Maestro Victor Vener wraps up the inaugural season of the California Philharmonic Orchestra‘s Festival  on the Green this Saturday Aug. 25 at Santa Anita Park, with Beethoven and John Williams.
The season finale, presented by Westfield Santa Anita, features music from two legendary composers who have left their undeniable stamp on the world of music: Beethoven, arguably the greatest classical composer of all time, and John Williams, revered composer of more than 100 feature films. Spectacular music on the bill includes Beethoven: Ode to Joy from Symphony No. 9 and popular scores from Star Wars, Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Saving Private Ryan and War Horse. The world class orchestra and Cal Phil Chorale are joined by a highly talented quartet of up and coming young talent Emily Dyer, Danielle Bond, Ashley Faatoalia and Ben Lowe, this year’s Cal Phil Young Artist Award recipients..
The concert starts at 8 p.m. but the experience begins when gates open at 5:30 p.m. with pre-concert family friendly activities that include live jazz, food court, bars, chair massages by Massage Envy, a musical instrument petting zoo provided by Lee’s Music Store and face painting by MonArch Face Painting.
The festival-like experience takes place on the renovated infield (not in the grandstands) of the famed Santa Anita Race Track and surrounded by the area’s best unobstructed view of the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains. Seating options on the infield include tables, benches with backs and a lush area for people who prefer to relax on the grass. There is also mezzanine seating and a corporate BBQ pit area.
To purchase tickets for Festival on the Green at Santa Anita Race Track, call 626.300.8200 or visit www.calphil.org.
There is one official parking lot at Gate 6 off of Colorado Place north of Pepper’s Mexican Restaurant. Parking is $15. Patrons will walk from parking lot through the tunnel under the track and then to the northwest end of the infield lawn.