About Us
The Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series presents exceptional classical musicians performing ambitious programs in the acoustically rich setting of St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Church. Our concerts enrich, educate, and inspire audiences throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and surrounding communities, with complimentary tickets available to students.
Over the last 5 years, the SYV Concert Series has presented luminaries such as the Takács String Quartet, Johnny Gandelsman (violinist and MacArthur Foundation Fellow), Paolo Bordignon, John Churchwell, Ani Aznavoorian, and Kristin Lee as well as rising stars including Quartet Integra, DeMarre McGill (flute), and vocalists Esther Tonea, Tivoli Treloar and John Brancy.
Each fall and spring, the SYV Concert Series presents Young Artists Showcases featuring outstanding classical musicians ages 8–20 from across Santa Barbara County. These concerts are free and open to audiences of all ages.
Most performances of the series end with a Q & A with the artists – a very special opportunity for audiences.
Leadership
Robert Cassidy
Artistic Director
Robert is the Artistic Director of the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series in Los Olivos, California, where he curates world-class chamber music programs and shapes the series’ artistic vision. A celebrated pianist and chamber musician, he has performed with distinguished artists including members of the Cleveland Orchestra, cellist Ani Aznavoorian, and violist Richard O’Neill, and has appeared as a soloist with ensembles such as the Santa Barbara Symphony and the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to his leadership role with the Concert Series, Dr. Cassidy is a highly sought-after teacher and chamber music coach, active in master classes, workshops, and private instruction. He has taught at institutions including Cleveland State University and currently teaches piano to students of all ages at the Music Academy of the West. Dr. Cassidy holds degrees from Ball State University and the Manhattan School of Music and studied piano and chamber music at Indiana University with Menahem Pressler.
Linda Stafford Burrows
Series Coordinator
As Coordinator of the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series since 2013-14, Linda has spearheaded the organization’s mission to bring exceptional music and cultural enrichment to the region. She has led all the operations and programs of the SYV Concert Series and works to sustain and strengthen this magnificent & inspiring concert series.
With a Masters in Law & Social Policy, Linda’s work has focused on child advocacy, arts education, and community strengthening. She is a Past Board President of the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation and of the Solvang School Education Foundation and has served on many non profit boards. She held various leadership roles with the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara and chaired its Educational Events Committee for 7+ years. She is currently on the Board of the Marjorie Luke Theatre.
Linda is proud and delighted to be part of bringing extraordinary artists to our communities to inspire, enrich and bring hope and beauty to our communities.
Davis Reinhart
Program Coordinator
Davis is an accomplished composer, pianist, trumpeter, and music educator serving as the incoming Program Coordinator of the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series. A native of the Santa Ynez Valley, he holds a degree in music composition with a minor in performing arts management and entrepreneurship from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance, and brings a deep commitment to music performance, education, and community engagement to his leadership role. Davis is also the co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit Muffin Music Inc., where he oversees fundraising, program development, and music education initiatives that serve youth locally and beyond. As a teaching artist and performer, he has led educational residencies, directed international youth music programs, and collaborated with ensembles and outreach organizations to bring musical experiences to diverse audiences. In his role with the Concert Series, Davis continues a lifelong dedication to fostering artistic excellence and enriching the cultural life of the Santa Ynez Valley.
About our venue
Formed in 1926 and serving the Santa Ynez Valley at its present location in downtown Los Olivos since 1979, St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church welcomes people of all faiths or none.
St. Mark's is a no-fee community center for non-profit groups and community meetings, an arts venue for musical and cultural events, a welcome center for residents and area visitors, and home to a vibrant, inclusive faith community.
GETTING THERE
St. Mark’s is two blocks off State Route 154 (San Marcos Pass Road, Chumash Highway). The church is the largest building in Los Olivos, one block west of the flagpole at the center of town and next door to Mattei’s Tavern. St. Mark’s has a large parking lot on the north side of the church and there is also street parking all around the church.
Website photography of Santa Ynez Valley landscapes by George Wright