With 10 years of bringing excellent and free classical music to Sonoma County, the time is now to stand up and salute the American Philharmonic and its director Gabriel Sakakeeny. What began as a small Cotati orchestra has now grown into one of the county’s most forward-thinking ensembles, with Sakakeeny always making interesting and daring program choices. This weekend, he unveils his own composition, the world premiere of The Lion and the Rose, a piece for mezzo-soprano, chorus and orchestra. Rounding out the thrilling program is another world premiere (Charles Sepos’ Pentangle), an all-time classic piano concerto (Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto no. 1) and a challenging, thundering finale (Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé Suite no. 2). The two performances this weekend celebrate a fantastic decade—and provide a wonderful and free Mother’s Day outing—Saturday–Sunday, May 9–10, at the Wells Fargo Center. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 3pm. Free. 707.542.8234.Gabe Meline
.May 9: American Philharmonic at the Wells Fargo Center
