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Music Academy Brings New York Philharmonic To South Coast For Huge Oceanfront Concert

Photo by the Music Academy of the West
The Music Academy of the West and the New York Philharmonic performing a joint concert at Santa Barbara Bowl in 2015

The internationally known Music Academy of the West in Montecito has brought the New York Philharmonic to Santa Barbara for what's being called the largest classical music event to ever hit the South Coast city.

One of the most popular classical works, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, will be performed by the New York Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale at La Playa Stadium at Santa Barbara City College. The Music Academy of the West will open the program with Gabriela Lena Frank’s Three Latin American Dances.

“We wanted to put on a big celebration for our 70th anniversary here in Santa Barbara,” said Ana Papakhian with the Academy.

The concert culminates a four-year partnership with the New York Philharmonic that involves its musicians mentoring students and students performing in New York with the orchestra.

More than 7,500 tickets have been sold.

"We’re really passionate about classical music and we want to invite and welcome as many people as possible to enjoy it,” she said.

The concert begins Aug. 1 at 7:30 pm and will close with fireworks.