Get a second fill of 'Music, Martinis and Maestro'

The California Philharmonic presents the second concert in its Music, Martinis & the Maestro series on March 28 at 2:30 p.m. at the beautiful Romanesque Room at Pasadena's Green Hotel. The concert, entitled "Romantic Melodies" will feature chamber music masterworks by Mozart, Schumann and Martinu. Choice seats are still available.

"Romantic Melodies" features Cal Phil principal players, including violinists Pavel Farkas and Irina Voloshina, violist James Hanna, cellist Waldemar de Almeida, and pianist John Berkman. The afternoon's selections include Schumann's Piano Quintet, a Mozart Divertimento, and Martinu's Sonata for two violins and piano. Listeners will be able to enjoy the intimate sounds of Cal Phil's quintet at cozy cocktail tables just a few feet from the stage.

Prior to the performance, Maestro Victor Vener presents concertgoers a new and exciting window into the afternoon's music through Talks with the Maestro. A reception with the performers takes place after the concert, where attendees are welcome to enjoy martinis while mingling with the musicians.

"Our new chamber series allows patrons to get closer than ever to Cal Phil's musicians," commented Andre Vener, president of Cal Phil. "Every seat provides near-stage viewing and concert goers get to mix with the players after the show."

Two other concerts will be held April 25 and May 23. Doors and bar open at 1:30 p.m. for all concerts. A brilliantly chosen selection of music is slated for the April 25 concert, including Beethoven's Romance for violin and piano, Brahm's Horn Trio, and Schubert's Auf dem Strom.

The series closes with Cal Phil's Brass Quintet performing pieces spanning 400 years of music, from the Italian Renaissance to the present, including the premiere of a new work titled "Dirty Martini" by resident composer Roger Allen Ward.

Patrons may reserve single seats at $40 (at table) or $25 (chair) per concert or $160 and $240 for tables of four and six, respectively.

The Romanesque Room is located at 50 E. Green Street in Pasadena.

Learn more about Cal Phil's Music, Martinis and the Maestro series by calling 626-300-8200 or visiting www.calphil.org.