Ventura, CA — The VC Symphony Orchestra proudly celebrates Ventura College’s 100th Anniversary with an exceptional concert program featuring the U.S. premiere of Old Havana (symphonic version) by Cuban-American composer Yalil Guerra, conducted by Ashley Walters.
One of Guerra’s most acclaimed works, Old Havana pays tribute to the beauty, energy, and cultural richness of Cuba’s historic capital. Originally conceived as a chamber piece, the composition has been expanded into a full symphonic version, bringing its rhythmic vitality and emotional depth to a grand orchestral scale.
In Old Havana, Guerra masterfully blends Afro-Cuban rhythmic traditions with contemporary classical techniques, creating a musical tapestry that captures both the nostalgic charm and dynamic spirit of La Habana Vieja. Listeners will be transported through the city’s lively streets, colonial plazas, and vibrant cultural life. The baroque style of the city is reflected in the work’s chaconne structure, which evokes the elegance and architectural symmetry of Havana’s historical core.
A Latin Grammy® Award winner and multiple-time nominee, Guerra is recognized internationally for his distinctive fusion of classical and Latin American idioms. His works have been performed by leading ensembles across the Americas and Europe, earning acclaim for their rhythmic sophistication and emotional resonance.
In addition to Guerra’s Old Havana, the concert features a diverse and inspiring program highlighting the creativity of Ventura College’s music faculty and alumni. Works include compositions by VC’s Composition Faculty—Yalil Guerra, Ollie Powers, and Andrew Tholl—as well as Tumaini (“hope”) by Robert Lawson, former VC Department Chair and Schwab Director. The program also includes Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez, which the VC Symphony Orchestra gave its West Coast premiere, and George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, celebrating its centennial with VC faculty member Felix Eisenhauer as piano soloist. Together, these works reflect both the rich cultural heritage and the forward-looking vision of Ventura College’s music program.
Event Details
Date & Time: November 1, at 3 pm
Helen Yunker Auditorium, Ventura, CA
Orchestra: VC Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Ashley Walters
Ticket information: https://ventura.vbotickets.com/event/VCPA_presents_Celebration_VC_Symphony_Orchestra/175166
Program Highlights:
- Old Havana (Symphonic Version) – U.S. Premiere by Yalil Guerra
- Tumaini by Robert Lawson
- Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez
- Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin (centennial performance) featuring Felix Eisenhauer, piano
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
On November 1, 2025, the VC Symphony Orchestra will present a concert at 3:00 PM in the Helen Yunker Auditorium under the direction of Ashley Walters. The diverse program is a celebration of Ventura College’s Centennial. Repertoire includes works by VC’s Composition Faculty: Yalil Guerra, Ollie Powers, and Andrew Tholl; Tumaini (which means hope) composed by former VC Department Chair and Schwab Director Robert Lawson; Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez (VC Orchestra gave the west coast premiere), as well as George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue (which celebrated it’s own centennial last year) with VC faculty Felix Eisenhauer as soloist. In addition, the program will include a new work being written for the VC Symphony Orchestra by New Zealand composer Mark Menzies. The concert and the premiere will mark the end of a week long residency where Menzies will be working with Ventura College students in a series of classes, masterclasses, and workshops.
GERSHWIN: Rhapsody in Blue (Felix Eisenhauer, piano)
GUERRA: Old Havana*
LAWSON: Tumaini
MÁRQUEZ: Danzón No. 2
MENZIES: Encantos*
POWERS: Celebration*
THOLL: Another Way Forward (but still in front of you)*
*World Premiere Performance
📍 Helen Yunker Auditorium at VCPAC
📅 Saturday November 01, 2025 | 3:00PM
