The Winston-Salem Youth Orchestras’ Fall Extravaganza will feature all three ensembles, starting with the Premiere Strings, conducted by Dr. Ryane Dunnigan, who will perform Goblin Boogie, by Jeff Frizi; Creatures, by Brian Balmages; Farewell Aragon, by Jack Bullock; and Gargoyles (conducted by Rachel Watson), by Doug Spata. The Youth Philharmonic, led by Margaret Rehder, will present Richard Wagner’s Suite from Tannhäuser; Ceremonial March, by Wolfgang A. Mozart; Maurice Ravel’s Pavane; the “Brandenburg Sinfonia” from Cantata No. 174, by J. S. Bach; and “Farandole” from L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2, by Georges Bizet. The Youth Symphony led by Dr. Jessica Morel will perform The Barber of Seville Overture, by Gioachino Rossini; the first movement from Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 featuring Norris Blackburn on the piano; and “The Moldau,” from Ma vlast (My country) by Bedřich Smetana.
“The students in the Youth Orchestras Program are dedicated to their craft and it is a joy to hear them perform,” said Dr. Morel. “We hope you will take the opportunity to come hear these young musicians who work extremely hard to create beautiful music.”
This concert, while free, is part of the Winston-Salem Symphony’s annual Toy Drive partnership with The Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem. Concert goers to all Symphony concerts during the month of November are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys for children up to age 12 at the concerts. The toys will be distributed through The Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem’s annual Christmas Program.
About the Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestras
The Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestras is part of the Winston-Salem Symphony and includes about 130 student musicians. The Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestras are currently comprised of two full orchestras and a string orchestra for aspiring musicians in the first through twelfth grades: the Premiere Strings, led by Dr. Ryane Dunnigan, is a strings ensemble for young musicians; the Youth Philharmonic, led by Margaret Rehder, is a full orchestra for intermediate level students; and the Youth Symphony, led by Dr. Jessica Morel, is a full orchestra for advanced students. Both full orchestras consist of 50 to 75 members and perform several public concerts annually as well as occasional concerts for special audiences. For more information, visit wssyo.org.
About the Winston-Salem Symphony
The Winston-Salem Symphony, one of the Southeast’s most highly regarded regional orchestras, begins its 72nd season in October 2018. The season will include performances featuring the five finalists for the Music Director position. Each candidate will conduct a pair of Classics Series concerts, and attendees will have a chance to play a role in the selection process. In addition, the 2018–2019 season will include a Plugged-In Pops series, Discovery Concerts for Kids series, an annual performance of Handel’s Messiah, the Concert for Community featuring Winston-Salem Symphony and Youth Symphony musicians, holiday concerts, three youth orchestra ensembles, and a multitude of educational and community engagement programs, including the newest offering, the P.L.A.Y. (Piedmont Learning Academy for Youth) Music program providing, primarily to under-served youth, instrumental music instruction and more. The Symphony is supported by Season Presenting Sponsors BB&T and Bell, Davis & Pitt, P.A., as well as generous funding from the Arts Council of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, the North Carolina Arts Council, and other dedicated sponsors. For more information, visit WSsymphony.org.
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