LAKEPORT — Rafael Contreras, a 9-year-old member of the Clear Lake Performing Arts (CLPA) Youth Orchestra, came close to stealing the show at the group”s annual meeting on Sept. 9 at the Soper Reese Community Theatre.
The young violinist sailed through the first movement of Antonio Vivaldi”s “A Minor Violin Concerto” and won standing applause for his effort. He was backed by the Lake County Chamber Orchestra, which included Eleanor Cook and Susan Condit as featured soloists. The orchestra was conducted by John Parkinson.
Parkinson”s Baroque Music program included “Viola Concerto in G Major” by Georg Philipp Telleman, played by the Lake County Symphony”s principal violist Jeff Ives. The piece is the first known concerto for viola, and is a staple among violists worldwide.
Along with young Contreras” Vivaldi piece, the orchestra presented another selection, his “Concerto for 2 Violins” from the famed Italian composer”s “L”Estro Armonico,” Op. 3, with Cook and Condit playing the featured roles.
The abbreviated concert is a traditional part of the meeting, which is held annually for the purpose of electing officers. Those nominated and approved by the membership were Ed Bublitz, president; Marta Fuller, first vice-president; David Zellerbach, second vice president; Kim DeAlba, secretary and Lynne Bruner, treasurer and financial secretary.
In recognition of the contributions CLPA makes to the community with its music and youth activities programs, Wells Fargo Bank submitted a check to Bublitz for a grant of $1,500. It was presented by Lurine d”Agostino, manager of the Clearlake District of the bank.
The CLPA Auxiliary ? the fundraising arm of the group ? followed up with an auction of several items contributed by Lake County businesses and residents, all of which drew bids equaling or exceeding list prices.
The CLPA Auxiliary presented Bublitz with a check for $6,000, representing funds raised during the last several months.
The meeting concluded with a buffet dinner prepared by Bublitz, who ? along with his presidential duties ? doubles as CLPA”s executive chef. It was served by Auxiliary members, who also provided an array of desserts.
The Soper Reese Community Theatre will host the Young Music Masters Recital at 3 p.m. Nov. 4 and the Lake County Symphony”s Fall Concert will take place at 3 p.m. on Nov. 18.
