20251108 Spinphony Playbill DIGITAL

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Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation

SPONSORS

DALE KORMAN

(In Memory of Maestro Frank Fetta)

Ann and Marty Gallagher Nancy and George Mannon

Ted and Carolyn Porter

OUR MISSION

In partnership with the City of Torrance, The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation’s mission is to enrich the community through the performing arts by providing diverse cultural, educational and entertainment experiences of the highest quality.

OUR VISION

The vision of the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is to connect our community through culturally enriching experiences.

THANK YOU TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF TOCA AND THE ARTS IN THE SOUTH BAY

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation would like to acknowledge that the Armstrong Theatre is located on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Tongva people in the Swaanga Village. We ask you to join us in acknowledging the Tongva community, their elders both past and present, as well those of future generations. www.tongvapeople.com

Welcome to Our 2025–2026 Season

Welcome to a brand-new season with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation! I’m honored to step into the role of Board President as we continue TOCA’s proud tradition of celebrating the arts in all their beautiful diversity.

For over three decades, TOCA has been a cornerstone of creativity and connection in the South Bay. That legacy continues today because of the passion and dedication of our community—our artists, audiences, partners, donors, and volunteers. Together, we make it possible to bring inspiring, thought-provoking, and joy-filled performances to our stages.

At TOCA, we believe the arts are for everyone. Whether it’s your first time in the theater or you’ve been with us since the beginning, we invite you to explore this season’s lineup and find something that speaks to you. From laugh-out-loud comedy to moving musical performances and cultural celebrations, there’s truly something for every taste.

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support. I hope you’ll consider deepening your connection with TOCA—subscribe to our season, become a donor, or lend your time as a volunteer. However you choose to engage, know that you are a vital part of our mission.

I look forward to seeing you at the theater—and to all the unforgettable moments we’ll share this season.

Warmly,

Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation

Welcome to the 2025/2026 season at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation!

As we turn the page from our milestone 30th year and look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude—not only for where we’ve been, but for where we’re going. Each season is a new opportunity to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate the incredible power of live performance.

At TOCA, we’re not just curating a season—we’re creating space for discovery, connection, and joy. Whether it’s world-class music, laughout-loud comedy, soul-stirring theater, or family programming that ignites young imaginations, our goal remains the same: to offer something memorable for everyone who walks through our doors.

I continue to be inspired by the artists we work with, the team behind the scenes, and especially you— our audience, donors, and community partners—who make it all possible. Your enthusiasm and support are what keeps TOCA vibrant and thriving.

Please explore this brochure and find the shows that speak to you. And as always, if there’s anything we can do to make your experience better, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@TorranceArts.org.

Let’s make this season one to remember. See you at the theatre!

Assisted listening devices available. Ask the House Manager or usher for assistance.

Instrumental crossover string quartet “Spinphony” is breaking down barriers between classical, rock, and pop music. Mixing and mashing catchy melodies into unique arrangements such as “Bach in Black” and “Don’t Stop Beethoven,” Symphony is more like a rock band than a string quartet with added choreography and beats. The four stunning ladies who often get mistaken for sisters, are winning over audiences with their creative and high energy performances nationwide. They have over 50k Facebook followers and have released three studio albums which are on the forefront of classical/rock crossover music. Their one of a kind sound is refreshing and will leave audiences with a whole new appreciation for instrumental music. Whether you’re a fan of ACDC, Vivaldi, or Bruno Mars, the Spinphony show is music that everyone will love!

The quartet is comprised of Brett Omara and Anna Morris on violin, Michaela Borth on 5 String, and Beth Rosbach on cello. Combined, the ladies have been playing their instruments for over 100 years. They have performed shows worldwide and collaborated with 2 Cellos, Evanescense, Il Volo, Josh Groban and Michael Bublé to name a few.

Brett Omara began her violin studies at age 4 and has since then shared her love of music across the globe. She believes music is truly a universal language that can inspire and connect people. Her passion for both Classical and popular music led her to founding Spinphony in 2012 with the goal of reaching broader audiences and bridging the gap between these two styles. In addition to Spinphony, Brett is the founder of Oncue Entertainment; a company that aims to bring quality innovative entertainment to private events worldwide. In just 8 years, Oncue has grown into one of Colorado’s most successful entertainment companies providing music for over 300 events each year. In addition to her companies, Brett has contracted orchestras and performed for Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Trans Siberian Orchestra, 2Cellos, Il Volo, Evanescence, Father John Misty, Disturbed, Sarah Brightman, Kanye West, Kygo, Natalie Merchant, and Rod Stewart. On Stage highlights include performing at Red Rocks with Spinphony and Live8 in Philadelphia.

As an orchestral musician, Brett served as Assistant Concertmaster of the CO Springs Philharmonic and also has performed with the Colorado Symphony, Boulder Phil, Opera CO, Central City Opera, CO Ballet, and the Sphere Ensemble. Brett has arranged and recorded multiple albums for Spinphony and also original music under her own name. She has also recorded on albums for Sphere Ensemble, Covenhoven, Slowsix, Henry Mancini Festival, Blake Brown, and Evan Bliss.

She received her degree in performance from Manhattan School of music and studied orchestral performance at DU. When not on stage or in the office, Brett loves cooking, gardening, climbing peaks, photographing birds in flight, traveling, and spending time with her cat Zoe.

ANNA MORRIS

Violinist Anna Morris has always had an intense passion for music and loves sharing her joy of music through performing. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Violin Performance from Humboldt State University and earned a Master’s degree in Suzuki Violin Pedagogy, along with a Certificate in Orchestral Studies in Violin, from the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music. Currently based out of Denver Colorado, she has been a member of the classical-rock fusion string quartet “Spinphony” since its inception in 2013. With a strong love for travel, she has performed across the globe with the group, bringing their music to Switzerland, Iceland, Mexico, Hawaii, and nearly every state in the continental U.S. She performed the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D with the Eureka Symphony, Vivaldi’s Summer with Trinidad Bay Arts and Music Festival, and shared the stage with 2Cellos, Josh Groban, Evanescence, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Il Volo.

Morris has also played for several recordings, including “Dreams Go Through me” with the Playground Ensemble, “Divergence” with the Sphere Ensemble, EP “Pop-Baroque” and full-length albums “Toccatastruck,” “Hotel Mozart,” ”String Crossing,” and “Heart Strings” with Spinphony. When she’s not performing, Anna enjoys playing chamber music with her family and friends, swimming, snowboarding, hiking, creating art, cooking, gardening, horseback-riding, and spending time with her husband, two sons, and goldendoodle.

Violin

5 String

Michaela Borth leads an active performing life as a professional freelance violinist. As a classically trained and cross-over musician, she has performed with Michael Bublé, Rod Stewart, Josh Groban, 2 Cellos, Kygo, Disturbed, Portugal the Man, Natalie Merchant, Sarah Brightman, Evanescence, Il Divo, and the Transiberian Orchestra. She also is an originating member and plays the 5-string electric violin in Spinphony, an all-female electrified string quartet performing unique arrangements of classical/pop/rock mashups and original compositions, and touring internationally. Other engagements include collaborations with Quixotic Fusion, a cirque nouveau and internationally acclaimed and touring company, New York City’s Symphony Space “Wall to Wall” Stravinsky Festival, “Stravinsky Fest” in Kansas City, MO, and the historical Gem Theatre in Kansas City, MO. She most recently appeared with Spectacle, and performed at Shangri-La music festival in MN. As a chamber and orchestral player, she has played with the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, Boulder Symphony, Fort Collins Symphony, Greeley Philharmonic, Cheyenne Symphony, and Sphere Ensemble, as well as abroad with the AIMS Festival in Graz, Austria. Michaela earned her masters degree in violin performance from SUNY Purchase College Conservatory in New York, and bachelors at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri in Kansas City.

Beth Rosbach

Cello

Cellist Beth Rosbach is equally at home in classical concert halls and on the biggest rock n’ roll stages. A resident of Colorado since 2001, Beth has performed with bands, orchestras and chamber music groups throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia. As a member of the legendary blues act The Otis Taylor Band, she has wowed festival crowds across the country with her ability to blend musical styles. She has appeared on stage with musicians as diverse as Michael Bublé, pop and electronic music star Moby, and newgrass band Railroad Earth. 2017 saw her debut as a composer when she performed her music in a collaboration with Winifred Harris Productions’ original modern dance work, “How to Tame an Elephant.” She has more recently been composing and performing solo cello scores in collaboration with Yin Yoga teacher Gabrial Reising. In 2011 Beth started Sphere Ensemble, the Denver-based string chamber group noted for its 21st century take on classical music, and has worn numerous hats for that organization including cellist, Executive Director, and Board President. Beth is the original cellist for Spinphony, and she is thrilled to joining the group for a number of shows over their 20252026 season. When she’s not performing or playing she likes to run, lift weights, ski, and hang out with her husband and their two rescue pittie mixes: Lilli (aka the House Hippo) and Calla (aka Lil’ Piggie).

Thank You

SEASON PARTNER

City of Torrance

Eleanor Marie Land

Family Trust

$10,000 - $49,999 - STARS

Paul & Rita Keil

Pearlston Family Trust

Torrance Refining Company

$5,000 - $9,999 – CO-STARS

Sares-Regis Group

Supervisor Janice Hahn

Surf Management, Inc.

$2,500 - $4,999PRODUCERS

Jean Adelsman

Continental Development Corporation

Farmers & Merchants Bank

Jane and Jim Isomoto

Dale Korman (In Memory of Maestro Frank Fetta)

Lori Mizuguchi

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

$1,000 - $2,499 - DIRECTORS

Ann and Marty Gallagher

Nancy and George Mannon

Ted and Carolyn Porter

$500 – ANGELS

Tammy Khan

Rod and Crystal Macdonell

Gerald and Carol Marcil

Ellenmary Michel

William Oberholzer

Jim Olds (In Memory of A.Y. & Joyce Olds)

Athena Paquette Cormier

$250 - FRIENDS

Reuben and Sabrina Ayala

John and Louise Bye

Mary Hoffman and Bob Habel

Glen and Fumiko Isobe

Russell and Carole Lefevre

Frank and Marilyn Miles

Fred and Ann Peitzman

Andrea and Ron Perez (In Memory of John Popovich)

Nancy Richards

Laura Savitz

Winnie Seieroe

Sylvia Stadlman

Christian and Robin Wolf

$100 - FANS

Amy Blomgren

Janice Burrin

Ann and Victor Cooper

Helen Dennis

Lynn Fernandez

Judy Golden

Gary Hastings

Janet Johnson

Eleanor Jones

Pentti and Ginger Jussila

Lynda Kraemer

Kenneth and Doris Nakakura

George and Helen Nakano

Peter and Vicki Pellerito

Pamela Popovich

Maurine Swilley

Hazel Taniguchi

Paula and John Verbeck

Kurt Weideman and Sue Golden

TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION BOARD

Katy Geissert, Founding President

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Camilla Seferian, President

Heidi Cunningham, Vice President/Secretary

Winnie Seieroe, Treasurer

David Kartsonis, Immediate Past President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jean Adelsman

Sara Baillie

Liliana Dongo

Jim Olds

Peter Pettler

Rosemarie Piccioni, Ed.D.

Laura Savitz

ADVISORY BOARD

David Benoit

Shannon Dean

Scott Douglas

Donna Duperron

Steve Fechner

Patrick Furey

Ann Gallagher

Jonah Hirata

Sherry Kramer

Gesuina Lafayette

George Nakano

Steve Napolitano

Bill Oberholzer

Ted Porter

Ritas Smith

Kurt Weideman

STAFF

Christian Wolf, Executive Director

Sharon Sapigao, Administration

Susan Lyon, Artist Hospitality

Tes Schaff, Graphic Design

Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation

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