Bonnie Carroll
By Bonnie Carroll
This June 15, amazing one-night only event featuring singer, pianist, and songwriter Tony DeSare, Ed Decker, guitarist, Michael Klopp, Drummer, Dylan Shamat, Bass, combined with The Santa Barbara Symphony was a truly dazzling performance of Frank Sinatra’s greatest hits. This journey back in time when swing was king and crooners ruled, had the audience humming along with the talented Tony DeSare, as well as sipping trendy cocktails, and capturing memories at the Supper Club-themed selfie station.
The blending of Sinatra favorites and songs written by singer DeSare, who also played piano was perfectly paired with the Santa Barbara Symphony, skillfully conducted by Maestro Nir Kabaretti and the evening was an experience that brought back memories for many of joyful past times enjoying ‘old blue eyes’ performing in Las Vegas. It was a musical evening that left the entire audience in a very happy space. According to DeSare, named Rising Star Male Vocalist in Downbeat magazine, who does these performances with symphonies throughout North America and abroad, “I am always happy to share Sinatra favorites as well as my own original songs and appreciate the positive audience praise”.
The 70th Anniversary celebration in the Founders Room following the concert was filled with dedicated Symphony supporters, friends, staff and charitable sponsors for the 2022-23 season including Dan & Meg Burnham, Anne F. Sage & Jesse D. SGRO, Sarah & Roger Chrisman, Montecito Bank & Trust guests, some in classic designer clothing enjoyed bites, cocktails, wine, birthday cake and chocolate cigars & cigarettes. Tony DeSare performed on the grand piano and sang a few tunes, while Board President Janet Garufis, who was also celebrating her birthday, welcomed guests to raise the temperature to make a donation and make the SB Symphony grand fundraising amount for the 2023 season a reality.
Internationally acclaimed conductor Nir Kaberetti’s artistic reach continues to expand around the world, thrilling audiences with his dynamic conducting style and vast knowledge of all facets of musical performing arts. In 2018 Kabaretti was appointed Music Director of the Israel Sinfonietta Be’er Sheva while continuing his tenure with the Southwest Florida Symphony.
Upon his graduation from the prestigious University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Kabaretti began working as coach and chorus master at the Vienna State Opera and the Salzburg Festival. He subsequently advanced to positions as assistant to the Music Director at the Theatro Real in Madrid and personal assistant to maestro Zubin Mehta at Theatro del Maggio Musicale in Florence, Italy He collaborated with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors of the time, including Claudio Abbado, Lorin Maazel, Seiji Ozawa, Valery Gergiev, and Riccardo Muti.
Tony DeSare, Vocals & Piano Artist with SB Symphony Conductor Nir Kabaretti
The 2023-24 season offers moments of awe, connection, inspiration, and joy! Subscribers are invited on an expansive season-long symphonic journey of classical traditions, including Beethoven, Dvorak, Mahler, and Mozart; genre-defying guest artists like 2023 Grammy-winning string trio Time for Three and jazz virtuoso Marcus Roberts Trio; and fun fan favorites, including scenes from the Golden Age of Oscar.
For subscription information visit: Subscribe.TheSymphony.org or call 805-898-9386.
