Lillian Boyd, Dana Point Times
The Dana Point Symphony has announced its ninth season and its Third Annual Holiday Concert for Friday, Dec. 13 at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church.
The Dana Point Symphony grew out of former Mayor and City Councilmember Scott Schoeffel’s vision of integrating and elevating music, art and culture in Dana Point.
“I grew up in Pasadena, and I saw what arts and culture did for the city. I wanted to bring that vision to Dana Point,” Schoeffel said. “What the symphony offers truly sets it apart from others. It brings a legitimate performance that sets the standard. But given the venue, the audience is given an intimate and close-up experience. Afterward, they’re able to interact with musicians and get to know them.”
Schoeffel’s passion for music and the arts derives from his own background in music. He has been a musician since age 4, with a proficiency in playing the violin.
“Music has the ability to bring a community together. We need it,” Schoeffel said. “People can sit in front of the majesty of the orchestra, and it changes them. It is one thing to hear music over speakers, but to be there in person is a completely different experience. That sets the Dana Point Symphony apart.”
Schoeffel has collaborated with the symphony’s conductor, Dean Anderson, since its inception. Like Schoeffel, Anderson fell in love with music at an early age, hearing classical pieces over the radio.
“We create something that this community should be proud of,” Anderson said. “Why should residents have to travel to northern Orange County or Los Angeles to see phenomenal musical performances when we can provide that right here in Dana Point?”
The concert program will include the Hallelujah Chorus, Lord Nelson Mass and other holiday favorites.
The symphony has also announced future events such as Beethoven Celebration on Feb. 7, 2020, An Evening of Opera Favorites on April 24, 2020 and the 2nd Annual Fundraiser for May 17, 2020.
Visit danapointsymphony.com for more information and to reserve tickets. Admission is $30 per adult, $25 for seniors, youth and military members and $60 for a season pass.

Lillian Boyd
Lillian Boyd is the senior editor for Picket Fence Media and city editor for Dana Point Times. She graduated with a degree in journalism from Humboldt State University. Her work experience includes interviewing incarcerated individuals in the Los Angeles County jails, an internship at the Pentagon covering U.S. Army news as well as reporting and anchoring for a local news radio station in Virginia. Follow her on Twitter @Lillianmboyd and follow Dana Point Times at @danapointtimes.
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