Local Artist, Musician or Craftsperson 
Mariposa Symphony Orchestra
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Photo © Suzanne Thorson
Name of Person: Mariposa Symphony Orchestra
Since its creation in 2002, the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra has defied all odds against its mere existence. In this sparsely populated, rural and rugged area, it's nearly as incongruous as a rose in the desert. But not only has it survived, it has thrived. Initially, the thought of a symphony orchestra in these environs was greeted with disbelief. But from its first concert in December of 2002, the orchestra immediately became a source of regional pride, a selling-point for real-estate agents, a cultural institution - and a pleasant surprise for cosmopolitan visitors who are delighted to find an oasis of aural beauty in our scenic paradise.
The orchestra is based in Mariposa and is a program of the Mariposa County Arts Council, Inc. While every concert is presented in Mariposa, the MSO's performances are shared widely within the region and neighboring counties, with matinee concerts in Oakhurst, Merced and even in Yosemite National Park.
The MSO also encourages musical education. The orchestra's Founding Music Director and Conductor Les Marsden has visited every single school campus in all of Mariposa County each year for the past several years. His annual visits have allowed for his presentation of his two programs: "Welcome to Classical Music" and the "Young Master Composers Celebration" to delighted students, staff and parents. These presentations (which have also featured visiting guest artists from as far away as New York City) are also made available to the home-schooled.
Drawing musicians from a wide geographic area extending from Coarsegold to NPS and Delaware North employees in Yosemite National Park itself, to as far in the Central Valley as Merced and Turlock, the dedicated musicians and their conductor volunteer their time, service and musicianship. In so doing, they've brought masterworks of the symphonic repertoire from composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Wagner, Schubert, Rossini, Bizet, Grieg, Mussorgsky, Sibelius, Vaughan Williams, and many many more. The bicentennial of both Beethoven's Fifth and Sixth symphonies was marked by notable, accomplished performances of those two works. The orchestra in the past has also collaborated with the Mariposa Community Chorus.
The orchestra has also regularly premiered the works of accomplished local area composers, many of which have reflected the splendor of our Sierra Nevada home. From string orchestra works by Ken Keuning to many works by retired US Army composer/arranger Dr. Phillip Smith, the musical depiction of the Sierra Nevada has been an important part of the orchestra's repertoire.
Internationally-recognized guest solo artists have appeared with the MSO, including Patrice Stribling Nelson in Beethoven's Piano Concerto #1 and Trombonist Dr. Thomas Ashworth and Virtuoso Violinist Lewis Wong. Both the latter performed the world premiere performances of concerti for their respective instruments with the MSO; both works had been commissioned from Les Marsden, also a veteran composer for the symphony orchestra.
The MSO's annual offerings include an Independence Day Spectacular Concert (performed outdoors at the Amphitheatre in Mariposa County Park,) a festive Holiday Concert, fall Season Opening and Spring Concerts. The orchestra is also the featured closing night attraction of the Mariposa County Fair, performing an annual full-length outdoor concert every year on Labor Day which ends with a coordinated fireworks display.
The orchestra made history in April of 2009 when it performed the first concert by a symphony orchestra ever in the landmark Ahwahnee Hotel's 82-year history. The SRO concert revealed spectacular acoustics in the Great Hall of the Yosemite Valley hotel, and the concert (featuring a return performance visit by Violinist Lewis Wong) included the premiere of Marsden's orchestral fanfare "Range of Light" - a piece dedicated to Ansel Adams. That particular concert also included an exceptional performance of Antonin Dvořák's landmark 9th Symphony "From the New World" - a performance that resulted in an instantaneous and unanimous standing ovation.
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Bill Vanderveer wrote on October 30, 2009: This orchestra brings the culture of the big city to the mountains. Orchestra members driving an hour to rehearse and perform in the concerts is certainly proof that wonderful music is being presented. I never miss a concert.
Eric Kramer wrote on October 29, 2009: I remember reading a notice on a bulletin board for musicians to join a local orchestra. I knew instantly that whoever wrote that was truly out of their mind! But it has happened and happened BIG TIME!
Kathryn Heth wrote on October 28, 2009: The symphony orchestra under the direction of Les Marsden is the crown jewel of Mariposa County. Celebrating their 8th season, these remarkable, dedicated musicians who volunteer their time, consistently improve with every brilliant performance. Standing ovations from enthusiastic audiences are telling.
Michelle Stone wrote on October 28, 2009: I am truly astounded that such a small community can support a full symphony orchestra. I know that from the beginning, nearly every concert has been performed to a full house. The support from the community and surrounding cities is certainly impressive. Additionally, many visitors from outside California attend the concerts. The orchestra has changed from the beginning, from performing more simple works to where it is today with original scores from complex material from the most well known composers. What a treasure this organization is to the county of Mariposa.
Marilyn Saunders wrote on October 25, 2009: This orchestra is fully volunteer giving area musicians the opportunity to play for an audience. This cultural "find" in a foothill community is a treasure for the community. Take the opportunity to attend a concert, you have a pleasant surprise ahead of you!
Roger Biery wrote on October 24, 2009: Who could have imagined that such a small community as Mariposa would have a symphony orchestra? And not just an orchestra, but a great orchestra with a remarkably talented conductor/composer. Although it seems fitting, in a way, that such a beautiful place as this should also have beautiful music. If you're in town during a concert, be sure to attend. I'm confident you'll be impressed.
Ken Pulvino wrote on October 24, 2009: With the anticipation of widespread map use by virtual tourists, this "secret treasure" of our life up here can be expected to get the rightful recognition of the visiting public. Les Marsden brings a finely tuned sense of classical beauty to enhance the Mariposa region’s quality of life with each performance of the MSO. Visitors will find it another enriching attraction during the shoulder seasons as well!