SoCal Saturday Night

Upcoming broadcasts

Saturday, February 28

Mozart Marathon #1 & 2 We wrap up the Santa Barbara Symphony season with Mozart Marathon — an evening celebration of the genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the extraordinary artistry of the Symphony’s principal musicians. Music & Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti has curated a vibrant program that highlights the prolific and prodigious nature of Mozart’s work. Each piece showcases a different facet of Mozart’s brilliance — from the charming humor of The Impresario Overture and the graceful beauty of the Concerto for Flute and Harp, to the lyrical elegance of Violin Concerto No. 4 and the festive energy of the beloved “Haffner” Symphony.

“Mozart’s work offers endless possibilities to explore his genius, which is why creating this program for the community was both a challenge and a joy,” explained Maestro Nir Kabaretti. “Experiencing our extraordinary principal musicians as guest soloists not only provides audiences with beautiful examples of Mozart’s incredible range but also brings into the spotlight the virtuosity and passion of our Symphony family.”

Nir Kabaretti, conductor – Amy Tatum, flute Michelle Temple, harp – Jessica Guideri, violin

MOZART Overture to The Impresario MOZART Concerto For Flute and Harp MOZART Violin Concerto No. 4 in D MOZART Symphony No. 35, “Haffner”

Past Programs

Saturday, February 7 The Santa Barbara Symphony returns to SoCal Saturday Night! The 2024-25 season opener from the Santa Barbara Symphony comes to SoCal Saturday Night! Join host Jennifer Miller Hammel for an exploration of Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony, along with a tribute to local composer Emma Lou Diemer. Conducted by Nir Kabaretti, the concert showcases the acclaimed guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas performing his exciting rendition of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez. The program also includes Diemer's “Homage to Tchaikovsky,” highlighting her connection to the Santa Barbara community and her influence on the symphonic repertoire.

Nir Kabaretti, conductor Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, guitar

EMMA LOU DIEMER Homage to Tchaikovsky RODRIGO Concierto de Aranjuez TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 4

Saturday, February 14

The Seven Deadly Sins The Santa Barbara Symphony presents a bold, theatrical evening featuring the incomparable Storm Large in The Seven Deadly Sins by Kurt Weill. This darkly satirical masterpiece follows Anna on a journey through seven cities — each embodying a deadly sin — as she wrestles with morality, ambition, and desire. Praised by The New York Times for her performance at Carnegie Hall, Storm Large brings fierce charisma and genre-defying artistry to the role, joined by the renowned Hudson Shad Quartet. Conducted by Music Director Nir Kabaretti, the program also features vibrant works by Jessie Montgomery, William Grant Still, and Jacques Ibert.

Nir Kabaretti, conductor Storm Large, vocalist The Hudson Shad Quartet

IBERT Divertissement STILL Seven Little Pieces from The Black Belt JESSIE MONTGOMERY Strum WEILL / BRECHT The Seven Deadly Sins

Saturday, February 21

Brahms’ Requiem As part of a season of bold firsts, the Santa Barbara Symphony presents A German Requiem by Johannes Brahms — a monumental meditation on life, loss, and hope. Led by Music & Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti, this powerful performance marks the debut of the new Santa Barbara Symphony Chorus, joined by acclaimed soloists and more than 200 performers on stage. The program also features Three Rückert-Lieder by Gustav Mahler, adding an intimate, reflective counterpoint.

Nir Kabaretti, conductor Magdalena Kuźma, soprano Daniel Scofield, baritone Santa Barbara Symphony Chorus

MAHLER Three Rückert-Lieder BRAHMS A German Requiem

Recent Broadcasts On Demand

Listen to the latest SoCal Saturday Night on demand for one week following each broadcast.