Pacifica Chamber Orchestra to perform sunny concert

They call it their Sunshine Concert.

With this annual performance, director Fred Chu and the members of the Pacifica Chamber Orchestra bring light to the gray days of winter, and it’s especially so with the program planned for Sunday.

It’s warm and sunny music, Chu said. “And all of the pieces are passionate, joyous and fun,” he said.

The Sunshine Concert begins at 3 p.m. Jan. 29 at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Everett.

The program includes “Deux Pieces” for Wind Quintet by Guy Ropartz, “Slovanic Dance” Op. 46 No. 3 by Antonin Dvorak, “Concerto for Strings” by Nino Rota, “Intermezzo” from “Opera Notre Dame” by Franz Schmidt​ and “Italian Serenade for Strings” by Hugo Wolf.

The orchestra also will accompany Chu, a violinist, on Astor Piazzolla’s famous sultry tango “Oblivion.”

The “Intermezzo” by Schmidt is performed with harp and organ.

“Since First Presbyterian is celebrating its 25th year with their magnificent organ, we think it will be even more exciting for the audience to hear this music,” Chu said.

Wolf’s “Italian Serenade” is at the top of the list of Chu’s favorites.

“It’s one of the most exciting pieces in all of the classical music repertoire, not only for the audience but for the performers as well,” he said. “Although this piece is technically difficult, the musicians feel it is worth every effort to present it to our great community.”

This seventh season of chamber music by Pacifica is funded in part by the Everett Cultural Arts Commission.

If you go

Pacifica Chamber Orchestra’s Sunshine Concert, 3 p.m. Jan. 29, First Presbyterian Church, 2936 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. Tickets, which will be available before the concert, are $20 for general admission and $15 for seniors and students. More about the orchestra and the rest of its season is at www.pacificachamberorchestra.org.