The Valley Chronicle - Hemet Concert Association presents ‘Camarada’

■ By Ann Smith / Contributed Did you know that Hemet has one of the finest concert associations in the Inland Empire? The city stands shoulder to shoulder in terms of music quality with the established associations in Temecula and Corona, to name a few. On Sunday, Mar. 24 at 2 p.m., the Hemet Concert Association will present “Camarada,” an acclaimed music ensemble that presents works by Chick Corea (jazz), Aaron Copland, George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein of West Side Story fame. There is an array of professional volunteers that brings a concert-style musical format to the community out of love for the music and a desire to educate. If you’ve never heard concert level performances, i.e. string quartets, piano duos, all manner of classical music, you may have no idea what you are missing. The Hemet Concert Association’s outreach program has brought many students into the realm of professional classical music performance that they might not have had the chance to experience otherwise. Many people have heard of Mozart and Beethoven but there are more contemporary composers, such as Aaron Copland and George Gershwin known for their entertaining work. Performers from all over the world will be making their way to the esteemed venue. In the next month, the Hemet Concert Association will present the last two concerts of the 2018-2019 season: Camarada on Mar. 24 and Diderot Quartet on April 7. These are not only family-friendly events, but have historical context as well. Students are welcome to attend for no charge. According to the HCA, the association will give a $10 discount off the door price of $30 to anyone that brings a copy of this article. With a passion for historical performances, Diderot Quartet brings fresh energy to the music of the 17th and 18th centuries using unique period instruments. Anyone who decides to join for the following 2019-2020 season ($60 for the full season of five concerts), the association will give the Diderot Quartet concert gratis. Give yourself the gift of music and come hear the amazing sounds provided by the Hemet Concert Association. For more information, visit their Facebook page or website at hemetconcert.org. Otherwise, contact HCA at (951) 658-7319.