- June Masters Bacher

What a community creates is a measure of what it is, and the South Valley Symphony is part of this community's heart and soul.

On Saturday, Oct. 11, the South Valley Symphony is celebrating its 35th season with a gala Fall Fiesta! Concert featuring Mariachi Santa Cecilia and harp soloist Anna Maria Mendietta. The concert is sponsored by the Raymond Family Foundation, in honor of Al Navaroli, who passed away in June.

Board president Navaroli was known as South Valley Symphony's promoter extraordinaire: he spent years helping recruit musicians.

"South Valley Symphony began sounding better every year," longtime supporter and board member Arline Silva recalled, "largely through his efforts." Navaroli's passion for classical music was eclipsed only by his love and dedication to his family and friends.

Kristin Carlson, current president of the South Valley Symphony board, worked closely with Navaroli and considered him a mentor.

"I was a friend of the SVS first through Mr. Al Navaroli," she said, "whom we are honoring at the concert on the 11th of October. When he asked me to join the board, I did and helped wherever I could."

The South Valley Symphony is one of the oldest community orchestral symphonies in the Bay Area. It is not easy for a small-town symphony to survive and thrive for 35 years; many have gone under. SVS attributes their outstanding success to the grass roots support and creative volunteer efforts of so many who care about music and the arts in the South County community.

In collaboration with their acclaimed director, Tony Quartuccio, the dedicated board of directors and talented musicians of SVS have recently launched a number of ambitious outreach and partnership programs that will carry music into the lives of many more school children and residents. The symphony supports community fund-raising for schools, nonprofit groups and service organizations. "This year we are adding a Young Musicians Competition," Carlson said. "The winner will perform as soloist with South Valley Symphony."

For Christmas, the symphony will join forces with the Gavilan Concert Choir for an encore celebration of Handel's Messiah Dec. 13 and 14. Another highlight of the 2008-2009 SVS season is the family concert, "Music for the Young at Heart," which will feature the winner of the first Al Navaroli Concerto Competition March 14. Season tickets also include the annual Bach to Blues Event which features the best local classical, modern, swing and jazz musicians. On May 10, the Mother's Day Celebration concert will be held in the historic Mission San Juan Bautista, adding an ambiance to the music of "Ancient Airs and Dances" like no other local venue. Wine and cheese will be served in the rose garden. The full season of five concerts costs $90 total, with a discount to $70 for seniors and $40 for students. No other local musical group offers so much for such a bargain rate.

The symphony is not just for musicians. "While I do not play an instrument, I am passionate about music," Carlson said. "So far, our symphony has brought music to our South Valley area for 35 years. I hope that our symphony continues concerts that enrich, entertain and educate hundreds of adults and children throughout the year."

Fall Fiesta! Concert: 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. The cost is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 55 and older, $10 for those 12 to 18. Children younger than 12 will be admitted free with a paid adult admission. Visit southvalleysymphony.org, or call (408) 847-1441 for more info.

Kat Teraji Kat Teraji is communications coordinator for a large nonprofit that benefits women and children. Her column appears every Friday. You can reach her at kattoy@verizon.net.