Ramona Concert Association Announces 2007-2008 Season
By Marlene Robershaw

The string quartet Quartetto Gelato.

The 23rd season of the Ramona Concert Association will begin Oct. 5 with an "Italian flavored" program "Neapolitan Nights" by string quartet "Quartetto Gelato."

This classical and eclectic group entertains with the mastery of eight instruments (clarinet, oboe, violin, cello, mandolin, accordion, piano and bandoneon) and offers a operatic tenor.

The program will be mostly music of Italy, from opera and bagatelles to songs of "Amore."

The group has recorded soundtracks for two movies and two PBS specials.

The second concert on Nov. 2 features banjo and guitar virtuoso Doug Mattocks backed by his three-piece band. His stage-show "The World on a String" will span the spectrum of ragtime, classic jazz, bluegrass, country, gypsy swing, Broadway classical and ethnic tunes.

Doug was inducted into the "National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame" in 2005.

The 2008 portion of the concert season will begin on Jan. 4 with classically trained pianist Scott Pratt. Pratt has been performing concerts for more than 20 years and teaches at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

The season finale will be on Feb. 9 with "The All-American Boys Chorus." This 36-voice international touring troupe will present a "Salute to America's Music," complete with costume and choreography. The internationally acclaimed members are ages 9 to 14.

Season membership prices are $28 for adults, $58 for families and children and student prices are $10.

All concerts are at the Charles Nunn Performing Arts Center, next to the Olive Peirce Middle School on Hanson Lane in Ramona. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Send remittance to the Ramona Concert Association at P.O. Box 1273, Ramona, CA 92065. For information call 760-789-7474 or 760-788-0434 or e-mail Ramonaconcerts@cox.net.