The San Bernardino Symphony has prepared an outstanding concert experience for January 15, 2012 at the California Theater. A memorable way to ring in the new year, this event is designed for music lovers of all ages.

The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a pre-concert family music fair in the Theatre’s beautiful California Room. Attendees will be able to see, hear, and in some cases play the collected symphonic instruments in the “Instrument Petting Zoo”. There will also be food, activity booths, and musical entertainment from local performers including the award-winning teen performance band from San Bernardino’s Center for Individual Development and the Redlands Christian School Jazz Ensemble.

At 3 p.m., the double-doors will open to the concert beginning with Symphonie Jeunesse, the region’s premier youth symphony featuring 30 outstanding string musicians ages 12 through 19. Founded and directed by noted concert cellist Michèle Tacchia, Symphonie Jeunesse was recently selected to accompany American Idol finalist David Archuletta for the Los Angeles portion of his nationwide Christmas tour.

“Members of Symphonie Jeunesse are delighted to have been asked by Maestro Carlo Ponti to precede the San Bernardino Symphony Family Concert with two string orchestra selections.  We are looking forward to this opportunity very much,” said Tacchia.

Next, attendees will learn that a tuba can, indeed, sing! Composed by San Bernardino native George Kleinsinger, “Tubby the Tuba,” has been translated into more than 30 languages, made into two films, and has been played by every major orchestra in the world. The delightful tuba solo will be played by the Inland Empire’s own Curtiss Allen, Jr. An accomplished soloist and ensemble musician, he is the instrumental music director at Beattie Middle School in Highland and directs four bands with an enrollment of nearly 200 musicians. The charming narration will be read by Curtiss Allen, Sr., a seasoned veteran of the Redlands Bowl, having performed there in Gilbert & Sullivan operettas and Broadway musicals since 1963. He has led the traditional Community Sings preceding Bowl programs on Tuesday nights since 1979. In 1981, he formed the Redlands Fourth-of-July Band which plays yearly for the Redlands Independence Day celebration and for other civic events.

The Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart will be the final offering in this outstanding family concert. Performed by the San Bernardino Symphony under the direction of Maestro Carlo Ponti, the Sinfonia features oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn both in solos and in concert with the full orchestra.

“We are so excited to offer this outstanding concert and especially grateful to our presenting sponsor, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians,” said San Bernardino Symphony Executive Director Valerie Peister.

The California Theater is located at 562 W. 4th Street, between E and F Streets in downtown San Bernardino. Your paid ticket includes both events. Ticket prices include special discounted rates for military personnel, students and groups. Call (909) 381-5388 or visit www.sanbernardinosymphony.org.