Tahoe symphony kicks off eighth winter season featuring violinist

Violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn will perform Prokofiev’s Concerto in D major this month as featured performer with the TOCCATA Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.The non-profit cultural arts organization said the violinist will play on the legendary Red Stradivarius Violin and perform for the public in three area locations Jan. 19, 20 and 22. These events mark the kickoff series for the eighth Winter MusicFest season.The public performances are at 3 p.m. on Jan. 19 in St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church at Incline Village, at 3 p.m. on Jan. 20 in St. Theresa’s Church at South Lake Tahoe, Calif., and at 7 p.m. in Reno’s Trinity Church on Island Avenue.The season’s kickoff also will include the symphony chorus presenting the Gloria section of J.S. Bach’s Mass in B minor, which features soloists Joy Strotz and Anna Helwing, soprano; Luidmilla Mullen, mezzo soprano; and Stuart Duke, baritone.Preferred seating for those events cost $40 each. General admission for adults is $30, but $25 for seniors and $5 for students aged 19-23 with valid identification.Tickets are available at the door or online at www.ToccataTahoe.com.Three special fund raisers, called “soiree musicale” events, will help defer costs for the concert series and will take place in private homes. Proceeds will also help fund the organization’s outreach program called Discovering Classical Music in the Public Schools.Admission to the soirees on Jan. 12 in Incline Village, Jan. 13 in Truckee, Calif., and Jan. 18 in South Lake Tahoe is $100 per person. Information on those events is available by calling 787-602-2121.