The Valley Line

The June gloom didn’t stop music aficionados from gathering at Descanso Gardens for the opening of the Pasadena POPS summer picnic series this past weekend.

Even though the weather was misty, the Spanish-inspired music and the tango dancers made the evening sizzle. Concert goers, with picnic baskets in tow, arrived early in order to enjoy feasts of many foods from around the world. Many of the tables were set with floral centerpieces that ranged from garden fresh to floral designer extravagant.

Maestra Rachael Worby conducted the POPS orchestra in the music that has inspired many travelers to visit España. Enthusiastic applause followed baritone Jose Adan Perez’s dynamic presentation of Lara’s “Granada” and Torroba’s “Amor Vida de mi Vida.”

The husband/wife dance team of Sandor and Parissa performed absolutely stunning and sensuous Argentina-style tangos that brought some people to their feet to shout out “Bravos.”

Soprano Danielle Walker first sang the hauntingly beautiful Villa-Lobos’ “Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5 aria and then Granados’ “La Maja y ef Ruisenor.”

Worby highlighted John Torcello, an award-winning bass accordion player. The accordion always has been a featured instrument in the Argentine tango so it was very informative to have this background explained. Don’t know why, but I had never given it a thought that the accordion is actually a reed instrument, so to learn that was equally educational.

Anyway, it was divine to be back among the lovely ancient oak grove at Descanso to hear beautiful music. I know that I, for one, will truly miss this sylvan setting next year when the POPS moves its venue to the Pasadena Rose Bowl area.

The next POPS concert is scheduled at Descanso Gardens for July 17 and 18. The musical theme for the evening is, “I Love Paris!”

JANE NAPIER NEELY has been covering the La Cañada social scene for over 26 years. She can be reached at jnvalleysun@aol.com.