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Concert association opens season with Spanish harp ensemble

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Alfredo Rolando Ortiz, the harpist scheduled to open Ramona Concert Association’s 2015-16 season, recently fell and fractured his shoulder, and had to cancel. But the “show must go on” and so on the same date, October 17, the concert association will present Anna Maria Mendieta, principal harpist with the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera.

Her harp ensemble will include Suzanne Mendieta, classically trained dancer in ballet and flamenco dancing, and violinist Thomas Yee and bass player Sascha Jacobsen. The program will include Spanish music, Argentine Tango music and other contemporary songs familiar to the audience.

Mendieta has toured all over the United States as well as parts of Europe. She performed for Pope Benedict XVI, American and Russian presidents, and the king and queen of Spain.

In recognition of her Spanish heritage, she was invited by the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to perform solo concerts for National Hispanic Week in Washington, D.C. In 2001, in response to the tragedy of Sept. 11, the National Geographic Society invited Mendieta to be a featured soloist representing the music of Spain on the album “Serenity — Songs of Peace and Enlightenment.” Her website is www.annamariamendieta.com.

Admission to the concert is $15 for adults and $5 for children and students. Season membership tickets may also be purchased that night for $25 for adults, $10 for children, and $55 for family tickets. The season ticket includes the season’s four concerts.

Appearing on Nov. 14 will be the Robert Bonfiglio Harmonica Trio followed on Feb. 20 by classical pianist James D’Leon. Coastal Cities Jazz Band on April 9 will round out the season. All concerts are held in the Charles R. Nunn Performing Arts Center at the Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Lane. They start at 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 7 for seating.

For more information, call 760-789-7474 or 760-788-0434 or go to www.ramonaconcerts.com.

Anyone wishing a brochure with all of the concert association information may call one of the above numbers.

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