While the pandemic continues to prevent some public gatherings, it isn’t stopping the Southwest Symphony of Hobbs from holding its first-ever series of virtual concerts. Viewable live through online streaming services as well as afterwards on the group’s YouTube channel, the concerts provide everyone with free access to quality, local entertainment.
The first virtual concert, held on April 5th, featured the Pecos Valley Brass Quintet, a group of five musicians with a mostly military background that has been playing together since 2012. The group includes retired Army Sergeant Major Rick England on first trumpet, retired band director Sandra Weikel on second trumpet, Colonel Cheryl Martinez on horn, former Bandmaster Bill Lamb on trombone, and retired Army Command Sergeant Major Ron Fabec on tuba.
Owing largely to its service member composition, the Pecos Valley Brass Quintet includes a range of patriotic and military songs in its repertoire, along with classical, ragtime, and folk songs. The full Pecos Valley Brass Quintet concert is viewable here.
The Petroglyph String Quartet provided the second concert on April 22nd. The quartet consists of skilled, experienced musicians who have played with professional symphonies, including the New Mexico Philharmonic and the Santa Fe Symphony. Michael Allerheiligen and Yakima Fernandez are both violinists; they are joined by violist Karl Winkler and Anastasia Nellos on cello. The group plays a selection of contemporary and classical pieces and has been commended on its energetic and innovative performance style.
The full Petroglyph String Quartet concert can be viewed here.
The Southwest Symphony has been hosting first-class music events in Hobbs since it began in 1983. Along with performances by the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, it endeavors to host groups from a variety of music and dance genres for the public’s enjoyment. To keep an eye on upcoming performances, visit the group’s calendar page.
