A recording of BEHIND THE NOTES – A special preview of the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra’s 2007 New Year’s Eve concert–”Prodigies”. Recorded at the Hillside Club, December 20, 2007.

In this recording San Francisco Chamber Orchestra music director, Benjamin Simon, gives an informal and informative talk on the life and music of two great prodigies Felix Mendelssohn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and their music to be preformed at the three Bay area New Year’s “Prodigies” concerts: Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No. 9 in C Major and Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 2 in D Major and Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola in E-flat Major, K. 364. Guaranteed to raise your classical IQ and deepen your understanding and appreciation of this glorious music penned by youththful genius: from Felix (age 12) a delightful symphony for strings; from Wolfie (age 22) two of the most beautiful concerti ever written.

BENJAMIN SIMON’s passion, among many, is talking about classical music-—unlocking the secrets behind the notes for experienced as well as new listeners. A native of San Francisco, he has travelled the globe as a violist for ensembles such as the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestras, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and the Naumburg award-winning New World String Quartet. Ben has been music director for the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra since 2002.