Maestro Victor Vener conducts his world-class California Philharmonic Orchestra‘s Festival  on the Green this Saturday Aug. 11 at Santa Anita Park, presented by Westfield Santa Anita.
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 a musical instrument petting zoo, face painting, chair massages, live jazz and a food court featuring an assortment of gourmet food options and full bars.
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.
The remaining 2012 Cal Phil Festival on the Green at Santa Anita Race Track, presented by Westfield Santa Anita schedules is as follows:
Carmen on Broadway Saturday – August 11, 2012
Carmen on Broadway is Cal Phil’s effusive nod to some of the greatest musicals in history including Carmen, Beauty & The Beast, Lion King and Les Miz. Hitting every note during this thrilling and entertaining concert are world renowned powerful featured guests including Bass Baritone Cedric Berry and opera stars Sandra Rubalcava and Christopher Bengochea. Also performing during this fourth concert of the season is 2010 Cal Phil Young Artist Award Winner Emily Dyer and the phenomenal Cal Phil Chorale under the direction Maestra Marya Basaraba.
Beethoven and John Williams Saturday –August 25, 2012
The Cal Phil season finale 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 Amistad. 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.
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.