Jason Scheff, vocals/bass
New West Symphony Artistic Ambassador

Without missing a beat, Jason stepped into Chicago with the mega-hit “Will You Still Love Me” in 1986 and never looked back. He composed several original hit songs (“What Kind of Man Would I Be?” and “Heart of Mine”), and is the longest vocalist/bassist in the band’s history. He continues to perform and record with artists such as Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, Robbie Krieger (The Doors), Alex Lifeson (Rush), Tommy Thayer (KISS), Bill Champlin, and Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flats) to name a few. He has also recorded as a solo artist.

Steve Porcaro, keyboards

As a founding member of the Grammy winning, platinum-selling rock band Toto, songwriter/keyboardist Steve Porcaro had huge pop hits with “Hold the Line,” “Rosanna,” and “Make Believe.” He also co-wrote “Human Nature” on Michael Jackson’s 30 million-selling Thriller album. Other members of the band were his brothers Jeff Porcaro and Mike Porcaro, David Paich, David Hungate, Steve Luthaker, Bobby Kimball, Fergie Fredericksen, and Joseph Williams. Toto also became in-demand session musicians, playing on numerous records.

Phil X, guitar

Hailing from Toronto, Canada where it all began, Phil X started out like a lot of teenagers with a guitar in their hands and dreams of the big time.

Well… although it took a REALLY REALLY long time, it happened. On April 14, 2011 Jon Bon Jovi contacted Phil to prepare for the possibility of standing in for Richie Sambora for the BON JOVI tour in progress. Even Phil didn’t think this was possible but it happened. TWICE. After the second time filling in for Sambora in 2013, Phil stayed on and has been the guitar player for BON JOVI ever since. After over 200+ shows, Phil claims he still gets goosebumps kicking into Livin’ On A Prayer calling it not only an important song of his youth, but one of the best Rock songs ever written.

Aside from pioneering the “guitar influencer” phenomenon, Phil had become one of the top session players in LA with his background in songwriting and freakish knack for coming up with unimaginable overdub parts on the spot. It all started with Tommy Lee’s Methods of Mayhem in 1999 to Rob Zombie to Rob telling Alice Cooper “You gotta use this guy on your new record” leading to Phil’s notorious “crazy guitars” on Brutal Planet produced by Bob Marlett. Phil went on to record with Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Chris Cornell, Halestorm, Apocolyptica… not to mention (still name dropping) Stewart Copeland, Edgar Winter, a Smokey Robinson/Steven Tyler duet…. and many, many more.

Rick Cowling, guitar/vocals

Rick Cowling is the co-owner, sound engineer and music supervisor for Turning On the Light Entertainment (TOtLEntertainment.com). Aside from being an accomplished musician, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, writer and producer, he has been the guitarist for Kenny Loggins and toured for five years as the lead singer and keyboard player for Ambrosia. Cowling has also produced music and DVD projects with many major artists, including Bonnie Raitt, Gladys Knight, Laura Brannigan, Melissa Manchester and Bobby Womack.

Sherry Hursey, vocals

Sherry Hursey is an award-winning actress, writer, producer, voice artist and vocalist whose face and voice are very familiar to television and film audiences worldwide. She has an extensive list of credits spanning from stage to screen, but may be most recognized for her role as Al’s fiancée, Ilene, on the long running ABC series Home Improvement, or Kirsten Dunst’s mom in the Universal box office hit, Bring It On. Diehard fans still remember her as Paula Carson on Days of Our Lives or Murray’s daughter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Hursey has been featured in over 100 radio and television commercials and guest-starred in over 50 popular TV shows. Hursey is the co-owner of Turning On the Light Entertainment, where her heart and talents are being fully expressed by writing, producing and distributing inspiring and uplifting positive music and media.

Burleigh Drummond, drums & Mary Harris, keyboards/vocals

Burleigh Drummond is an American drummer, percussionist, producer, songwriter and singer. He is a founding member and the only drummer/percussionist for the five-time GRAMMY Award nominated band Ambrosia. He performs onstage in the band with his wife and fellow band member Mary Harris, and the couple are also both active members of Bill Champlin’s Wunderground and their own band Tin Drum.  Harris, as a member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, arranged vocals and sang on recordings and live performances, and has worked with Stewart Copeland and Stanley Clarke, and recorded for Pink Floyd. 

Jeff Scott Soto, vocals

Jeff Scott Soto is best known for being the vocalist on Yngwie Malmsteen’s first two albums and the lead vocalist for Journey in 2006–07. He sang lead vocals in the band Eyes as well as Sons of Apollo. He also had a long tenure as the front man of hard rock band Talisman. Currently he works as a solo artist, with his self-named band SOTO and as the vocalist of supergroups W.E.T. and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. In 2020, Jeff joined forces with the band Art of Anarchy. His style ranges from hard rock to power metal, being influenced by classic soul singers as Sam Cooke as well as Journey’s Steve Perry and Freddie Mercury of Queen.

Gulia Gurevich, violin

“[Gulia Gurevich’s] artistry is breathtaking, dramatic, plaintive and occasionally raucous!”
~Classical Sonoma review of a performance in Mill Valley, CA

Gulia Gurevich is a violinist and a violist of the Prima Trio, a mixed ensemble that won a Grand Prix at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. She has since enjoyed 14 seasons with the trio and has performed across the US and abroad. Gurevich was invited to be on the chamber music jury panel of the International Young Pianist Competition in Villahermosa, Mexico and on a jury of the upcoming Braga International Violin competition in Portugal and Irvine Conservatory Music Competition. A sought-after pedagogue, she has taught masterclasses at the Oberlin Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory and others. Gurevich received her Diploma from Indiana University, her Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin Conservatory and her MM/DMA degree at University of California in Santa Barbara. Dr. Gurevich is a co-founder of the Nelli Shkolnikova Academy in France and runs a chamber music festival, a concert series and owns a music school in the Los Angeles area. She often performs as part of the New West Symphony orchestra. 

The Lyris Quartet

Alyssa Park, violin | Shalini Vijayan, violin | Luke Maurer, viola | Timothy Loo, cello

The Lyris Quartet, described as “radiant… exquisite… and powerfully engaged” by Mark Swed of the LA Times, is one of the most sought after ensembles on the west coast. Equally at home with standard quartet repertoire and the music of today, Lyris has premiered countless works and has been involved in numerous commissions by some of the most exciting composers of our time. Members of the quartet have won top prizes at the Tchaikovsky International Competition and Aspen Music Festival, and have collaborated with renowned artists Natalia Gutman, David Geringas, Martha Argerich, Alban Gerhardt, Boris Pergamenschikov, Midori, Guillame Sutre, Myung-Whun Chung, Glenn Dicterow and Richard Stoltzman. Violinist Alyssa Park is Concertmaster of the New West Symphony orchestra.

Hiram Sebastian Rodriguez, trombone

Trombonist, composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist, Hiram Sebastian Rodriguez is known for his versatility as well as his enthusiasm for all genres of music. As an instrumentalist, he has been recognized for his expression, engaging programming and musical creativity. His recital programming often juxtaposes disparate styles including works from the Classical era, the avant-garde, Romanticism, jazz and commercial.

Devon Geyer & his band

Devon Geyer’s music grew out of a love for American roots music, blending unique original songs with classic country. Devon is joined by Burleigh Drummond Jr. on drums and vocals, Sierra Drummond on bass and vocals, and Joel Martin on pedal steel. Based in Ventura County, friendship and family are at the heart of the music.

Michael Christie
New West Symphony Artistic and Music Director

Michael Christie is a thoughtfully innovative conductor, equally at home in the symphonic and opera worlds, who is focused on making the audience’s experience at his performances entertaining, enlightening, and enriching. Michael won a 2019 GRAMMY® Award (Best Opera Recording) for the world premiere recording of Mason Bates’ The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs with the Santa Fe Opera (PENTATONE). Deeply committed to bringing new works to life, Michael has championed commissions by leading and emerging composers alike.

Michael, with a conducting career spanning over two decades, was appointed Artistic and Music Director for New West Symphony in 2018, debuting as conductor in its 25th season. As the New West Symphony’s 30th Anniversary Season approaches, it also celebrates Michael’s five-year tenure in the role. This year holds another milestone as Michael celebrates his 50th birthday. | Read “The Life of a Maestro”

Hope Rosenfeld

Hope Miriam Berkelhammer Rosenfeld was born June 12, 1924 and has lived her life fueled by a lifelong passion for music, and her much loved and loving children, grandchildren and close friends. Almost from its inception, Hope focused the bulk of her time, expertise, and financial support to New West Symphony. She helped prepare meals for NWS orchestra member rehearsals, hosted events at her lovely home, opened her door to guest performers and conductors who needed a place to stay, served as president of the NWS League and much more. And, as she celebrates her 100th birthday, she continues to relish NWS performances that she attends faithfully. They are a gift that continues to bring her endless pleasure and for which she is forever grateful. | Read “100 Years of Hope” 

John Shwope and Karen Dean Fritts

John Shwope and his wife Karen Dean Fritts have been ardent supporters of the New West Symphony since its inception and have both served on the Board of Directors, John for more than 20 years. They have watched and encouraged it to grow into what is now, a world-class organization. John is an active survivor and mentor with the local Cancer Support Community, and an avid mountain biker and golfer. Karen is a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for almost fifty years. They have resided in Thousand Oaks for more than 40 years and have 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren. New West Symphony honors John and Karen for their commitment to artistic and education programs.