Masks and Nakamatsu add as much as a enjoyable Symphony San Jose opener

The California Theatre was the best elegant setting for Symphony San Jose’s opening night time “Masquerade” gala final Saturday.

Symphony supporters glammed it up for a pre-concert reception that had a contact of added thriller as a lot of the VIP crowd wore masks for the event. There have been Venetian masks, Mardi Gras masks, and some black lace masks — with feathers, beads, colours and the occasional beak including to the enjoyable.

Masks-wearing visitors mingled throughout a pre-concert gala reception at Symphony San Jose’s opening night time, “Masquerade,” on the California Theatre in downtown San Jose on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (Sal Pizarro/Bay Space Information Group) 

However the one one that would have been recognizable even when he’d lined his face was star piano soloist Jon Nakamatsu, who was welcomed by the Symphony San Jose viewers just like the nationwide treasure that he’s. Below the course of conductor Nathan Aspinall, the San Jose native and Van Cliburn award winner performed Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini,” and sat down on the bench once more, after a number of rounds of ovations, for an encore of that piece’s most well-known part.

Robert Massey, Symphony San Jose’s government and creative director, wasn’t positive if this was Nakamatsu’s fifteenth or sixteenth look with the orchestra. Relating to Nakamatsu, it doesn’t matter — simply maintain him coming again.

This system additionally included the appropriately titled “Masquerade,” a 2013 piece with numerous pomp from English composer Anna Clyne, and Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique.” Massey mentioned he likes to program the Berlioz piece in October due to its haunting themes, particularly in its remaining motion, “Dream of a Witches’ Sabbath.”

Symphony San Jose Govt and Artist Director Robert Massey, left, poses with pianist Jon Nakamatsu, middle, and conductor Nathan Aspinall on the post-concert reception for Symphony San Jose’s opening night time program, “Masquerade,” on the California Theatre in downtown San Jose on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (Sal Pizarro/Bay Space Information Group) 

Feels like it might have match properly with the symphony program ending this month, “Symphony Spooktacular,” on Oct. 25-26, which is able to mark the return of fan favourite maestro Peter Jaffe.

PROHIBITION TALES: A speakeasy taproom like Clandestine Brewing in San Jose is the proper spot for the San Jose Public Library Basis to cap off its Banned Books Week actions. On Saturday, the inspiration might be taking up the taproom at 980 S. First St. from midday to six p.m.

“Banned Books & Brews” is an all-ages occasion that can embody storytimes, an artwork present, trivia on banned books and excursions of the brewery. There additionally might be a ebook honest of banned books, and whilst you may guess the same old suspects like George Orwell’s “1984,” you may be shocked at a few of the studying materials that’s additionally been taken off cabinets. How about “Charlotte’s Web” or “To Kill a Mockingbird”? Even Khaled Husseini’s award profitable “The Kite Runner” has been banned.

It’s sufficient to drive a man to drink. Thankfully, there’ll be some good beer round Saturday.

By the way in which, if you wish to discover out extra about Banned Books Week and the San Jose Public Library’s different occasions surrounding it, you’ll be able to head to www.sjpl.org/banned-books-week.

FALL FEAST: Greater than 230 folks packed within the San Jose Police Officers Affiliation corridor for Store With A Cop Basis Silicon Valley’s Badges and BBQ fundraiser, which raised greater than $65,000 to assist this yr’s vacation procuring spree for underserved youth.

I’d like to say all of them have been there due to Store With a Cop Govt Director Darrell Cortez’s allure, however it might have had extra to do with the dinner grilled up by Bay Space barbecue chef Chuck Matto, who appeared on season 4 of Meals Community’s BBQ Brawl.

Matto’s meals, together with a 16-hour smoked brisket, was so common that his featured public sale merchandise — a 40-person barbecue occasion — ended up promoting twice. With 80 potential spots on the market, I’ll be checking my mailbox for an invite.