Join the Bay Area's adventure-seeking orchestra as we round up our 2017 highlights in one special event—our third annual End-of-Year Concert!

The concert features special guests Kendra McKinley and Kiefo Nilsson, and the premiere performance of local composer Arturo Rodriguez's Introit from Requiem Without Words, written in commemoration of those lost in Oakland’s Ghost Ship Fire.

Kendra McKinley will perform "He Needs Me" from the movie Popeye, a song written by legendary singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson. Harry Nilsson’s son, Kiefo Nilsson, is reigniting his father’s legacy of feel-good folk-rock music under the Nilsson Sings Nilsson title, similar to the Zappa Plays Zappa concept. Kiefo Nilsson will sing "Life Line" from his father’s classic album The Point!

Arturo Rodriguez composed Requiem Without Words with a heroic quality in mind, incorporating musical motifs that conjure greatness and nobility. Performed on the one-year anniversary of the Ghost Ship Fire, the requiem creates a space for a cathartic memorial.

Adding to the adventurous repertoire, the End-of-Year Concert also features video game music and other favorite concert pieces, including Nobuo Uematsu’s "One Winged Angel" from the video game Final Fantasy VII, selections from Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin, and Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez.

A combination free community event and fundraiser, the End-of-Year Concert supports Awesöme Orchestra’s mission to make orchestral music accessible to players and audience members alike. Enjoy the epic sound of orchestral music in a relaxed and fun-loving environment.

Come celebrate community and music at our End-of-Year Concert!

PROGRAM

Conductor and Founding Artistic Director: David Möschler

Arturo Márquez - Danzón No. 2
Nobuo Uematsu - "One Winged Angel" from Final Fantasy VII

-intermission-

Harry Nilsson - "He Needs Me" from Popeye (arr. Van Dyke Parks)
            featuring Kendra McKinley, vocals
"Life Line" from The Point! (arr. Bobby Halvorson)
            featuring Kiefo Nilsson with Kendra McKinley, vocals
Arturo Rodriguez - Introit from Requiem Without Words (world premiere performance) 
George Gershwin - Selections from Porgy and Bess (arr. Robert Russell Bennett)

WHEN: Sunday, December 3, 2017, 8:00–9:30 p.m.

DOORS: 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley, CA 94704

COST: $20–$30 advance tickets or pay what you can the day of the event.
No one turned away for lack of funds.

DETAILS: All ages and ADA accessible. Call 510-644-2020 x120 with questions.