Starlight Symphony and Bel Canto equestrians dazzle with musical dressage

In an elegant and rare partnership, the Starlight Symphony Orchestra and Bel Canto Legacy Foundation performed a live musical dressage event last weekend. Nine riders and their horses performed intricate dance routines to classical music selections played by the orchestra.

Beautifully-styled and trained horses gifted with abundant balance, elegance and athleticism performed dance routines for awed onlookers.

Under the direction of David Oertel, the Starlight orchestra played al fresco under a tent next to the performance arena. Classical guitarist Mark Cruz performed a Vivaldi Concerto, and a woodwind ensemble, brass quintet, and an oboe and voice duet featuring mezzo soprano Isabella Cuminato also performed for the audience. Symphony musician and Young Artist Coordinator, Todd Sloan, emceed the event.

Suzanne Warmack, owner of Bel Canto Farms, performed Movement 1 of the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 on her horse, I Love Mozart, early in the performance. Elise Wood, riding Rolex CC, performed Movement III of the concerto. Ashley Hammil, riding Danceria Vas, danced to a minuet by Boccerini.

With the theme from Chariots of Fire in the air, Carol Schmickrath, riding Tietelist, was inducted into the National Century Club. Only the fifth person ever to be so honored, the club recognizes riders and horses whose combined ages total 100 years or more. At 27 years of age, Tietelist received the award with dignity.

After the intermission, Bailey West, riding Reece, danced to Bach’s Concerto in D Major, Movement III, Allegro, to Mark Cruz’s guitar. Deirdre Sabo, riding Smooth Operator RHR, performed to Palladio.

Three riders performed to different movements of the Holberg Suite by Grieg. Ashley Hammil riding, Andiamo, performed the Preludium. In a beautiful side by side performance, Ila Handy atop Act of Valor and Nick Handy, riding Fairplay, performed the Gavotte of Movement III.

Sponsors and VIP guests were treated to drinks and hors d’oeuvres during the two-hour performance held on the grounds of the Bel Canto Farms in Wimberley. Bel Canto Farms is a Hunter- Jumper-Dressage training facility located at 4205 Lone Man Mountain Road.