Classical music lovers are in for a treat on the weekend of January 17-18, 2026 when Espressivo opens its winter season in Santa Cruz and Monterey. This professional ensemble – a self-described “small, intense orchestra – specializes in music that falls between the orchestral and chamber repertoire, featuring works that rarely require more than fifteen musicians. The result is an eclectic offering of exciting compositions that conventional orchestras often overlook.
January’s concerts will be no exception, featuring seldom performed works by George Enescu, Jean Françaix, and Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari. Guest conductor Alan Truong – Salinas born and Juilliard educated – leads Espressivo for the first time. Maestro Truong’s insights and energy promise to make Espressivo’s January concerts memorable musical occasions.
Come to hear Espressivo in Santa Cruz on Saturday, January 17 at Peace United Church of Christ on High Street. Sunday’s concert is at Monterey’s First Presbyterian Church. Both performances are at 4 pm.
Tickets are available at the door or online at espressorch.org.