LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Sunday, Nov. 22, the Lake County Symphony will deliver a program featuring three of the world’s greatest composers of classical music – Bach, Beethoven and Mozart.

The performance will take place beginning at 3 p.m. at Lakeport’s Soper Reese Theatre, 275 S. Main St.

John Parkinson, conductor and music director of the 70-member orchestra, says he was inspired to find compositions that Lake County music lovers would appreciate and to do so he would go to the top of the list of great composers. And he did.

Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the best known names in classical music, is also one of the least-known in both his private life and in the personal construction of his music.

For example, his “Concerto for Flute in C Major” appears to have been recycled from earlier works featuring instruments other than the flute, but in any case his most current arrangement remains a crowd pleaser. The symphony’s Catherine Hall will be the featured soloist.

Ludwig Van Beethoven wrote his “Creatures of Prometheus” as a ballet, the only full-length ballet he ever composed. The theme was based on Greek mythology, wherein the god Prometheus was creator of mankind and all things good about mankind.

The ballet dancers responded to Beethoven’s vivid musical descriptions of their roles. The result was an extremely popular presentation at the time. The symphony will play the noted overture to the piece.

Another less well-known Beethoven piece will also be on the program. It is the “King Stephen Overture” which the composer was commissioned to write commemorating the founder of the Kingdom of Hungary.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a Lake County favorite since the inception of our symphonic orchestra, will be featured with overtures from two of his works as well as one of his symphonies. They are “The Impresario,” “Il Seraglio” and his “Symphony No. 41,” better known as simply “The Jupiter.”

“Impresario” was described by Mozart as a parody, aimed at singers squabbling over such things as artistic recognition or salary. “It is a comedy in music,” he said.

“Il Seraglio,” however is a real opera with complicated plot lines involving a kidnapping, escape and rescue and all the drama inherent in such a piece.

Finally, the “Jupiter” – named after the Roman god, not the planet – was the last and longest of Mozart’s Symphonies. As such it will be given the final place on the program.

As is traditional the 23 members of the LCSA Youth Orchestra will open the show. This time, and in the spirit of their senior’s music, they will play two pieces by Mozart.

The first is his movement one from “Symphony No. 29, K. 201,” arranged by Janet Farrar-Royce. This is an early symphony by Mozart written when he was only 18. Contrasting themes fit together to create delicacy and vigor.

The second piece by Mozart is the fourth movement, or Rondo, from “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” often better known as “A Little Night Music.”

According to Sue Condit, music director and conductor of the Youth Symphony, in Mozart’s day many serenades and divertimenti (musical diversions) were written to be played at outdoor evening social events, generally before small gatherings. Mozart’s “Night Music” reflects this tradition.

Admission is $20 for symphony association members and $25 for the public.

As is customary a full rehearsal will take place at 11 a.m. with free admission to young people under 18 while others pay only $5.

Since concerts such as these are limited in Lake County they are very popular – particularly when Mozart is on the program, hence reservations are suggested.

Tickets can be ordered online at www.soperreesetheatre.com or by phone at 707-263-0577.