Enhance Your Concert Experience
Enhance your concert-going experience with New West Symphony activities during concert week and prior to the concerts. These are unique opportunities to hear more from our world-renowned guest artists and music experts, and mingle with fellow music lovers.
Friday, December 6 – prior to the Winter Spectacular concerts on December 7 & 8
10 AM | Brunch/Treats Reception
11 AM | Meet the Artists Event
Meet the Artists events are held a few days before concert weekends at University Village-Thousand Oaks, providing a unique ‘behind the scenes’ experience with Maestro Michael Christie and our guest artists. Learn about their musical insights, illustrious careers and fascinating beginnings, and enjoy intimate musical performances. Hosted by University Village–Thousand Oaks, these free events begin with a dessert reception.
These events are open to the public. Reservations are required by calling University Village at 805.241.3300 at least 48 hours in advance.
Meet the Artists events will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook. Join us online!
Saturdays | 6 PM
Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza
Sundays | 2 PM
Rancho Campana in Camarillo
Note: there will be no pre-concert talks for the December 7 & 8, 2024 Winter Spectacular Concerts
Hear & Now Live
Insightful and informative, our Hear & Now Live! Pre-concert talks will entertain and enlighten you about the music and guest artists on the program. This lively 30-minute discussion led by passionate music expert David Ravetch, is free to ticket holders and takes place one hour prior to each performance.
David Ravetch
David Ravetch has been a UCLA Anderson School of Management faculty member for over 30 years and is well recognized for his love of teaching and passion for music. David Ravetch plays the piano, guitar, and clarinet, and has composed musicals for children and about the accounting profession. His passion for the classics has led to him to create a series of one-hour lectures showing how well-known classical themes are used in film, television, pop music and Broadway music. During the 2015-2016 season he participated in the Guilds of Segerstrom Center for the Arts Celebrity Series where he presented his lecture “Classical Music is Everywhere.”
Intermission Insights
What goes on in a performer’s mind when they’re standing in front of a full orchestra looking out to a rapt audience? At each concert, Artistic & Music Director Michael Christie leads a relaxed 10-minute question and answer with artists. Join in the conversation and learn more about the fascinating human experience of creating music in the moment. “Intermission Insights” is an audience favorite at New West Symphony and is unique in the industry!
Encore Initiative: Audience Sing-alongs
Encore! Encore! New West Symphony sends you home with a spring in your step and a tune in your ear. Music Director Michael Christie selects extra musical treats for our audiences on most programs. Some encores will be thematically related to a performance, some will be for the audience to join in, and some will just be for the fun of it. Experience exceptional music-making and delightful treats for all musical tastes.
October 2024 Sing-alongs: The Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand” & “Let It Be”
November 2024 Sing-alongs: John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “America”