Rachel France – Concertmaster
Debbie Hafen – Assistant Concertmaster
Kaylie Benites
Andy Davidson
Kezia Goggia
Saya Hart
Lucinda King
Julia Monson
Amber Morris
Tonya Summers
Kimberly Warburton
From the Board
Alyce Gardner
There is nothing quite like a live Symphony performance. From the first downbeat to the final note, far-reaching benefits linger beyond the concert hall. The complexity and richness of symphonic music engage the brain in unique ways, alleviating stress and augmenting creativity, memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. For example, the serene, soothing melodies of Beethoven’s 6th “Pastoral” Symphony can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor has been linked to cognitive enhancement and mood elevation.
In addition to the mental and physical benefits, symphonic music plays a vital role in enriching our community. It creates a sense of unity, inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and emotional connection. It provides a platform for local artists and supports economic growth. By offering educational programs and outreach initiatives, symphonic music also inspires the next generation, cultivating a love for the arts that will resonate for years to come. Ultimately, engaging with the Southwest Symphony is good medicine for body and soul, improving the quality of life for all.
Special thanks to Ashton & Associates for being our Maestro Sponsor for the 2024-2025 season.
Message from the Maestro
Lucas Darger
Every time I stand before these remarkable musicians, I am overwhelmed with gratitude—not just for the opportunity to do what I love, but for the privilege of doing it alongside such a dedicated and talented group of people. Music, as many of you know, has the unique power to move us, to connect us in ways that transcend words, and it’s this connection that makes each performance special.
What makes an orchestra so powerful is that it’s never the work of one individual. It takes all of us—musicians, staff, board members, donors, and you, our patrons—coming together with a shared love of music and a belief in its transformative impact. Through this collective effort, we create something that’s much bigger than any one of us, something that resonates deeply with everyone who experiences it. I truly believe that the music we share has a profound effect on all involved, and for that, I am deeply thankful.
As we look toward to the future, there is much to be excited about. We are hopeful that the renovation of our home will move swiftly, and in the meantime, we are immensely grateful to Desert Hills for hosting us and to all of you for your continued support during this transition.
This season promises to be one of our best yet, filled with performances that will inspire and uplift. I hope tonight’s music touches you in a meaningful way, and that you’ll continue to be part of this journey with us. Together, we’re creating moments that stay with us long after the last note fades—and I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together.
Special thanks to Black Desert for being our Beethoven Musician Sponsor for the 2024-2025 season.
Concert Sponsor
Guest Artist: Giada Valenti
Born and raised in the beautiful town Portogruaro near Venice, Italy, Giada Valenti is an accomplished singer and songwriter with an intriguing journey that spans across Europe and the United States. Giada's remarkable talents as a singer found early recognition when she was signed by the record label BMG in Europe.
In 2005, the stage was set for a significant turning point in her career when a major record label in New York City discovered her mesmerizing voice and her enchanting brand of romantic music. It was an offer she couldn't resist, leading her to make a life-changing move to the United States.
Giada Valenti's musical prowess quickly captured the hearts of audiences in the United States, most notably through her mesmerizing music special, "From Venice With Love," which graced the screens of PBS television on a national scale. The widespread acclaim garnered through these PBS airings opened doors to enchanting concert performances in prestigious Performing Arts Centers and Theaters throughout the nation.
One of the pivotal moments in Giada's career came in November 2017 when she took center stage in Las Vegas as the headliner at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. The following year, in October 2018, she made her debut at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in the heart of New York City. Her compelling performances resonated so profoundly that she was invited back by popular demand in 2019. In this same year, the iconic Andrea Bocelli invited her to share the stage with him at a concert that benefited his Foundation, a testament to her incredible talent.
While music is the heartbeat of her artistic journey, Giada's love for food is a vital part of her life. She has been a devoted member of the Accademia Italiana della Cucina, an esteemed cultural organization recognized by the Italian government, dedicated to exploring Italian culinary experiences around the world. Her passion for food also led her to the morning shows of major television networks, including ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, where she dazzled audiences with her culinary skills, often preparing her renowned Tiramisu.
In 2022, Giada Valenti embarked on a new chapter as a television presenter. She co-hosted the exhilarating three-hour live broadcast of the Columbus Day Parade, which was aired by ABC7, showcasing her multifaceted talents. The year 2023 ushered in another exciting opportunity, as she was once again invited to co-host the Columbus Day Parade, a testament to her magnetic presence and engaging hosting skills.
In 2023, she achieved significant milestones in her career with the release her album “Love Under The Christmas Tree", which is beautifully recorded alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios in London. Noteworthy collaborations with country music icons Vince Gill and Trace Adkins added an extra layer of allure to the album. She also made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, performing alongside Trace Adkins.
Giada Valenti takes immense pride in her Italian heritage and has made it her mission to share the beauty of Italy, its rich culture, and the excellence of "Made in Italy" in every way she can—often through music.
