Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

AFTERNOON DELIGHT WITH BRAHMS’ REQUIEM CONDUCTED BY NIR KABARETTI AND FEATURING A BEVY OF BEAUTIFUL VOICES

The Brahms’ Requiem musical afternoon included Brahms-Ein deutsches Requiem (“A German Requiem”) Mahler-Three Songs on Texts by Friedrich Ruckert. The Mahler songs were inserted between movements of Requiem during this performance, which was conducted by Nir Kabaretti, and included performances by Magdalena Kuzma, soprano, Daniel Scofield, baritone and the Santa Barbara Symphony Chorus.

The very talented guest artists for this event included Magdelena Kuzma, a Polish American soprano who is an alumna of Music Academy of he West, Daniel Scofield, a baritone with a huge voice who is performing regularly in the United States and Internationally, and the amazing Santa Barbara Symphony Chorus who synergized beautifully throughout the program. Kudos to all for an amazing blending of these Brahms and Mahler works presented by conductor Nir Kabaretti. They were all a vision together on stage and presented a performance to remember.

Thank you to the Principal Concert Sponsor Todd & Allyson Aldrich, Choral Sponsors Todd & Allyson Aldrich, Anonymous, Dick & Marilyn Mazess, Paul & Susan Zink, Artist Sponsor Susan Aberle, Selection Sponsors Chris Lancashire, Omega Financial Group, Jean Rogers, Wallin Studios, 2024/25 Season Concert Sponsor Sarah & Roger Chrisman, 2024/f25 Season Corporate Sponsor Montecito Bank & Trust, 2024/25 Grand Venue Sponsor the Granada Theatre. For additional information on upcoming performances contact the Granada Box Office 805-899-2222 or visit: www.TheSymphony.org.

I find it great fun when cleaning out a closet or part of the garage to discover a box with no labels that when opened discloses forgotten favorite things, and last week I experienced this opportunity to find two wonderful books I had reviewed in the past that contain amazing favorite recipes celebrated by millionaires and movie stars.

Betty Goodwin, author of the Chasen's Book, did a marvelous job on this loved story of Maude Chasen and her husband who created a 'go to place' where celebs enjoyed everything they loved from Chasen's famous chili to steak Diane, prepared as you like it at your table. I knew Maude and admired her charm and true hospitality. She made everyone who came to the restaurant feel like they were an old friend, especially me.

The Hearst Castle Cookbook is also wonderful and fills you with visions of divine parties and dinners at William Randolph Hearst's castle in the formal diningroom on the hill. I never tire of visiting this castle, and have always been facsinated by the menus planned for his grand dinners, and the modern for the time kitchen he designed.

The book contains countless recipes of favorite items enjoyed in the twenties and on, with stories on how much Hearst like to prepare things in the middle of the night, and breakfast specials he loved to serve his guests.

I was so pleased to find these two favorite books and hope to recreate a few of the fabulous recipes in them once again!