SAFE International Launches Ottawa Women’s Self Defense Parties – Ottawa, ON Self Defense

SAFE International ™ is the leading provider of mobile self-defense/personal protection training in Ottawa, Canada.

Ottawa, ON, December 21, 2014 (via Straight Line PR) — SAFE International ™ is the leading provider of mobile self-defense/personal protection training in Ottawa, Canada. SAFE International has taught more than 190,000 clients in the private, corporate and high school environments since 1994. SAFE International self defense Ottawa is expanding its seminar options to include women’s self defense parties in Ottawa, ON.

SAFE International quickly realized that women had completely different concerns, fears, and needs than males. Chris Roberts, Managing Director of SAFE International listened to their concerns and tailored something that was not only educational, but also met their personal fears. Men have no idea what women go through on an everyday basis from the stares and comments to the physical gestures and advances.

One of the reasons that SAFE International enjoys teaching women’s self defense Ottawa, is how receptive women are to the skills that the SAFE International instructors provide. SAFE International teaches self defense concepts, rather than techniques. This allows women to learn in a much shorter time.

SAFE International always covers Awareness and Avoidance strategies which are based on one’s daily routines. We examine what an attacker looks for, what an attacker wants and doesn’t want in confrontation. One of the biggest topics we explore is how most people are too polite, even when their intuition is telling them the complete opposite. We cover the most common distraction techniques an attacker will use to gain an advantage. We then move on to verbal strategies in the event that avoidance is no longer possible. Rather than just teaching to yell at a potential attacker, we cover a few verbal strategies based on the aggressor and the scenario. The third step is addressing the physical aspect of Ottawa women’s self defense. We begin with the advantages of adopting a passive stance rather than an aggressive stance. We only teach gross motor strikes due to the adrenal rush one gets when they are in a highly stressful state such as an attack scenario. We teach a philosophy of “Attack the Attacker” which reverses one from being the Prey, to that of being the Predator.

Another philosophy is to attack the head if all avoidance and verbal strategies have failed. This is only 30 minutes into the physical training and you can see how the self-defense concepts are very effective. The self defense drills increase with intensity as the participants gain more confidence. This is very important, as you don’t want to terrify your clients right from the start. It is important to build rapport with your students and the results will be seen as the drills progress. The following YouTube video shows how much can be learned in only 30 minutes of women’s self defense instruction.

Forget Tupperware Parties!
Invite 6 to 8 of your friends for a few hours of fun, education and potentially life- saving instruction. Plan a meal, bbq, snacks, maybe some dessert! Be prepared for a unique Ottawa Women’s Self Defense experience! What has made SAFE International so popular is their unique method of teaching with humour and sharing of anecdotes. Get to experience their simulated attacks in scenario specific situations such as at the front door, the kitchen, the car, etc.

About SAFE International:
SAFE International has taught more than 190,000 clients including mothers, fathers, daughters, police officers, seniors, and people with disabilities. To contact SAFE International and Chris Roberts to schedule your Women’s Self Defense party, you can visit their main site at www.ottawaselfdefense.biz

You can also reach Chris Roberts toll free at 1-800-465-5972 or by email at chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz

Contact:
Chris Roberts
SAFE International™
Ottawa, ON
1 800 465-5972
http://www.safeinternational.biz

SAFE International Self Defense Launches Ottawa Self Defense Website

Ottawa Self Defense, SAFE International Self Defense Experts launch Ottawa Self Defense at ottawaselfdefense.biz.

Ottawa, Canada, December 21, 2014 - (Straight Line PR) - Ottawa Self Defense, SAFE International Self Defense Experts launch Ottawa Self Defense at www.ottawaselfdefense.biz. SAFE International is the leading provider of mobile self-defense training in Ottawa, Canada and has expanded internationally with a goal to teach 500,000 people by 2020! SAFE International Self Defense Ottawa is a self-defense service for those living in the Ottawa, Canada area.

Twenty five percent of women will be assaulted during their lifetime and the highest risk group is teenage women. This is an alarming fact especially since over forty seven percent of crime is unreported. Women will know their attacker up to 75 percent of the time according to studies. Women lead busy lives and need easy to remember tactics that work in real-life situations. They also need training that fits into their busy schedules. SAFE International's instructors understand the challenges that women face and offer classes, group seminars and private lessons to fit into anyone's schedule.

Workplace violence is on the rise. Company and organizational leaders have become increasingly concerned about protecting themselves and their staff. SAFE International Ottawa can address these needs by providing seminars tailored to specific job needs in any service industry ranging from real estate to health care to sales employees. Self-protection is a necessity but it is now a form of insurance that will make your business more profitable and your employees more confident and secure.

SAFE International http://www.ottawaselfdefense.biz has traditionally focused on self-defense instruction for high school students across Canada. It offers 1, 3, 4 or 5 hour courses which can be taught over consecutive days or all in one day depending upon the school/ organization's needs. They offer high school seminars customized to the class needs and expectations. Each session may include, discussion, role-playing and a practical physical component. Their high school course covers the 3R's of Recognize, React, and Respond. These are real-world tactics that can be used by anyone against violent and stressful attacks.

SAFE International has become Canada's most popular high school course for both boys and girls due to the fact that they don't teach martial arts, but rather a practical approach to personal safety with an emphasis on detecting and defusing potentially dangerous situations. All our instructors are certified through SAFE International and have a unique ability to reach the students in an effective and memorable manner.

Contact SAFE International Self Defense Ottawa by going to their website at www.ottawaselfdefense.biz, by calling them toll free at 1-800-465-5972, or by email at info@safeinternational.biz

Contact:
Chris Roberts
SAFE International
22 Spruce St.
Ingleside, ON K0C 1M0
1-800-465-5972
http://www.safeinternational.biz

Subscriptions for the 2015 Season of Broadway By the Bay Now Available at the Golden State Theatre

Subscriptions for the 2015 Season of four musicals by the multi-award-winning Broadway By the Bay at the Golden State Theatre are now on sale.

Monterey, CA, December 20, 2014 - Subscriptions for the 2015 Season of four musicals by the multi-award-winning Broadway By the Bay at the Golden State Theatre are now on sale. A discounted subscription series is available for Les Miserables (March 28-April 5, 2015), My Fair Lady (June 27-July 5, 2015), West Side Story (September 5-13, 2015), and Kiss Me Kate (November 28-December 6, 2015) to be performed at the Golden State Theatre located at 417 Alvarado in Downtown Monterey.

These four outstanding musicals are produced by Broadway By the Bay, a theatrical non-profit 501(c)3 organization celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2015. Broadway By the Bay has been performing award-winning musicals since 1965 on the San Francisco Peninsula and now Monterey Peninsula residents can also enjoy their top theatre fare. As a preview of the high production quality of Broadway By the Bay’s shows, the musical, “Anything Goes” by Broadway By the Bay was performed on November 29th and 30th at the Golden State Theatre in Monterey and received standing ovations.

According to Lori Lochtefeld, co-owner of the Golden State Theatre with her husband, Eric Lochtefeld, “You don’t need to go to New York’s Times Square or London’s West End to now enjoy outstanding musical productions! Bring your friends and your family for a professionally produced live theatrical experience with great talent, dynamic music, elegant dancing, beautiful sets and magnificent costumes.These popular musicals provide great entertainment for all ages!”

Tickets may be purchased as a discounted subscription or individually on a per-show basis. Each show will be performed at 8:00 P.M. on Saturday with a 2:00 P.M. Sunday matinee performance. Season subscribers can save up to 39% including special discounts for seniors, military and youth. Subscription prices range from $154-$193 (adults), $134-$166 (military) and $111 - $153 for youth for the four-show subscription. Individual tickets are also now on sale.

For tickets and more information about each of the four productions, go to www.goldenstatetheatre.com or call (831) 649-1070. Group ticket discounts are available for also available for 10 or more. There is convenient nearby parking in several City of Monterey parking garages near the Golden State Theatre, in addition to street parking.

About Broadway By the Bay:
Broadway By the Bay, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, inspires, educates and engages the community and local talent through the power of musical theatre. Broadway By the Bay was established as San Mateo Community Theatre in 1965. They are the only major musical theatre company between San Francisco and Palo Alto producing large scale musical productions on par with those enjoyed in San Francisco, New York and London. They are committed to producing the highest quality shows while maintaining accessibility to the community through affordable ticket prices. In their 50-year history, they have received numerous awards and countless acclamations, but none as valued and important than the continued patronage by the community. They are the resident musical theatre company of the historic Fox Theatre in downtown Redwood City owned by Lori and Eric Lochtefeld and will now bring their productions to the Golden State Theatre in Monterey.

Broadway By the Bay was recently nominated for 21 prestigious Theatre Bay Area (TBA) Awards for three of their productions, “Evita”, “In The Heights” and “Dreamgirls” in 2014. On November 10, 2014 at the inaugural TBA Awards Celebration, they received 6 prestigious awards for Outstanding Production of a Musical (“In the Heights”), Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Feature Role (“In The Heights”), Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Principal Role (“Evita”), Outstanding Lighting Design (“In The Heights”), Oustanding Music Direction (“In the Heights”), and Outstanding Choreography (“In The Heights”).

The TBA Awards are designed to honor excellence in professionally oriented theatre through a peer-based, Bay Area-wide adjudication process and over 78 Bay Area production companies are evaluated and 183 submitted productions. More details can be found on http://www.theatrebayarea.org/?AwardsGala

About the Golden State Theatre:
In 1926, a 15,000 square-foot Moorish castle rose on Alvarado Street, to the amazement of locals and visitors alike. A new cinema and live performance venue to rival those in California's largest cities, the Golden State Theatre , which was built by the Reid Brothers, was the definition of an opulent movie palace.

After decades of deterioration, it was faithfully restored to its former glory, featuring an Old World grand lobby and mezzanine, one thousand plush velvet seats, state-of-the-art sound, and the indefinable magic of a truly historic setting. Dana Carvey, The Temptations, B.B. King, Bill Cosby, Willie Nelson, Yes, Patti Smith, Bob Weir and The Smothers Brothers — these are just some of the names that have graced the stage, contributing to the Theatre's new legacy since its renovation and exciting revival. The community is invited to attend a world-class concert or musical at the Golden State Theatre, or host their own special event here, and become part of its new chapter of history.

The Golden State Theatre is operated by husband and wife entrepreneurs, Eric and Lori Lochtefeld, along with a team of industry professionals from across the country. They are also co-owners of the Fox Theatre in Redwood City, also built by the Reid Brothers in 1929, where they hold nearly 200 events per year. Through their work with the Fox Theatre and the community, they have helped to revitalize downtown Redwood City. For more information, go to www.goldenstatetheatre.com or call (831) 649-1070.

Contact: Lori Lochtefeld (831) 649-1070 or Lori@FoxVenues.com

The Golden State Theatre is located at 417 Alvarado Street in downtown Monterey and has many outstanding events coming up in 2014/2015 including Lewis Black (February 5, 2015), Citizen Cope (February 12, 2015), Brian Regan (February 15, 2015), The Robert Cray Band (February 25, 2015) The Fab Four (March 14, 2015), In the Mood (March 22, 2015), Les Miserables (March 28-April 5, 2015), My Fair Lady (June 27-July 5, 2015), West Side Story (September 5-13, 2015), Kiss Me Kate (November 28-December 6), and more events will be announced. To arrange any interviews, please call Wendy Brickman at (831) 633-4444 or email Brickman@BrickmanMarketing.com. For more information and to be added to the Golden State Theatre newsletter list, go to www.goldenstatetheatre.com.

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.goldenstatetheatre.com

Powerful Child Abuse Prevention Tools are Just a Click Away

Local non-profit RAACE launches new website to help parents protect children from sexual abuse

Baltimore, MD, December 19, 2014 - The number of children and teens who are sexually abused in the U.S. remains at epidemic levels-- 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused by age 18. Even worse, over 90% of offenders are someone the child knows and trusts. To combat this epidemic, Maryland-based non-profit Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere (RAACE) has launched a new website that provides a wealth of information and educational materials to help families protect children against the often-silent epidemic of child sexual abuse.

RAACE, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been working for more than 10 years to help educate families about the dangers of child sexual abuse and what they can do to prevent the victimization of their children. The new website provides families with quick, easy access to a wide range of free, age-appropriate educational materials, including the organization’s in-depth Power of Prevention Guide Book.

According to RAACE founder, Kenneth Smith, “Education and awareness are the first critical steps toward preventing child sexual abuse. Our new site is a great resource that anyone can use to learn how to prevent child sexual abuse, what signs to look for if you suspect your child is being abused, and what each of us can do to shine a light on the epidemic of abuse and help end it.”

In addition to all the education materials available, the new site also offers ways to connect with other RAACE supporters, including a special community site where people can ask questions, share experiences, and take part in forums focused on topics related to child sexual abuse prevention and the issues that abuse survivors may face. The site also makes it easy to find RAACE events that are part of the organization’s Prevention Tour. During the tour, RAACE staff travel around the state to family-friendly events and use RAACE’s two-story, carnival-style "Big Wheel" to catch the attention of event-goers and teach them how they can help prevent child sexual abuse.

“As a community, we have the potential to make a dramatic and positive impact on children and families,” adds Smith. “We’re able to do this work thanks to the support of our RAACE Fans. And it’s even easier to support RAACE now that we’re part of the Network for Good.”

Contact: Brad Brickel
410-893-1001
brad.brickel@raace.org

For more information about RAACE and its ongoing work to end the epidemic of child sexual abuse, visit www.raace.org.

Contact:
Dina Wasmer
Incite Creative, Inc.
P.O. Box 95
Cockeysville, MD 21030
410-366-9479
http://www.incitecreativeinc.com

Carmel Valley Wine Experience Includes 9 Wineries and Tasting Rooms on a 12-Mile Scenic Stretch of Carmel Valley Road in Monterey California

Carmel Valley Wine Experience Offers Cellar Passes Just in Time For the Holidays and New Year.

Carmel Valley, CA, December 18, 2014 - Compared to the sizeable California wine region in Napa, the Carmel Valley appellation is a mere pinprick on the state’s oenological map. Lacking the notoriety and sheer volume of the famous valley to the north, Carmel Valley has evolved into a destination hot spot of its own — only for different reasons.

California’s 13th oldest appellation (designated in 1983) the Carmel Valley boasts oak-studded hillsides bathed in sunlight, an abundance of open space split by a meandering river, and a charming village with character and characters. With just 300 acres under vine, the Carmel Valley AVA retains its charm and genuineness, deserving consideration from wine lovers who desire a less-hectic, more-hospitable wine tasting destination.

A tour along a 12-mile scenic stretch of Carmel Valley Road in Monterey County reveals wineries, tasting rooms, art galleries, amazing foods and thousands of acres of parkland. Absent is the traffic, crowds and expensive restaurants familiar to massive wine regions that find themselves dog-eared in travel guides. The Carmel Valley Wine Experience is a collective of Carmel Valley tasting rooms that offer resources and insight to travelers as well as unique access and member benefits to visitors that so wish it.

The Carmel Valley Wine Experience highlights the valley’s wine tasting opportunities, while embracing its slow pace of life, leisure activities such as hiking and golf, as well as the boutiques, galleries and bevy of fine restaurants and cafes. The special quality that allows Carmel Valley to transcend the ordinary is evident in the Carmel Valley wineries and tasting rooms. The rugged Carmel Valley begins at the mouth of the Carmel River and the dramatic valley runs in a southeastern direction along the river. Dominated by red Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as Burgundian grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The tasting rooms also feature wines from throughout Monterey County, including the Arroyo Seco and famed Santa Lucia Highlands.

Most of the valley's tasting rooms are just a short stroll from each other, allowing visitors to take a wine tour on foot. For those who don’t want to drive at all, Monterey-Salinas Transit Bus 24, called the Grapevine Express, stops at many of the wineries. It departs from the Monterey Transit Plaza, located across from the Cooper-Molera Adobe in Old Monterey.

While often lively, Carmel Valley's tasting rooms provide a warm, personal interaction with tasting hosts and often the winemakers themselves. It’s all part of the Carmel Valley Wine Experience. Drink it all in soon.

Carmel Valley Wine Experience Cellar Pass:
· $50.00 per pass.
· A Cellar Pass gives its holder eight (8) tickets, each ticket good for the opportunity to taste at any member wineries.
· Good for a single standard flight per winery, the holder has 12 months (from purchase) to visit members' tasting rooms.
· Additional discounts of up to 10% applied to Cellar Pass holder's purchases.
· The Cellar Pass makes a perfect holiday gift.
· Available online and at www.cvwineexperience.com/purchasepass or at Carmel Valley Wine Experience members tasting rooms.
· Redeem your receipt for your Pass at member wineries - Bernardus or Holman Ranch)
· With your Cellar Pass enjoy complimentary corkage at Will’s Fargo Steakhouse + Bar on member bottles by showing the Cellar Pass.

Carmel Valley Wine Experience Background:
Organized by the Carmel Valley Chamber of Commerce, visit www.cvwineexperience.com to learn more about the collective of tasting rooms that make of the Carmel Valley Wine Experience as well as events, membership and general visitation information. Connect via facebook at /carmelvalleywineexperience

Wine Experience Members:
Bernardus
5 W Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
www.bernardus.com  |  831-298-8021  |   11am - 5pm, Daily

Chesebro Wines
19 E Carmel Valley Road, Suite D, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
www.chesebrowines.com  |  831-659-2125  |  2pm - 6pm, Thurs & Fri : 1pm - 6pm, Sat & Sun

Cima Collina
19 E Carmel Valley Road, Suite A, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
www.cimacollina.com  |  831-620-0645  |  Noon - 6pm, Daily

Coastview Vineyard
Opening Soon in the Carmel Valley

Holman Ranch
19 E Carmel Valley Road, Suite C, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
www.holmanranch.com  |  831-659-2640  |  11am - 6pm, Daily

Idle Hour
9 Del Fino Place, Ste 101 Carmel Valley, CA, 93924
www.idlehourwinery.com | 831-298-7526 | 11am - 5pm, Thurs-Sun

Joullian Vineyards
2 Village Drive, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
www.joullian.com  |  831-659-8100  |  11am - 5pm, Daily

Mercy Vineyards
40 W Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
www.mercywines.com  |  831-659-4321  |  1pm - 5pm, Thurs - Sun

Parsonage
19 E Carmel Valley Road, Suite B, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
www.parsonagewine.com  |  831-659-7322  |  11am - 5pm, Daily

Contact Info:
· www.cvwineexperience.com
· https://www.facebook.com/CarmelValleyWineExperience

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
http://www.cvwineexperience.com

KWAV Holiday Party at Cibo Restaurant on Wednesday, December 17th

‘Tis the season! Save the date for a great KWAV Holiday Party at Cibo Restaurant on Wednesday, December 17th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Monterey, CA, December 16, 2014 - ‘Tis the season! Save the date for a great KWAV Holiday Party at Cibo Restaurant on Wednesday, December 17th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The Holiday After-Party festivities will continue that evening at Cibo until 1:30 a.m. Celebrate the holiday season and meet your favorite KWAV personalities! For those who contact KWAV to get on the KWAV VIP list, enjoy complimentary appetizers from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and enter to win great prizes! FAWK DJ (Temo Medina) will be on hand spinning great music all night long. Cibo is located at 301 Alvarado in Downtown Monterey (www.cibo.com) at the corner of Del Monte with ample parking in adjacent parking garage.

To be added to the VIP list to attend this special KWAV party at Cibo at no charge, go to www.kwav.com to add your name to the guest list.

The regular Cibo dinner menu will also be available from 5 p.m. to closing. To make a dinner reservation or for more information about Cibo Restaurant, please visit www.cibo.com or call 831.649.8151.

About Cibo Restaurant
Cibo Restaurant offers Italian cuisine, gourmet pizzas, cocktails, fine wines, cordials, and more. Cibo( pronounced chee-bo) means food in Italian, but it’s more of a feast for the senses. This beautiful, spacious and comfortable restaurant features an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere which is accentuated with expressive art in the form of photography, paintings, sculpture, hand-blown glass and live jazz. Fusing the best of old and new world Italian cuisine, Cibo offers an eclectic menu ranging from gourmet pizzas to multi-course dinners. Families are welcome and there is a special children’s menu. Cibo has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike since 1990.

Cibo is open every evening with dinner served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Cibo Bar is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and is a popular “pre-event” and “after-party” destination. The bar features a $3 Happy Hour with special appetizers daily from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. They offer an extensive high quality local and international wine and beer list, cordials, microbrews, rare and small batch Bourbons, Scotches, Ports, Grappa and liqueurs, as well as espresso, coffee drinks and a full menu of cocktails.

Cibo also presents live music 6 nights a week. On Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the cool sound of Jazz accompanies dinner from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. The restaurant features a lively and fun atmosphere with Reggae, R&B, Rock or Salsa dance music on Friday and Saturday nights from 10:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. with no cover charge. They also hold a special “House Blend Happy Hour” every Friday night from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. "Happy Hour Jazz Jam" from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. every first and third Sunday of the month which includes Happy Hour food and drink specials.

With 150 seats, including intimate booths for dining , and room for over 50 people in the attractive bar area, Cibo also accommodates large groups for business functions, wedding rehearsals and receptions, special group dining events, and customized private parties. Cibo is now “wired” with free Internet service.

Cibo Restaurant is the winner of numerous awards including California Writers Association Recommended Dining, Best Place to Meet Singles in Their 30's and 40's, Gold Key Award for Interior Design, Best Place to Enjoy a Martini, Best Place for Live Jazz, Best Italian Restaurant, Best Place to Dance, Best Martini and one of the Top 10 Happy Hours in Monterey.

For more information, go to www.cibo.com or call (831) 649-8151.

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.cibo.com

Monterey Symphony Announces Spring 2015 Concerts

Tickets on Sale for Charismatic Glow: February 20-22, 2015

Monterey, CA, December 15, 2014 — The 69th season of the Monterey Symphony continues into Spring 2015 with a brilliant range of classical performances sure to astound you! International guest artists will perform colorful works with the Monterey Symphony orchestra on the stages of Sherwood Hall in Salinas and Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Mini-series subscriptions are still available for the remaining four concerts in Spring 2015, along with a three-concert FlexPass that allows you to choose concerts up to the day of the event subject to availability.

Mini-series subscribers are assured the best seats available, free ticket exchanges, and VIP privileges. Celebrate this colorful season with the Monterey Symphony, along with the 10th Anniversary of Music Director and Conductor Max Bragado-Darman.

The Spring 2015 repertoire blooms with Spanish pianist, Joaquin Achúcarro, in February, and Icelandic violinist, Judith Ingolfsson, in March. The fifth concert in April, Majestic Realm, alludes to the nostalgia felt for our homeland, with what is certain to be a spectacular performance by violist Roberto Díaz, President of the Curtis Institute of Music and former principal violist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. The season closes in May with a flamboyant, all orchestral grand finale, Invitation to Dance. Without question, The Colors of Music has something for everyone. (Schedule and details below)

Photo of Joaquin Achúcarro, guest pianist of February concert “Charismatic Glow”
Concert III: Charismatic Glow

* February 20, 21, 22, 2015
* Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody is an immensely popular work, featuring the acclaimed talents of Achúcarro, and promises to be a performance not to miss. Dvorák’s Symphony No. 7 is considered by many to be one of the finest examples from the golden age of the symphony.

* Max Bragado-Darman, conductor
* Joaquin Achúcarro, piano
* Giménez: Prelude to La Boda de Luis Alonso
* Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43 featuring Joaquin Achúcarro, internationally acclaimed pianist from Spain
* Dvorák: Symphony No. 7 in D Minor, Op. 70
* Concert Sponsored By:

Joaquin Achúcarro, guest pianist:
Described as “one of the greats” by ABC in Madrid and “the consummate artist” by the Chicago Sun-Times, internationally acclaimed Spanish pianist Joaquín Achúcarro has performed recitals in 60 countries and has played with over 200 orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, La Scala of Milan, London Symphony, London Philharmonic, Philarmonia, Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, RIAS Berlin, Sydney Symphony, Tokyo Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony, National de France, Hallé, City of Birmingham, Royal Scottish, RTA Ireland, Western Australia, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Sta Cecilia Roma, RAI, Arena de Verona, Orchestra Verdi, and the National Orchestras of Spain, Chile, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela, among many others. He has performed under an impressive list of 342 of the world´s greatest conductors, such as Abbado, Boult, Chailly, Mehta, Menuhin, Ozawa and Rattle.

Born in Bilbao, Spain, Achúcarro studied in Madrid, Paris, Vienna, and Salzburg.

His international career was launched with his victory in England at the 1959 Liverpool International Competition and subsequent debut with the London Symphony, and from that time, he has maintained an uninterrupted concert schedule. Since 1989, Achúcarro has held the specially endowed Joel Estes Tate Chair in piano at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, adjusting his teaching periods to his busy performance schedule. He is also a Professor at the Summer International Courses of the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy.

He has received Spain’s highest honors in the arts including the Premio Nacional de Música, the Gold Medal of Fine Arts, and the Great Cross of Civil Merit honoring his lifetime achievement. He was also named “Artist for Peace 2000” by UNESCO and “Beloved Son” by the city of Bilbao, and received the “Universal Basque” awarded by the Basque Government.
Source: http://joaquinachucarro.wordpress.com

The Facts:
Fridays at 7:30 p.m. ($20; all seats general admission) at Sherwood Hall, 940 N Main St, Salinas, CA 93906

Saturdays at 8 p.m. ($29-$79) and Sundays at 3 p.m. ($29-$79) at Sunset Center, San Carlos Street at 9th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Pre-Concert Lecture Series: All concerts will feature a free pre-concert lecture at the concert hall one hour prior to the performance. These lectures, provided by Dr. Todd Samra, offer intriguing facts and historical context about the composers and the pieces to be performed, which greatly enhance the concert-going experience. To learn more about Dr. Samra, visit: http://www.montereysymphony.org/?attachment_id=3832

To purchase tickets or a mini-series subscription, call 831-646-8511 or visit http://www.montereysymphony.org/current-season/ for season details.

Enjoy the best of harmony for your ears, and flavor for your palate, with the Monterey Symphony Supper Club! Share your love of classical music with fellow patrons over three-course dinners and hand-selected wines. Local restaurants that are hosting the Monterey Symphony Supper Club this season include: Vesuvio, Portobello’s, Andre’s Bouchée, Il Fornaio, La Dolce Vita, Gino’s, and Anton & Michel. For reservations, call 831.646.8511 or visit http://www.montereysymphony.org/special-events
Upcoming Spring 2015 Concerts:

Concert IV: Ethereal Skies
* March 20, 21, 22, 2015
* Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto will be spectacular with Ingolfsson and Maestro Max interpreting one of the most romantically beautiful violin concertos. Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5 is a challenging work from one of history's finest symphonic composers, and Carl Maria von Weber's Overture is simply delightful.
* Max Bragado-Darman, conductor
* Judith Ingolfsson, violin
* Weber: Abu Hassan Overture
* Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 featuring Judith Ingolfsson, internationally acclaimed violinist from Iceland
* Sibelius: Symphony No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 82
* Concert Sponsored By:

Concert V: Majestic Realm
* April 17, 18, 19, 2015
* William Walton was a master British composer whose works reflect a level of complexity in melody, meter, and form that enthralls both listeners and musicians alike. Johann Strauss, the Viennese waltz king, and Prokofiev, the Russian master, are also featured.
* Max Bragado-Darman, conductor
* Roberto Díaz, viola
* J. Strauss: Overture to the Gypsy Baron
* Walton: Concerto for Viola featuring Roberto Díaz, President of the Curtis Institute of Music
* Prokofiev: Symphony No. 7 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 131
* Concert Sponsored By:

Concert VI: Invitation to Dance
*  May 15, 16, 17, 2015
*  The work on this program that will surprise and thrill is the Ginastera, which may incline our audiences to not sit still...with encore appearances by Weber, Dvorák, and Rachmaninoff, featuring stylized dances of immense beauty and energy.

* Max Bragado-Darman, conductor
* Weber: Invitation to the Dance, Op. 65
* Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances, Op. 45
* Dvorák: Slavonic Dances, Op. 46, Nos. 1, 3, 8
* Ginastera: Four Dances from Estancia, Op. 8a
* Concert Sponsored By:

Contact the Monterey Symphony Box Office at 831-646-8511 or email ticketing@montereysymphony.org to purchase tickets or for more information regarding discounted group, student and military rates.

Monterey Symphony, Photo by DMT Imaging

The mission of the Monterey Symphony is to engage, educate and excite our community through the performance and continual discovery of symphonic music.

The Monterey Symphony, under the artistic leadership of Music Director & Conductor Max Bragado-Darman, is the only fully professional, full-season orchestra serving the communities of the Monterey Bay, Salinas, Salinas Valley, Big Sur, and San Benito County. It provides triple performances of a six-concert subscription series at Carmel’s Sunset Theater and Salinas’s Sherwood Hall, as well as youth education programs that include visits to classrooms by musicians and culminate in full-orchestra concerts for schoolchildren.

The Monterey Symphony is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation, supported in part through the fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Monterey Symphony, and through grants from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Harden Foundation, The Robert and Virginia Stanton Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, The Todd Lueders Fund for the Arts of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, The Community Foundation for Monterey County, The Berkshire Foundation, The Monterey Peninsula Foundation, The Pebble Beach Company Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Arts Council of Monterey County, The S.T.A.R. Foundation, The Hind Foundation, Upjohn California Fund, and many other generous foundations and individual donors.

For additional information, please call 831-646-8511 or visit our web site: www.montereysymphony.org.

Contact:
Lindsey Little
Monterey Symphony
2560 Garden Road, Suite 101
Monterey, CA 93940
831-646-8511
http://www.montereysymphony.org