Skip to main content Skip to main content

Walnut Creek Magazine

Maestro Timothy Smith Bids Farewell to the CCCO

The CCCO presents American Idols, May 12, with works by Bremer, Markowski, Ives, and Cohan. Martin Morley performs Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue.'

Conductor and Music Director Timothy Smith will step down from the podium after leading the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra in its season finale, American Idols, May 11, 12 and 13. Smith's passion, dedication, and leadership have transported the all-volunteer community group to noticeably expanded artistic and musical heights in his 11-year tenure. In addition to his engagement with the orchestra, he is also a professional French horn player and sought-after adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor. "While I am retiring from CCCO, I am not completely retiring. I am, however, planning on working less - spending more time at home, more time doing fun things with my wife, more time with my beautiful granddaughters, and more time traveling," said Smith. The season finale features works by significant American composers of today, such as Carolyn Bremer and Michael Markowski, as well as favorites from the past, including Charles Ives and George M. Cohan. The featured soloist on the Saturday and Sunday matinee concerts is the vibrant East Bay pianist Martin Morley, performing George Gershwin's beloved masterpiece "Rhapsody in Blue." Smith is also a retired Professor of Music and has directed thousands of workshops in the Bay Area and around the country over the course of his 40+ year career. In the spirit of his dedication to nurturing young musicians, the group will once again perform the program Friday night at Alhambra High School in Martinez, featuring a collaboration with the AHS String Orchestra in place of "Rhapsody in Blue."

Date & Time

May 13, 2018

2:00PM - 3:30PM

Location

Lesher Center for the Arts - 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596 1601 Civic Dr Walnut Creek 94596 CA US

Get Directions