Bijou Orchestra Gives Final Performance asTribute to Maestro

November 19, 2011       2 Comments
By: Stephen Kent

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It was a fitting ending to an amazing run of eight years. The thirteen members of the Bijou Orchestra, along with five soloists, gave two final concerts at the State Theater on Saturday as a tribute to the late Leo Najar, who passed away last May.

The concert was pulled together by a "devoted Gang of Four" members of the orchestra who met several times to outline the program. The object quickly became to feature the "big, bright, dramatic music" that Leo loved.

Following tradition, the tribute concert was performed without a director. Before the opening number, a music stand and sheet music, along with a mic, was placed on stage where the conductor would stand. The orchestra provided their own downbeat and the concert began with the "Can-Can".

Among the many numbers in the two and a half hour concert were pieces like the Sheik of Araby, which paid tribute to Leo's Arabic heritage. Featuring the duet of Scott Sowinski and Charissa Armon, the piece and the dancing was an immediate audience favorite.

Intermission featured a slide show of photos of Leo taken over the last eight years by Andy Rogers, official photographer of the Bijou. Rogers said he selected photos from over 13,000 bijou shots from his collection.

Also performing was Andy Rogers on violin, a frequent guest of the Bijou, as well as their photographer. Caroline Asiala and Alejandro (Hondo) Cervantes sang duets and joined the other guests for some numbers. Violinist Mark Mooningham dressed and performed as Elvis to the delight of everyone. Featured soloists from the Bijou were Vickie Bowden on saxophone, John Hill on typewriter, and John Upton on trombone and ukulele.

The Bijou Orchestra was a traditional theater orchestra with 13 musicians. Everyone was necessary and most played several instruments. The orchestra was the dream of Najar, who saw the small group as a perfect size to bring live performance to a wide audience. The group performed around Michigan, in Canada, on Radio, and on CD's.

Najar had taught, performed, and conducted numerous groups and orchestras including the Saginaw Bay Symphony. Most recently he had conducted the First Presbyterian Choir and the Bay Concert Band. The Bijou remained his favorite group and he was planning the Fall season when he passed away.

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sillykelly2000 Says:       On November 21, 2011 at 09:33 AM Great story and wonderful tribute, Stephen. Leo was a genuinely nice and supremely talented musician. I had the honor of getting to know him in Rotary Club and so many of us recognize what an impact he made on Bay City's cultural scene. He will be sorely missed.

laura.mjm1979 Says:       On November 21, 2011 at 05:59 PM Nice write up on the final Bijou concert and GREAT photos. Thank you Steve!

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Stephen Kent
Steve Kent and his family have lived in Bay City for 40 years. He is VP of Technical Services at MMCC which produces MyBayCity.Com. Kent is active in many Bay City civic organizations. More from Stephen Kent

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