La Philharmonic viola player Richard Elegino helps Mira Costa Orchestra

elegino-pixabay — Courtesy of pixabay.com. RIchard Elegino is currently a viola player for the LA Philharmonic Orchestra. Elegino helped the Mira Costa Orchestra advance in their learning and will continue to do so.

By Lily Ramos

Staff Writer

The best person to critique a student orchestra is someone who is in a professional orchestra, Richard Elegino, a viola player in the LA Philharmonic.

Along with performing in the world-renowned LA Philharmonic Orchestra, Tokyo-born violist Richard Elegino advises Mira Costa’s orchestra. He consults the orchestra students to help improve their musical abilities with his knowledge of music.

“Mr. Elegino works with the orchestras a couple times a week and gives us advice and feedback on our playing,” Costa senior and orchestra First Vice President Tooba Wasi said. “He uses his professional playing experience to give us insight into how to perform at a superior level.”

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Elegino has been aiding the MCHS Orchestra since 2011, when the MCHS symphony became a partnership with the LA Philharmonic. He helps them by critiquing their playing, answering their questions, and supporting the orchestra overall.

“Mr. Elegino has helped me whenever I have phrasing or technique questions,” Costa senior and violinist Morgan Montgomery said. “He has also often comforted me with something simple as a smile or a pat on the back.”

Elegino moved to California in 1972 from Japan, and has been a part of the LA Philharmonic since 1980. The LA Philharmonic is a professional high-end orchestra that plays in the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl throughout the year..

“The LA Phil is one of the best orchestras in the world,” Montgomery said. “Their maestro Dudamel is an incredible conductor and well respected worldwide.”

Elegino will continue to help support and help the MCHS Orchestra for as long as he can, he says. The LA Philharmonic is currently performing until June 2017 in the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The orchestra students say they are very happy and honored that Elegino is using his time to critique and aid them.

“It’s amazing to get help from someone who is a professional musician and part of such an esteemed orchestra,” Montgomery said. “His insight is cherished in our orchestras here at Costa. His expertise and character leaves an impression on all of us musicians that are lucky enough to know him”