On September 21, 2008, CHICO performed its most ambitious program since its inception, concluding with Beethoven's stirring Eroica Symphony.  The opening half of the concert was highlighted by CHICO principal bassoonist Cavit Celayir-Monezis' masterful interpretation of W.A. Mozart's concerto in B-flat.

Our concert November 2 also showcased soloists from the orchestra.  Long-time Ventura County Symphony violists Delores Walker and Tom Turner played Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 6.  Concertmaster Irv Weinstein was featured in Handel's Concerto Grosso N. 11.  The orchestra performed Mendelssohn's rousing Scottish Symphony.

December 7 was the Messiah Sing-Along, with outstanding vocal soloists, CHICO, the First United Methodist Church Choir, and singing members of the audience, all under the direction of Kuan-Fen Liu.  It was a wonderful experience for all.

The eclectic program March 8 featured a solo appearance by Ojai's outstanding cellist, Virginia Kron, playing Robert Schumann's romantic Concerto in A minor.  Also on the program were Rossini's overture to his comic opera, L'italiana in Algieri and Darius Milhaud's 1920's jazz-inspired ballet La Creation du Monde. 

On May 24 we were joined by the combined CSU Channel Islands Choir and First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir in Mozart's Requiem Mass.  The second half of the program featured perennial favorite Miriam Arichea playing Beethoven's Third Piano Concerto. This was a powerful finale to an ambitious and satisfying sixth season.

Our Seventh Season started October 4 with John Biggs's Concerto for Oboe and Strings, bracketed by Rossini's Overture to The Barber of Seville and Mozart's Symphony Number 25.

November 22 saw our season continue with a family-oriented concert featuring Camille Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals, Schubert's Sixth Symphony and Bach's Brandenburg Concerto Number 2.  Guest artists Molly Pei provided delightful dramatic readings of Ogden Nash's witty Carnival poetry and David Etterbeek dazzled on piccolo trumpet.

The annual Messiah Sing-Along will be Saturday, December 19 at 3 p.m., with outstanding vocal soloists and direction by KuanFen Liu.