Diablo Symphony Concert Sunday, May 22

The Diablo Symphony features violinist Stephen Waarts at its final concert of the season. “Kindred Spirits” is Sunday, May 22nd at 2 pm at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek. Mr. Waarts will be performing the iconic and beloved Beethoven Violin Concerto. The program also features two works by Jean Sibelius: King Christian II Suite and Symphony No. 7. Tickets to the event can be purchased through the DSO website (www.diablosymphony.org) or at the Lesher box office.

The winner of the Diablo Symphony’s Yen Liang Young Artist Competition in 2008 at the age of 11, Mr. Waarts has already established himself as an astounding talent in the competitive world of classical violin soloists. He recently competed in the finals of the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Belgium. In the U.S., he has played in such significant venues as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center and with orchestras throughout the country, many in the Bay Area. The winner of numerous competitions, Waarts has captured First Prize, the Bach Prize and the Composer’s Prize at the 2014 Menuhin Competition; First Prize and six additional awards in the 2013 Young Concert Artists International Auditions; Second Prize and the Audience Prize in the 2013 Montreal International Music Competition; and First Prize and Romantic Concerto Prize in the 2011 International Louis Spohr Competition for Young Violinists. He is currently pursuing a bachelor of music at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

The Diablo Symphony Orchestra is a central Contra Costa based community orchestra celebrating its 53rd season, and its fourth season under the leadership of Music Director Matilda Hofman. The DSO serves the local community through its concerts and outreach programs, including the DSO Family Concert and Instrument Petting Zoo, Music for our Schools, the DSO Musical Instrument Drive, and the Yen Liang Young Artist Competition. For more information about the DSO, please visit our website: www.diablosymphony.org.