The growth of the Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra is on display throughout the valley this weekend.
Iris, the orchestra’s spring concert series, has its sights set on Vernon’s Trinity United Church Saturday, May 4 at 3 p.m., followed by two Sunday, May 5 performances: Penticton’s Cleland Community Theatre at 2 p.m. and Kelowna’s First Lutheran Church at 7 p.m.
“I am so proud of the remarkable achievements in this 35th season of the OSYO,” said conductor Zeena Zaiyouna. “This youth orchestra is stoked to be performing some electrifying repertoire such Glinka’s Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture at the upcoming performance. The players have truly bounded forward in their musical determination and development this year, bringing their best and finest efforts. I am really looking forward to this concert!”
The title of the concert, Iris, resulted from a discussion between Zaiyouna, the concerto soloists and other players.
“I really value deliberating with youth to explore the various and creative aspects of putting an artistic program together,” said Zaiyouna.
Every piece on the program vibrates at a different frequency.
“I was pleased that this idea came up organically at our programming round table. I have always wanted to be a music scientist and have always been fascinated by the conversion of frequency from sound to light. I am very fortunate to lead such sound students.”
The program features three student concerto performances, Tyler Funk in Oskar Böhme’s Trumpet Concerto in F minor; Zaiden Thiessen in Camille Saint-Saëns’ Allegro Appassionato for Violoncello, Op. 43, and Sami Overland in Alexander Glazunov’s Saxophone Concerto in E-flat major. Also on the program, the premiere of student composer Owen McNeill’s first symphony, as well as standard symphonic fare including movements from Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8.
Dedicated musicians between 12 and 25 are invited to audition for the youth orchestra. Whether learning to play a string or band instrument privately or in school, young players who are seeking a challenging and enriching ensemble experience can learn more about the audition process and dates here.
Tickets for “Iris” are available now from the OSO website and will also be available at the door of each performance, cash sales only.
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