An equally unique number was the second presentation of Robert Shumann's Konzertstücke for Four Horns and Orchestra, Op. 86.  We call this piece unique because French horn solos are not heard often, and French horn quartets are heard even less often.  But Shulman forged ahead with the four soloists at stage right while the orchestra followed the excellent work of guest artists Dylan Hart,  Ryan Ramsey, Jacqueline Shannon and orchestra member Matthew Lussier.

The final piece of the evening was the Symphony No. 1 in G Minor by Vasily Sergeyevich Kalinnikov.  If Kalinnikov's name doesn't quite roll off your tongue, like Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninoff, it's because he died quite young (around the age of 35), wrote only two symphonies and except for the early 20th century, his works have not been played too often.  A pity, because the orchestra's best performance was with the beautifully lyrical theme of the second movement.

Keeping in mind that this is truly a community orchestra, the work that Ivan Shulman accomplishes is laudatory.  Let's face it, the LA Phil it ain't, but for the most part the orchestra's personnel is accomplished and apparently well rehearsed.

There were some pitch problems coming from the violins as they forged upward beyond the always timorous 5th position and there were a couple of attacks and entrances where someone missed the downbeat by "that much" as Maxwell Smart used to say when attempting to diminish the deed.  But since only a few are professional musicians, the overall work is a great effort by a group who has proven over the years that music can be kept alive when there is a will and a desire to provide musical growth and fellowship for its performing members.  The full house at the Grand Lounge proved once again that " . . . if you play it, they will come." 

The doctors are going to keep on playing it and you can check their website at  http://www.ladso.org/  for information on upcoming concerts.