Last Updated on May 28, 2008 by Paulette Brown-Hinds
SAN BERNARDINO
By Alena C. Gaede
Special to BVN
Carlo Ponti Conducts Sophia Loren attends
The California Theater for the Performing Arts was full to capacity on a warm evening in May. Patrons were treated to the imagination and innovative style of Maestro Carlo Ponti Jr. The conductor has enjoyed critical praise during his career as San Bernardino benefits from his presence.
In it’s 79th season, the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra continues to lure top talent to it’s program for the appreciation and enjoyment by the community. Maestro Ponti brings with him special attention, which he handles with grace, because he is the son of an international film icon, Sophia Loren. Ms. Loren was generous to patrons who wanted to greet her as she enjoyed the performance.
The concert “Performance of the Masters” included Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no. 4 in G Major and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 3 in D Major. Piano soloist and featured artist Jungwon Jin played with marvelous energy as she brought Beethoven’s piano concerto to life. Ms. Jin attended Julliard and the Manhattan School of Music.
Mr. Ponti was named the music director and principal conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony in 2001 and has signed on through the 2015 season. His talent is in great demand around the globe and we are fortunate to have him. Maestro Ponti won the prestigious Premio Galileo Award, one of Italy’s highest honors. For the next seven years, Maestro Carlo Ponti Jr. can be savored and enjoyed by enthusiasts of fine music in Southern California.