Finale for a Special Season

The Ventura County Master Chorale will conclude its 10th anniversary season with performances Saturday and Sunday at different venues.

The 1991-92 season comes to a close on a local note, featuring the works of Ventura composer John Biggs, who will premiere his “Cantata Rustica”--a five-part work for mixed chorus, strings and percussion.

Other concert highlights include Franz Schubert’s Mass in G performed with full orchestra and soloists, including soprano Sylvia Wen, baritone Daniel Plaster and tenor Gregg Bruno.

According to Lee Montemorra, chorale personnel director, concert-goers are in for a real treat once Wen takes the stage. “Sylvia was a finalist at the 1991 Metropolitan Opera Western Regional and 1992 Zachary Awards competitions,” Montemorra said. “Both are prestigious events; she’s a rising star.”

Saturday’s 8 p.m. concert will be held at the First Baptist Church, 426 S. Mills Road, Ventura. The Bill Esty Center, 3701 E. Las Posas Road, Camarillo, will present Sunday’s 4 p.m. performance.

The concerts--entitled “The Pride and Promise of Youth”--include performances by members of the Buena High School Concert Choir and Ventura High’s Cougar Choir.

Tickets are $15, $12 for senior citizens and students. Group rates are available. For information, call 654-6459.

PROFILE OF JOHN BIGGS: J10