The award for Boca’s Best Pun of the Week goes to the Symphonia. The classical music institution, which has managed to continue its 2020-2021 season at a temporary new venue (its next concert is Feb. 14 at the spacious, socially distanced Grand Oasis Ballroom at the Boca Raton Marriott), has begun to give its audiences an extra dose of mid-week music thanks to “Quarantune Tuesdays.”
Entering its third week next Tuesday, the series features the Symphonia’s new principal conductor, Alastair Willis, waxing lyrical about his most inspiring compositions in a short video on the Symphonia’s Facebook page. The opportunity allows the conductor to explore some of his most eclectic tastes, some of which may be outside the Symphonia’s wheelhouse.
This past Tuesday, Willis, positioned in front of his piano and sporting a stylish ascot, discussed his affection for the legendary Cuban jazz ensemble Irakere, and particularly the group’s 1987 “Concerto for Winds and Brass.” His enthusiasm for this “quarantune” is indeed persuasive; anyone with even a casual interest in world music will want to click the included link to watch a YouTube video for the song, which we’re embedding here for your convenience:
Next Tuesday’s selection remains to be seen (or heard), but Willis’ preferences run a gamut from R&B to classical.
While you’re perusing the Symphonia’s virtual offerings, do consider an in-person ticket to the Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day concert at the Marriott. It begins at 3 p.m. and will include works by Sibelius, Elgar, Debussy, Boccherini and Mozart.
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