for the VC Department of Performing Arts. The eerie story is adapted by Myfanwy Piper from Henry James’ novella.

A certain Slant of light;

Music set to the poetry of Emily Dickinson

The Ventura College Chorus and Singers
Brent Wilson, director

One Performance:

Friday, October 14 at 7:30pm

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

DUO IMAGINALIS

Hugo Nogueira, guitar

Ekaterina Bessmeltseva, piano

One Performance:

Monday, October 3, 7:30 PM

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

4700 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura CA 93003

Presented as part of The Laurel Project:

DUO DE AMOR

Ovanes Arakelyan, piano

One Performance:

Monday, September 12, 7:30 PM

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

Presented as part of The Laurel Project:

2022 Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition

Featuring The Schwab Summer Academy Orchestra

One Performance:

Sunday, July 24, 2:30 PM

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

2022 Henry Schwab Violin & Viola Competition

Featuring The Schwab Summer Academy Orchestra

One Performance:

Sunday, July 23, 7:30 PM

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

2022 Schwab Summer Academy

Featuring Schwab Summer Academy Chamber Music

One Performance:

Friday, July 22, 7:30 PM

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

2022 Schwab Summer Academy

Featuring Schwab Summer Academy Chamber Music

One Performance:

Sunday, July 17, 2:30 PM

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

2022 Schwab Summer Academy

Featuring the Schwab Summer Academy Symphony Orchestra

One Performance:

Saturday, July 16, 7:30 PM

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

2022 Schwab Summer Academy

Featuring Schwab Summer Academy Chamber Music

One Performance:

Friday, July 15, 7:30 PM

Performing Arts Center

 2022 Schwab Summer Academy

Featuring the Schwab Summer Academy Symphony Orchestra

One Performance:

Saturday, July 9, 7:30 PM

Performing Arts Center

Helen Yunker Auditorium

"Monk, Mingus, Miles and More: Celebrating Jazz Excellence"

Featuring the VC Jazz Band

One Performance:

Saturday, May 14 / 5:00 PM

Helen Yunker Auditorium

VC Performing Arts Center

4700 Loma Vista Road

Jazz is alive and well at VC! On May 14, the VC Jazz Band (Fundi Legohn, director) presents "Monk, Mingus, Miles and More: Celebrating Jazz Excellence." Students in the VC Jazz program will be joined by a few special musical guests to perform the music of master jazz icons including Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus & Miles Davis. This program will be performed in the Helen Yunker Auditorium at VC’s Performing Arts Center (masks recommended).

"A Feast for the Senses"

Featuring the VC Music Department with Guests from VC Dance

One Performance:

Wednesday, May 11, 4:30 PM

Performing Arts Center

Outdoor Stage

4700 Loma Vista Road

On Wednesday, May 11th, The Department of Performing Arts presents “A Feast for the Senses.” This open house begins at 4:30pm with a performance by VC Dance (Krenly Guzman, director) in the Yunker Auditorium. At 5pm, the party moves to the Outdoor Theatre with performances from VC Music ensembles including the VC Chorus & Singers (Brent Wilson, director), the VC Symphony & Chamber Orchestras and VC Chamber Music (Ashley Walters, director) and the VC Jazz Band (Fundi Legohn, director). Celebrate the end of the semester and the beginning of summer with an evening of performing arts performed by our talented students! This program will be performed live, following all Covid procedures, on the Performing Arts Center Lawn.

"Take Me to the World: A Celebration of Stephen Sondheim"

Featuring the VC Chorus & Singers

One Performance:

Tuesday, May 10 / 7:30 PM

Helen Yunker Auditorium

VC Performing Arts Center

4700 Loma Vista Road

On May 10, the VC Chorus & Singers (Brent Wilson, conductor) present "Take Me to the World: A Celebration of Stephen Sondheim." The choirs will be joined by Mark Holmstrom on piano and guest soloists from the Voice program performing musical tributes to Stephen Sondheim (1939–2021), the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and lyricist who was credited with reinventing the American musical. The program includes songs from A Little Night Music, Evening Primrose, Passion, and Sweeney Todd. In addition, the choirs will perform pieces by Bartok, Arnesen, Gjeilo, and others. This program will be performed in the Helen Yunker Auditorium at VC’s Performing Arts Center (masks recommended).

 "A Springtime Bouquet"

Featuring VC Chamber Music

One Performance:

Saturday, May 7 / 2:30 PM

Helen Yunker Auditorium

VC Performing Arts Center

4700 Loma Vista Road

On May 7, Ventura College Chamber Music (Ashley Walters, director) present “A Springtime Bouquet,” featuring VC students Marla Ascencion, Alex Curry, Crista Guerrero Donovan, Jay Lawton, Mary Peterson, and Yoav Vega. This varied program features notable works by Albinoni, Bach, Cowell, Debussy, Haydn, Telemann, and more! This program will be performed in the Helen Yunker Auditorium at VC’s Performing Arts Center.

 "Melodies in Bloom"

Featuring the VC Symphony Orchestra and the VC Chamber Orchestra

One Performance:

Saturday, April 30 / 2:30 PM

VC Performing Arts Center

Outdoor Theatre

4700 Loma Vista Road

On April 30, the Ventura College Chamber Orchestra and the Ventura College Symphony Orchestra (Ashley Walters, conductor) present “Melodies in Bloom.” This program features music by VC Professor Andrew Tholl and by Los Angeles composer Harold Budd, who was noted for his collaborations with art-pop artists like Brian Eno and Cocteau Twins and for the spaciousness and calm of his music. The program also features Dvořák's exuberant ”American" Quartet and Beethoven's revolutionary "Eroica" Symphony. This program will be performed live, following all Covid procedures, on the Performing Arts Center Lawn.

"Hansel & Gretel"

Featuring: VC Opera & Musical Theatre Department

Three Performances:

Friday, April 22 / 7:30PM

Saturday, April 23 / 3:30pm

Saturday, April 23 / 7:30pm

Helen Yunker Theatre

VC Performing Arts Center

4700 Loma Vista Road

Hansel & Gretel comes to Ventura College April 22-23. Enter a magical forest where the trees are older than time, fairies lurk in the shadows, and a house of candy sits alone amidst the trees. Experience this cherished musical fairy tale with its beautiful, folk-music inspired themes, including the famous "Evening Prayer” in this colorful production of Engelbert Humperdinck's beloved opera. Filled with drama and wonder, Hansel & Gretel will delight and charm the whole family.

"Music in the Air"

Featuring: VC Chamber Orchestra, VC Symphony Orchestra

One Performance:

Saturday, March 12 / 2:30PM

VC Performing Arts Center

Outdoor Theatre

4700 Loma Vista Road

The Ventura College Chamber Orchestra and the Ventura College Symphony Orchestra (Ashley Walters, conductor) leap into springtime with “Music in the Air.” The program features the Chamber Orchestra performing Haydn’s String Quartet No. 2 “Quinten” and Shostakovich’s powerful String Quartet No. 8. Then, the VC Symphony Orchestra takes us to Italy, performing the Overture to Verdi’s opera “La forza del destino” (“The power of destiny”) and Mendelssohn “Italian” Symphony No. 4 in A Major.

 A Winter Celebration

Featuring the VC Chorus & Singers,
VC Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra,
Chamber Music, and Jazz Band

ABOUT:

The Department of Performing Arts presents A WINTER CELEBRATION. This two-day music festival runs December 11th and 12th and features the VC Chorus & Singers, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Chamber Music.  This musical open house begins at 1pm and will run until about 4pm; come early to picnic –local food trucks will be offering up delicious bites starting at 12pm! Saturday and Sunday will have different programs; so come to one or enjoy both programs with our special weekend pass. Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season – while supporting local businesses – with a weekend of uplifting music performed by our talented students and a few special guests!

These performances will be live and in-person, following all Covid procedures, on the Performing Arts Center’s East Lawn. Bring your chairs and blankets, grab some food, and enjoy the music!

PERFORMANCES:

Saturday, December 11 at 1:00 PM
Saturday, December 12 at 1:00 PM
(Local food trucks starting at 12pm both days)

LOCATION:

Performing Arts Center East Lawn. BYO Chairs/blankets. Face masks and social distancing required.

"The Mystery of Edwin Drood"

Featuring: VC Music Theatre Ensemble

Three Performances:

Friday, December 3 / 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 4 / 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 5 / 7:30 PM

VC Performing Arts Center

Outdoor Theatre

4700 Loma Vista Road

Ventura College presents Rupert Holmes’ musical THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, a hilarious whodunit murder mystery where the murderer is chosen nightly by audience vote. Based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished tale of obsessive love and betrayal, the story is presented as a show-within-a-show, as the Music Hall Royale - a delightfully loony Victorian theatre company - presents Dickens’ brooding mystery. Musical numbers include “Perfect Strangers,” “Don’t Quit While You’re Ahead,” “Off To The Races” and “Moonfall.”

TICKETS:

General Admission - $15
Students/Seniors/Staff - $5

May Music Ensembles Concert

Friday, May 14 at 7:30PM

Featuring:

VC Chamber Orchestra & Chamber Music,

VC Chorus & Singers

& the VC Jazz Band

Ventura College presented its final Spring 2021 Music Ensembles Concert on Friday, May 14 at 7:30pm. Featured ensembles include the Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Music Program (Ashley Walters & Nick Akdag, directors), the VC Chorus & Singers (Brent Wilson, director), and the Jazz Band (Bevan Manson, director).

SPAMALOT

April 22nd and 23rd at 5:30pm

The funniest show on earth is coming to Ventura College! Monty Python’s Tony Award-winning SPAMALOT, the outrageous musical comedy lovingly adapted from the film classic “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons you’ll be eating up SPAMALOT.

BOOK & LYRICS: Eric Idle
MUSIC: John Du Prez & Eric Idle
ADAPTATION: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin
SPAMALOT is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

APRIL CONCERT

Wednesday, April 14 at 7:30PM

Featuring: VC Symphony Orchestra, VC Chamber Music, VC Chorus & Singers

Ventura College presented its Spring 2021 Music Ensembles Concert on Wednesday, April 14 at 7:30pm as part of the Ventura College Diversity in Culture Festival. Featured ensembles included the Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music Program (Ashley Walters, director), and from the VC Chorus & Singers (Brent Wilson, director).

January 3 at 7:00PM
Angel's Bone

An Opera by Du Yun

A production of the Ventura College Opera/Music Theatre Program, featuring The Ventura College Chamber Orchestra (Dr. Ashley Walters, director) and the Ventura College Singers (Brent Wilson, director)

Angel's Bone is a bold operatic work that integrates vocal and instrumental elements by composer Du Yun and librettist Royce Vavrek in one act that follows the plight of two angels discovered on earth who are forced into spiritual and sexual slavery at the hands of a financially troubled couple.

CREDITS

Music by Du Yun
Libretto by Royce Vavrek

Brent Wilson – Director
Coleen Scott – Costume Design
Ashley Walters – Orchestra Director
Kacey Link – Voice Coach
Jamie Birkett – Lighting and Drone Operator
Brent Wilson – Video / Audio editing

CAST

Jadzia Winter – Mrs. X.E.

Reginald Whigham – Mr. X.E.

Hannah Luyet – Girl Angel

Seryozha La Porte – Boy Angel

Karra Kock – Purity

Gryphon Seveney – Customer X

Malia Mooney – TV Personality

Sarabeth Ingle – Fury

Featuring:

The Ventura College Singers
Brent Wilson, director
Mark Holmstrom, piano

     Soprano
     Olivia Bacon
     Alexandra Calor
     Karra Koch
     Kyra Maal-King
     Rebecca Lawson*
     Jesstina Torres
     Jadzia Winter

     Alto
     Eliya Frantz*
     Karin McManus
     Maya Mehrotra
     Gryphon Seveney

     Tenor
     Seryozha La Porte
     Anthony Rivera*
     Daniel Smithson

     Bass
     Dylan Quayle
     Neirin Winter

     *  Alumni Guest Artists

 The Ventura College Chamber Orchestra
Ashley Walters, director

     Violin
     Sophia Haldorf
     Laura Liang
     Brandon Martinez

     Viola
     Christine Lafevre
     Natalie Lafevre
     Joseph Parcher

     Cello
     Rebeckah Guevara
     Lily Marquez
     Ashley Walters**

     Bass
     Donovan Rutledge

     Flute
     Olivia Bacon

     Oboe
     Kimaree Gilad**
     Jade Gilbert-Newcamp

     Clarinet
     Jim Sullivan*

     Trumpet
     Crista Guerrero Donovan
     Dan Rosenboom*

     Tuba
     Luke Storm*

     Percussion
     Jordan Curcuruto*

     Guitar
     Scott Wolf**

       * Guest Performer
     ** Faculty Performer

Special Thanks
Jamie Birkett
The La Porte Family
Coleen Scott
Zakk Silveira
The Winter Family

This opera was produced with support by Helen Yunker

Click here to watch this program on YouTube.

December 13 at 2:45PM
Winter Music Ensembles Concert

Featuring The Ventura College Symphony Orchestra & Chamber Music Program (Dr. Ashley Walters, director) and the Ventura College Chorus & Singers (Brent Wilson, director)

PROGRAM

Norwegian Dance Op. 35, No. 2
By Edvard Grieg (1843 – 1907)
Performed and Arranged by:

     Olivia Bacon, flute
     Christian Arevalo, oboe
     Emi Reisman, English horn

Symphony No. 1 in G minor ("Winter Daydreams")
Movement II: "Land of Mists" Adagio cantabile ma non tanto
By Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 – 1893)
Arranged by Joseph Parcher

     Christian Arevalo, flute I/II
     Christian Arevalo, oboe
     Joseph Parcher, viola
     José Espinosa, guitar

The Planets, Op. 32
Movement I: Mars: the Bringer of War
By Gustav Holst (1874 – 1934)
Adapted for percussion by Diego Lara

     Percussion Ensemble Members:
     Diego Lara
     Logan Norton
     Maritza Alejos

     Additional Audio
     Samuel Riggs

Can You Feel the Love Tonight?
From Elton John's The Lion King

     Olivia Bacon, flute
     Aseret Medina, French horn
     JJ Cardenas, piano

Libertango
By Astor Piazzolla (1921 – 1992)
Arranged by Joe Poshek

     José Espinoza, guitar I
     Michael Purdy, guitar II
     Justice Papuzza, guitar III
     Johanna Gabbard, guitar IV

Ubi Caritas
By Michael John Trotta (b. 1978)

The Ventura College Chorus (Brent Wilson, director)
Mark Holmstrom, piano

     Soprano: Deborah Delamore, Karra Koch,
     Jesstina Torres, Alma Valenciano

     Alto: Gwen Armstrong, Deanna Baxter,
     Johanna Gabbard, Adalia Jimenez, Mayra Mehrotra

     Tenor: Dylan Quade, Daniel Smithson

     Bass: José Espinoza, Cameron Friend

By Lake Dunmore
By Lilac Atassi

The Ventura College Symphony Orchestra (Dr. Ashley Walters, director)

     Violin:
     Tarah Brown
     Adrianna Hayes
     Sophia Holdorf
     Laura Liang
     John Lyans
     Brandon Martinez
     Carlos Ozuna

     Viola:
     Isaac Kim
     Jospeh Parcher
     Yoav Vega

     Cello:
     Lily Marquez
     Ashley Walters
     Miriam Wu

     Bass:
     Donovan Rutledge

     Horn:
     Hayden Amendola

     Trumpet:
     Emilio Shuman

    Low brass:
     Luke Storm

     Percussion:
     Maritza Alejos
     Diego Lara
     Samuel Riggs

Sir Duke
By Stevie Wonder
Arranged by Paul Langford

The Ventura College Chorus (Brent Wilson, director)
Mark Holmstrom, piano

     Soprano: Deborah Delamore, Karra Koch,
     Jesstina Torres, Alma Valenciano

     Alto: Gwen Armstrong, Deanna Baxter,
     Johanna Gabbard, Adalia Jimenez, Mayra Mehrotra

     Tenor: Dylan Quade, Daniel Smithson

     Bass: José Espinoza, Cameron Friend

Glow
By Eric Whitacre

The Ventura College Singers (Brent Wilson, director)
Mark Holmstrom, piano

     Soprano: Olivia Bacon, Alexandra Calor,
     Karra Koch, Kyra Maal-King,
     Jesstina Torres, Jadzia Winter

     Alto: Karin McManus, Maya Mehrotra,
     Gryphon Seveney

     Tenor: Seryozha La Porte, Daniel Smithson

     Bass: Dylan Quayle, Neirin Winter

 

German Dances, Euphrosina 19
By Erasmus Widman (1572 – 1634)
Arranged by Michael Purdy

     Olivia Bacon, flute
     JJ Cardenas, piano
     Jay Lawton, flute
     Michael Purdy, guitar

Dido’s Lament from Dido & Aeneas
By Henry Purcell
Arranged by Donovan Rutledge

     Joseph Parcher, viola
     Donovan Rutledge, bass
     Richie Zaragoza, clarinet
     Michael Purdy, guitar

Walking Tune
By Percy Grainger

     Olivia Bacon, flute
     Christian Arevalo, oboe
     Anna Hayes, clarinet
     Aseret Medina, horn
     Nick Akdag, bassoon

A Town with an Ocean View
Theme from the film Kiki's Delivery Service
By Joe Hisaishi
Arranged by Isaac Kim

     Viola:
     Isaac Kim
     Jospeh Parcher
     Yoav Vega

Sonata Prima
Adagio & Andante
By Giovanni Buonaventura Viviani (c. 1638 – 1693)
Arranged by Michael Rondeau

VC Chamber Music (Dr. Ashley Walters, director)

     Joseph Parcher, viola
     Donovan Rutledge, bass
     Jay Lawton, flute
     Crista Guerrero Donovan, trumpet
     JJ Cardenas, piano
     Alex Curry, continuo

Click here to watch this program on YouTube.

November 8 at 2:45PM
November Music Ensembles Concert

Featuring The Ventura College Chamber Music Program (Dr. Ashley Walters, director), The Ventura College Jazz Band (Bevan Manson, director) and the Ventura College Chorus & Singers (Brent Wilson, director)

PROGRAM

“Greensleeves”

Traditional

     Anna Hayes, clarinet
     Nick Akdag*, bassoon
     Justice Papuzza, guitar

“Requiem”
by Gabe Mangold

     Justice Papuzza, guitar
     Anna Hayes, clarinet

Piano Concerto No.23 In A Major, K 488
Movement II: Adagio
by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 – 1791)

     Aseret Medina, french horn
     Johanna Gabbard, guitar
     Alex Curry, piano

“La Vie en rose”
by Louis “Louiguy” Guglielmi (1916 – 1991)
Arr. Crista Guerrero-Donovan

     Crista Guerrero-Donovan, trumpet
     Donovan Rutledge, bass
     Nick Akdag*, bassoon

“C Jam Blues”
by Duke Ellington (1899 – 1974)
Performed by The Ventura College Jazz Band
Bevan Manson, director

     Carlos Puga, bass
     Matt Jordan*, drums
     Karen Jo Peralta, flute
     Jacob Hernandez, saxophone
     Michael Purdy, guitar
     Jose Espinoza, mix

“Finlandia”
by Jean Sibelius (1865 – 1957)
Performed by The Ventura College Orchestra Violin Section

     Sophia Holdorf, violin
     John Lyans, violin
     Tarah Brown Gilson, violin

“The Nutcracker”, Op. 71, TH 14
Act 1: No. 2: March
by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 – 1893)

     Hayden Amendola, horn
     Emilio Shuman, trumpet

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, Op. 21
Dance of the Clowns
by Felix Mendelssohn (1809 – 1847)

     Richie Zaragoza, clarinet
     Gabriel Bacon, clarinet
     Veronica Keigwin, editor

“Red Clay”
by Freddie Hubbard (1938 – 2008)
Performed by The Ventura College Jazz Band
Bevan Manson, director

     Jose Espinoza, guitar
     Crista Guerrero Donovan, horn
     Carlos Puga, bass
     Matt Jordan*, drums
     Jose Espinoza, mix

Five Pieces for Two Violins and Piano: III. Elegy
by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906 – 1975)

     Jay Lawton, flute
     Crista Guerrero Donovan, trumpet
     Alex Curry, piano

Overture to William Tell: Prelude
by Gioachino Rossini (1792 – 1868)
Arranged by Miriam Wu

     Miriam Wu, cello I
     Lily Marquez, cello II
     Donovan Rutledge, bass

First Suite for Military Band, Op. 28, No. 1
Movement III: “March”
by Gustav Holst (1874 – 1934)
Transcribed for Four Violins

     Laura Liang, violin I
     Carlos Ozuna, violin II
     Adrianna Hayes, violin III
     Brandon Martinez, violin IV

Oboe Concerto in D minor, S D935
Movement II: Adagio
by Alessandro Marcello (1673 – 1747)
Performed by The Ventura College Chamber Ensemble

     Christian Arevalo, oboe
     Johanna Gabbard, guitar
     Jose Espinoza, guitar

“Bumble Bee”
by The Real Group
Arr. Anders Edenroth
Performed by The Ventura College Singers
Brent Wilson, director
Mark Holmstrom, piano

     Soprano: Alexandra Calor, Karra Koch, Kyra Maal-King, Jesstina Torres, Jadzia Winter
     Alto: Olivia Bacon, Karin McManus
     Tenor: Seryozha La Porte, Daniel Smithson, Neirin Winter
     Bass: Dylan Quade

* = faculty/guest performer

Click here to watch this program on YouTube.

​

October 11 at 2:45PM
October Music Ensembles Concert

Featuring The Ventura College Chamber Orchestra (Dr. Ashley Walters, director), and the Ventura College Chorus & Singers (Brent Wilson, director)

PROGRAM

"Weep You No More"
by  Douglas E. Wagner (b. 1952)
Performed by The Ventura College Chorus
Brent Wilson, Director

Weep you no more, sad fountains;

What need you flow so fast?

Look how the snowy mountains

Heaven's sun doth gently waste.

But my sun's heavenly eyes

View not your weeping,

That now lies sleeping

Softly, now softly lies

Sleeping.

 

Sleep is a reconciling,

A rest that peace begets:

Doth not the sun rise smiling

When fair at even he sets?

Rest you then, rest, sad eyes,

Melt not in weeping,

While she lies sleeping

Softly, now softly lies

Sleeping.

Sarhanna and Kashala
by Wadada Leo Smith (b. 1941)
Performed by The Ventura College Chamber Orchestra
Ashley Walters, director

When you discover something, you can never lose it because it becomes a part of you."    – Wadada Leo Smith

"A Nightingale Sings in Berkeley Square"
Arr. Kirby Shaw
The Ventura College Singers
Brent Wilson, conductor

That certain night, the night we met,
There was magic abroad in the air,
There were angels dining at the Ritz,
And a nightingale sang in Berkeley Square.

I may be right, I may be wrong,
But I'm perfectly willing to swear
That when you turned and smiled at me
A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square.

The moon that lingered over London town,
Poor puzzled moon, he wore a frown.
How could he know we two were so in love?
The whole darn world seemed upside down

The streets of town were paved with stars;
It was such a romantic affair.
And, as we kissed and said 'goodnight',
A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square

Click here to watch this program on YouTube.

​

JUNE 14 – 2:00 PM
"Labyrinth" by Gian Carlo Menotti

Featuring The Ventura College Opera & Musical Theatre Program

Students from The Ventura College Opera and Musical Theatre program perform Gian Carlo Menotti's opera Labyrinth in an innovative virtual performance, streamed on Facebook in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This performance marks the opera's first performance since its original airing on NBC in 1963. This production was originally planned to be presented live in March 2020.