Press Release
August 13, 2009
World Premiere of Long-awaited Documentary About Innovative Orchestra Nova San Diego (formerly San Diego Chamber Orchestra) UCTV – Friday, August 14

A revealing “behind-the-scenes” look at one of the most adventurous and innovative orchestras in the world will debut as a documentary Friday evening at 8:00 p.m. on UCSD-TV (cable) in San Diego. It can also be viewed on the Internet.

Over a year in development, the documentary looks at how this unique ensemble has helped change the face of classical music with its creative approach to music-making and running a business. It focuses on the way their changes affect everything from how the musicians and staff feel about themselves to how their artistic director, Jung-Ho Pak, wants to radicalize the impact of the arts, using a personal approach to innovative programming, entrepreneurial business models and technology.

With arts organizations struggling to find a new audience in a difficult economy, the documentary reflects one orchestra's journey as it tries to forge a new path to success. Based upon insightful interviews with musicians, staff and board members, producer John Menier from UCTV, offers viewers a rare glimpse into the possible future of classical music. Several performances of Orchestra Nova in concert are featured, including music from Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Ravel to Handel's Messiah and selections featuring authentic Asian instruments. 
 
The documentary also describes the “behind-the-scenes” reasoning for the orchestra’s new name (Orchestra Nova) and new concert hall (the Irwin M. Jacobs Qualcomm Hall) announced in May 2009.

The orchestra was founded as the San Diego Chamber Orchestra in 1984 by Donald Barra who led the orchestra until his retirement in 2005. After a season of conductors auditioning for the position of artistic director/conductor, Jung-Ho Pak was selected to lead the orchestra, beginning with the 2006-2007 season.

UCSD-TV airs on Cox and Time Warner Ch. 135, Del Mar Time Warner Ch. 19, AT&T U-verse Ch. 99 and UHF (no cable) Ch. 35. For more information, program schedules and more, visit www.ucsd.tv.

Viewing times for the documentary on UCSD-TV during August are:
August 14 – 8:00 p.m.                                                 August 26 – 11:00 a.m.
August 17 – 6:00 p.m.                                                 August 27 – 2:00 a.m.
August 23 – 9:00 p.m.                                                 August 28 – 3:00 p.m.
August 24 – 6:00 p.m.                                                 August 30 – 3:00 p.m.
August 25 – 5:00 a.m.

The video will also be available for viewing on the Internet, beginning Friday, August 14. Users can link to the video through Orchestra Nova’s web site, www.orchestranova.org.

For more information, contact Beverly Lambert, Director of Marketing Strategy and Communications, contact information listed above.