The Temecula Valley Symphony has long been a cultural cornerstone of the community made up of countless professional musicians who bring their artistry and passion to the region. Their recent collaboration with Europa Village Wineries resulted in an unforgettable performance held at Europa's stunning new garden venue Giardino. Beneath a starry sky, the symphony delivered a night of exceptional music, offering visitors a chance to experience live orchestral music in an intimate outdoor setting.
For ten years, the symphony has been under the baton of John Mario Di Costanzo, an esteemed conductor that has toured with opera companies across the United States and abroad. Before his life in southern California, he was an Italian language coach who lived in New York City. Once, he was the music director of Tri Cities Opera in Binghamton, and principal conductor of Jackie Evancho orchestral tours. His time is now divided between conducting the Temecula Valley Symphony, conducting Rancho Mirage’s Coachella Symphony, and teaching piano to his students. Additionally, he is in the process of writing an exquisite symphony of his own.
Dan Stephenson is the visionary behind Europa Village Wineries. He’s been married to his wife Beverly Stephenson for the past 32 years. Beverly founded Fine Arts Network Theater Company in 1994, and Temecula Theater Foundation in 1998, which raised money to build the Old Town Temecula Theater. The current property that is now known as Europa Village Winery was originally part of the Callaway Winery property. The establishment sold off 350 acres that the Stephensons purchased in 2007. Their European travels, and love of French, Italian and Spanish wines inspired Europa’s conception. The two wanted to bring Temecula the old world charm, great experiences of food, and culture of France, Spain and Italy.
“Part of bringing the European experience to Temecula was bringing the culture, the music, the language, the architecture and the cuisine,” said Beverly. “From the beginning we have incorporated these concepts into the fabric of Europa.” The winery has held operas in the cave at “C’est la Vie,” featured shows from Shakespeare In The Vines, and plays music that reflects European countries through the sound speakers.
Completion of Europa’s semi-amphitheater garden space, “Cielo di Giardino,” allowed Dan and Beverly the opportunity to expand their cultural offerings. They approached the symphony with a vision to make something that reflected European music, the first foray into the types of cultural offerings they wish to present. Di Costanzo claimed that the venue afforded the symphony a picturesque and remarkable setting in the open air. Hence the concert’s name “All’aperto,” which means out in the open, or in the open air.
“There is such a vast variety of music written for orchestra that it was easy to offer a program of extreme contrasts,” said Di Costanzo. Such a range of music included “The Italian Symphony” by Mendelssohn, “Mission Impossible,” “Moon River,” “The Godfather Theme,” and “A Hungarian Rhapsody.” The final number “Bolero” was equally fitting, considering Europa's restaurant and tasting room of the same name. They had a full orchestra play, with between 50 to 60 players. The turnout was massively successful, and the capacity for both general admission and dinner was 600. Their magical concert was a sold out show. The Stephensons were left extraordinarily excited about the outcome, believing that Di Costanzo created
a program that was culturally on brand, approachable to the listening palate and left guests wanting more.
“What makes Temecula Valley Symphony stand out is the fact that in a relatively small community, we have so many fabulous musicians that have made Temecula their home. Access to first-class musicians is the reason it continues to grow and thrive. We at Europa are excited to be part of their journey,” Beverly praised. Temecula Valley Symphony’s next concert, “Dances from the Nutcracker Suite,” is planned for Dec. 15, at the Golden Bears Theater. Visit https://temeculavalleysymphony.org/ for more information.
Europa Village is also featuring their annual performance of The Nutcracker Ballet en Suite on Dec. 6,7, and 8. Options range from the inclusion of dinner with the show, or just the show itself. On Dec. 15, the winery will be hosting a Christmas tea, with seasonal music performed by Southwest Women’s Chorus, with two performances occurring that Sunday. The following Sunday, on Dec. 22, the Temecula Valley Master Chorale will be hosting their annual Christmas concert at Europa. Finally, Europa will have a Christmas Eve dinner, and a James Bond themed New Year’s Eve party. Beverly promises an abundance of holiday spirit within the coming months, as even seeing the lights will be a worthwhile time in itself.