On December 6 and 7, the Ukiah Symphony will host a concert titled “Musical Tales,” conducted by guest maestro Richard Loheyde. A highlight of the program is the performance of the renowned violin solo “The Lark Ascending” by Margie Salcedo Rice, a multifaceted artist known for her musicianship, vocal talent, teaching, and legal career.
Rice attributes her early musical foundation to the encouragement she received from her parents. “My mother introduced me to piano lessons initially, and I began violin studies in second grade,” she recalls. Her education continued in college under the guidance of Alfred Walters, formerly of La Sierra University, and Claire Hodgkins, a distinguished student of violin legend Jascha Heifetz. “My parents instilled a lifelong passion for music. I traveled weekly to Beverly Hills for violin lessons, and when Jascha Heifetz visited my university, I was fortunate to receive his autograph on a record featuring the Sibelius concerto,” she reminisces with a smile.
This December marks Rice’s 40th season playing with the Ukiah Symphony, a journey that began shortly after her relocation to Ukiah in 1985 alongside her husband, Dr. Geoffrey Rice. “I was pregnant with my first daughter, Jessica, when I met then-conductor Carolyn Hawley. She invited me to join the Symphony. I told her I was expecting, but she reassured me to join when ready. Remarkably, I attended my first rehearsal just ten days after my daughter’s birth. The Symphony has been my musical home since,” she shares.
Rice holds a deep personal connection to Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending,” a piece originally composed for violin and piano in 1914 and later orchestrated in 1920. “Written during the onset of World War I, the piece evokes a skylark’s flight above tranquil meadows—a spiritual symbol embodying Williams’ hopes for the world. It remains one of the British Isles’ most treasured musical works,” Rice explains.
Her affinity for this composition was reinforced during recording sessions in Nashville in 2008, where a cadenza from “The Lark Ascending” was incorporated into the hymn “His Eyes on the Sparrow.” “Performing the complete solo now is a special honor, as the music holds personal significance for me,” she notes.
The upcoming solo performance is further dedicated to the memory of Joel Cohen, a cherished cellist of the Symphony who passed away earlier this year. “Joel was not only a treasured colleague but also the cello instructor of my daughter, Elizabeth Oliver, inspiring her to pursue a music degree. Seeing Joel in the cello section always assured me a great concert. His passing left a profound void. I am honored to dedicate this solo to him,” Rice reflects.
Since settling in Ukiah, Rice has been motivated to recreate opportunities she experienced growing up in Southern California. She also annually leads the “Glory of Christmas” concert, a festive, free event featuring a full orchestra, children’s choir, and a live Nativity with baby lambs. This year’s performance is scheduled for December 14 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Ukiah.
Beyond music, Rice fulfilled a lifelong ambition by earning a law degree, balancing her roles as an attorney, music educator, and performer. “My mornings are spent practicing law at the Carter Rich firm, with teaching duties at Ukiah Junior Academy during lunch, and a return to the office in the afternoon,” she says with a laugh. Her academic background combines business and music, with a fascination for law nurtured during college.
Her partnership with Geoffrey Rice began serendipitously after he saw her perform with a school orchestra. “Geoffrey arranged our blind date through a mutual friend. Our first outing was to a baseball game, but learning he held season tickets to the LA Philharmonic quickly piqued my interest,” Rice recalls smiling. The couple has three daughters—Jessica, Patricia, and Elizabeth—and maintains a household deeply rooted in the arts and music.
The Rice family shares a rich musical heritage. Geoffrey, a skilled watercolor artist and accomplished amateur musician, built a harpsichord and spinet, complementing his piano and trumpet skills. Together, they support and encourage each other’s artistic pursuits. Remarkably, Geoffrey’s mother and Margie shared the same music theory instructor.
Continuing the family tradition, Margie and Geoffrey provided their daughters with early musical training. Now, Rice is also imparting her knowledge to her five grandsons. Two daughters play violin, and Elizabeth performs cello with the Ukiah Symphony. Over her career, Rice has performed major works including the first movements of the Brook and Mozart violin concertos, and has experienced completing full concerto performances with the Symphony. She has also recorded several albums, both with her sisters and as a solo artist.
Rice believes strongly in the unifying power of music. “Music transcends all divisions—political, social, and economic. It unites us and uplifts the spirit, reminding us to cherish our world amidst turmoil. Performing this piece is a heartfelt offering. It moves me deeply, lifting heart and mind towards a higher plane. That is my aspiration in performing it,” she concludes, overcome with emotion.
In addition to “The Lark Ascending,” the Ukiah Symphony’s program includes Joseph Haydn’s “Armide Overture,” Maurice Ravel’s “Mother Goose Suite,” and Paul McCartney’s “Spiral.” Concerts will be held at the Mendocino College Center Theatre, with tickets available at the door or online.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
