Summer Music Festival Celebrates Talent at the Redlands Bowl

The year 2013 is turning out to be an exciting year for the City of Redlands. As the city celebrates 125 years, the Redlands Bowl is celebrating its 90th anniversary. The annual Summer Music Festival, known for its world-class musical performances, welcomed a talented young man to the stage Friday, July 26. It was a sight to see, as parking was non-existent and several hundred people attempted to find open seats. Many families brought food, drinks, lawn chairs and blankets while others got comfortable with seat cushions, coolers and candles. William Hagen, the guest violin soloist of the evening is all of 20 years old. His skill and stage presence wowed audience members as he tackled pieces by Jacques Ibert, Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Wagner, Camille Saint-Saëns and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Hagen first picked up the violin at the age of four in Salt Lake City, Utah where he spent his youth. Now, enrolled at the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, Hagen has appeared in countless festivals and orchestras. It was Hagen’s first time performing at the Redlands Bowl. “I’ve performed for really big audiences, but I don’t think I’ve ever done anything like this before. This is really, really awesome,” said Hagen. “I had a great time! I love the city. I love the Bowl.” What makes this performance venue so unique is a combination of the Bowl’s long history and the fact that all concerts and shows are free to the community. Without the help and fundraising efforts by the Redlands Community Music Association (RCMA) and the Associates of the Redlands Bowl (ARB), it wouldn’t be possible. Five-year ARB member Marie Bunke explained that one of their biggest fundraising events is a Benefit Gala, which introduces a new theme every year. “Many of the women are from Redlands so we have people that love the tradition and want to continue it on with their families. It’s people that really love Redlands, love families and love music,” said Benke. With over 1,000 volunteers every season, the Bowl receives a lot of help from the community. Redlands Bowl Executive Director Beverly Noerr has been involved for the last 12 seasons. According to Noerr, she instantly fell in love with the Bowl and its mission. “I love that we provide really quality, world-class performing arts opportunities to the community. This is my profession and I’ve been doing this for many years, but this has been the joy of my professional life. There’s a magic here,” she said. RCMA President Jeffrey Waldron said there’s nothing else like it. “It has been a life-enriching experience and to carry on this tradition is a great thing.” Performances are every Tuesday and Friday night at 8:15 through August 23. Admission is free. The Redlands Bowl is located at 25 Grant St., Redlands.