Amidst COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Means Music provides a musical outlet for young students Galen Kusic, Editor Jesse Means, a 1985 graduate of Benicia High School is going above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic to make sure his New York City music students get a quality music education. Means became a public school music teacher […]
Vallejo Symphony’s ‘Iconoclast’ series continues with violinist Amalia Hall
Galen Kusic, Editor Vallejo Symphony’s second concert of the season, “Iconoclast” will feature violinist Amalia Hall, conducted by Marc Taddei. Hall is the concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington in New Zealand, the youngest in the orchestra’s history. The concerts will take place on Sat. Feb. 29 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 1 at 3 p.m. […]
Benicia; Bay Area celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
(This article was originally published in the Jan. 22 print edition of the Herald) Galen Kusic, Editor Over the past week, the Bay Area, nation and world remembered the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with marches, tributes, sermons and celebrations. On Mon. in Benicia at the Community Congregational Church, United […]
Vallejo Choral Society Artistic Director Derek Tam strives to incorporate history, diversity
Galen Kusic, Editor The Vallejo Choral Society (VCS) is now in its 102nd season, and continues to unite a diverse group of performers working toward a common goal of entertaining and keeping the arts alive. VCS is the oldest community choir in the state. Artistic Director Derek Tam is finishing his first full year with […]
Vallejo Symphony guest pianist Bobby Mitchell to perform at Empress Theatre this weekend
Galen Kusic, Editor The Vallejo Symphony opens its 88th season “Great and Noble” Nov. 2 and 3 with renowned American pianist Bobby Mitchell at the Empress Theatre for “Beginnings and Endings.” Mitchell, who currently resides in Freiburg, Germany and plays concerts all over the world, was thrilled when he received an invitation to join the […]
Benicia High School Advanced Dance Show, “Slumber Party” set for three performances
Galen Kusic, Editor This year’s annual Benicia High School Advanced Dance Show, titled “Slumber Party,” is scheduled for three shows on May 30, 31 and June 1 at the Hayley Horn Auditorium on campus. This event is not only a great medium for students to showcase their dancing skills, but it also helps provide funding […]
Vallejo Symphony to perform with ACHS Chamber Choir this weekend
Galen Kusic, Editor The Vallejo Symphony is hosting its Concert III-Profound on March 30 and March 31 at the Empress Theatre in Vallejo. The Symphony and conductor Marc Taddei will be performing Beethoven, Leonore Overture No. 3, Sibelius, Symphony No. 7 and Faure, Requiem. This is a special concert that will feature soloists Shawnette Sulker, […]
Violin soloist to perform with Vallejo Symphony at Empress Theatre
Galen Kusic, Editor Classical music lovers are in for a treat. On Feb. 10, renowned violinist Alina Kobialka will join the Vallejo Symphony to perform Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 at the Empress Theatre. Kobialka, 19, currently attends the Cleveland Institute of Music where she studies under Ilya Kaler. The soloist phenom is a San […]
9 BMS students accepted to North Bay Honor Band
Galen Kusic, Editor Nine Benicia Middle School students were accepted to the 2019 North Bay Honor Band. Following a two-day rehearsal, the concert took place at Pioneer High School in Woodland, Calif. On Jan. 20. “It’ll be nice to let the town know what a great music program we have. There are many talented students in […]
Pianist to guest for first of 3 Vallejo Symphony concerts
Vallejo Symphony Orchestra is set to kick off its 2018-19 season on Oct. 14, and the star appears to be Ludwig van Beethoven. Three of the composer’s “Lenore” overtures from his opera “Fidelio” will be performed at all of VSO’s concerts this season. However, Beethoven will not be the only musician showcased by the VSO […]