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6A – Daily News – Thursday, April 28, 2011 Pastimes Piano performance planned program The North State Sym- phony ends its season on May 14 and 15, with a concert called "Romantic Riches" that features what may be the most popular work for piano and orchestra ever written. According to answer.com, the “Concer- to #2” by Rachmaninoff, which will be played by Alexander Tutunov and the symphony, is one of only three possible "world's most popular" piano concertos. Also on the program, conducted by Kyle Wiley Pickett, is Brahms' “Sym- phony #4.” Pickett described the works as having some similarities. "Both are full of romantic intensity, but have clearly outlined structure." "As a conductor, I feel that I lead the audience on a journey," Pickett contin- ued. "When they know where they are on the journey, they enjoy it best. That's why composers whose music follows a clear structure are my favorites. Brahms is the master and Rachmaninoff had the same ideal." Unlike most orchestral concerts, the Symphony's performances on May 14 in Chico and May 15 in Redding will not begin with a short traditional opener, or overture. "The Rachmaninoff itself begins as you expect an overture to begin," Pickett said, "with a big melody Tutunov that sweeps over the audi- ence. The whole concerto, which has three move- ments that are each the same length, is a perfectly balanced blend of melody, emotion and skilled con- struction." Tutunov, the soloist, was born and raised in Belarus, part of the for- mer Soviet Union. He has recorded with the Russian Philharmonic and the Czech National Sympho- ny Orchestra. The pianist is now in residence at Southern Oregon Univer- sity in Ashland. At the May concerts, the Symphony will also unveil plans to the public for the 2011-12 season, to begin in September. Audi- ence members who have current season tickets have received an offer to Pickett renew their seats already, while new season ticket-buyers may place orders at the May concerts for the seats they wish to have in 2011-12. Kyle Wiley Pickett, asked what helped the North State Symphony to survive the recession that is causing other orches- tras to collapse, expressed appreciation for the orchestra's supporters in both Redding and Chico. "Having loyal friends in two communities, and CSU, Chico itself provid- ing our bedrock support, makes a huge difference to our success." "Next year, we'll cele- brate our tenth birthday," Pickett said. "It was in 2001 that the Chico and Redding Symphonies merged. We feel, and more importantly our audiences feel, that we really help make the North State a better place. Our concerts and educa- tional programs reflect the strong community spirit of the North State." The concerts are spon- sored by two major pillars of the North State. In Chico, Matson and Isom Certified Public Accoun- tants is the concert spon- sor, and Shasta Regional Medical Center sponsors the Redding concerts. For tickets to the May 14, 7:30 p.m. "Romantic Riches" concert in Chico's Laxson Auditori- um, call 898-6333 or visit www.chicostateboxof- fice.com. To hear the concert performed in Redding's historic Cascade Theatre on May 15 at 2 p.m., call 243-8877 or order at www.cascadetheatre.org. A pre-concert talk takes place an hour before each concert; at 6:30 p.m. in CSU, Chico’s Row- land-Taylor Recital Hall on Saturday, May 14; and at 1 p.m. at the Cascade Theatre on Sunday, May 15. For more information, call the North State Sym- phony Office at 898-5984. FIESTA DAYS SIDEWALK SALE May 6-7, 2011 Downtown Red Bluff Come join us for Great Savings! • Specials • Food • Drawings • Entertainment Courtesy photo Larry Johnson giving a workshop demonstration. Red Bluff Art Association will host a three-day, Larry Johnson Acrylic Workshop 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 23-25 at the Montana Morrison Gallery, 625 Walnut St. Johnson has more than 50 years of experience in both the commercial and fine art field. His education includes 2 years at the prestigious Los Angeles Art Center of Design where he studied both commercial and architectural illus- tration. He has continued to study with a number of noted artists, including Tom Lynch, Tony Couch and Hugh Greer. From 1965 to 1983, Johnson gained prominence as a wildlife painter. He is represented by numerous galleries, been published many times in sporting magazines, includ- ing cover art, and is a featured artist in national and region- al shows and exhibitions winning Best of Show 11 times in national shows. Today his paintings are mainly landscapes and rural scenes. Johnson is sought after as an instructor for both water- color and acrylic. His workshops are popular with people who are eager to learn how to paint or wish to improve their skills. His step-by-step method is easy for students to assim- ilate, learn quickly and retain more painting techniques. Registration forms and supply lists are available at the galley or call Debby Sipes at 528-2438 or send an email to debmark2@hughes.net. The cost for the three days is $150 with a $50 deposit required in advance. Thursday, May 26 is a plein air session and picnic with a $45 fee, location to be announced. Orland Art Center May show The May show for the Orland Art Center will feature the works of Ann Pierce. Born to artistic parents in Boulder, Colo., Ann Pierce grew up in an environment surrounded by art. The recipient of a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Colorado, she was awarded a felowship to the Yale Summer Art School in Norfolk, Connecticut, in 1953. Upon returning to Colorado, she was asked to teach art classes as a graduate assistant and summer classes in watercdolor and life drawing. She found teaching to be rewarding and worthy of pursuit and continued her studies in art, receiving a Master of Fine Arts Degree in 1955. She was a professor of art at CSU, Chico from 1964 until 1995. She was instrumental in developing the watercolor program there and also taught numerous other studio cours- es. She served as chaairperson of the Department of Art from 1980 to 1983. Her work has received awards and recognition in 45 national and regional exhibitions. She has been listed in Who's Who in American Art since 1984 and her works have appeared in numerous publications. The May show will begin with the Artist's Reception from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, May 6. The gallery will be open the following Saturday and then 1-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Arts & entertainment Art association hosts acrylic workshop