Dr. Arthur Barnes and the orchestra open the Livermore-Amador Symphony's Golden Season—its fiftieth—with music that powerfully celebrates the orchestra's half-century of musical achievement.

Noted Livermore composer Tom Darter's LAS-commissioned work "Celebrations" receives its premiere, kicking into high gear a yearlong celebration of music and festivity. Brahms' monumental First Symphony is often called "Beethoven’s Tenth"; it compellingly captures the revolution of musical technique and emotion in force during the mid-nineteenth century. Brahms' violin concerto is considered one of the greats of the form, and it continues the enthusiastic tone of the season.

The orchestra will be joined by Stuart Canin, concertmaster of the San Francisco Symphony from 1970 to 1980 and concertmaster of the San Francisco Opera from 1970 to 1972. Born in New York City, Canin studied the violin with famed pedagogue Ivan Galamian. In 1959, he surpassed 25 other violinists to capture first prize at the Paganini International Violin Competition in Genoa, Italy. One year later he was honored by his native city with its highest cultural award, the Handel Medal, in recognition of his musical achievements.