October 13, 2023 The Topanga Symphony presents its 41st season of free concerts under the direction of Jerome Kessler, featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Ken Aiso performing Beethoven’s “Concerto in D.� Also on the program are the “Jericho Overture� by William Foster McDaniel and “Overture, Scherzo and Finale� by Robert Schumann. This is the first time Ken Aiso has performed with the Topanga Symphony. He currently serves as Professor of Violin and Viola/Director of String Ensemble at Loyola Marymount University; Violin and Viola Faculty at La Sierra University; and Viola and Chamber Music Faculty at Biola University. Mr. Aiso has appeared as principal violinist with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the London Philharmonic and the Tokyo Symphony. His belief in sound as a healing medium has led him to extend his outreach into many hospitals, schools, senior residences, and institutions for children with special needs. The “Jericho Overture� that premiered on the west coast on June 23, 2019, will be Mr. McDaniel’s second piece performed with the Topanga Symphony. According to the African Diaspora Music Project, “William Foster McDaniel’s composing career has focused on adapting traditional art music genres and instrumental combinations to a modernist musical vocabulary. His musical output includes large-scale works for orchestra, concertos for piano, flute, and alto saxophone. He has also written for chamber ensemble and solo voice. His career has encompassed both composing, arranging for on- and off-Broadway musicals, conducting, and continuing to perform as a pianist.� Mr. McDaniel is married to former Topanga Symphony flutist Paulie Davis. “Overture, Scherzo and Finale� by Robert Schumann was written to celebrate Schuman’s marriage to Clara. Written in 1841, this was undoubtedly one of the happiest times in his life, as the German composer’s life was marred by numerous debilitating setbacks. The form of the piece is described as a symphony without a slow movement; Schumann referred to the piece as a Sinfonietta where “the individual movements can be played separately.� The free concert takes place Sunday, October 29, at 3 p.m. at the Topanga Community Center, 1440 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290. Keep the Music Playing The Topanga Symphony continues to present free classical music concerts to the public thanks to the support of LA County Department of Arts and Culture grant programs, donations from its “Friends of the Topanga Symphony� and local businesses and has recently received a grant from LA County 3rd District Supervisor Lindsay Horvath’s Discretionary Funding Program. To donate and keep the music playing in Topanga please visit the website at topangasymphony com.