Posting Date: April 27, 2009
The Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra presents world premiere in concert
By Jarmea L. Boone
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Young musicians will gather on the campus of Kennesaw State University for participation in the Georgia Youth Symphony spring concert on May 3 at 7 p.m. in the Performance Hall of the Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center.
The highlight of the evening is a world premiere by composer Dan Maske written especially for the GYSO called "Metal and Stone." "It is exciting to be the first to realize and perform a piece of music," said Michael Alexander, music director of the Cobb Symphony Orchestra and director of orchestras at Kennesaw State University. "Dan Maske wrote us a great piece and we are excited to perform it."
GYSO will also perform a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, a piece that has been around for over 100 years. Over 340 students will perform in seven different groups at the concert that evening. "It is always an exciting process to put a concert together with a group of dedicated and talented high school students," said Alexander. "They bring a great freshness and energy to learning new music."
Alexander looks forward to the presentation and believes that the performance will exceed audience expectations. "The students and the audience will have a great experience. The students will grow artistically and as individual people as a result of this performance."
Founded in 2006, the GYSO is the largest youth orchestra program in the southeast. The GYSO and Chorus program encompasses two full orchestras, two string orchestras, two wind ensembles, a jazz ensemble, a percussion ensemble, a chamber music program and two youth choruses. Gifted and talented musicians from all across Georgia, ranging in age from elementary to high school, are selected through a competitive audition process.
Students admitted into the program will experience musical development in a nurturing and supportive environment while also being expected to perform at the highest levels. Each ensemble is led by a professional in its respective field, and presents a full season of concerts every year.