CSO youth orchestras open their 2011-12 season

The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera youth orchestras will open their 2011-12 season Monday with what promises to be "a spectacular night of music," according to CSOYO officials.

The CSOYO features more than 150 young musicians from across the tri-state area. For this concert, the organization's two premier ensembles -- the Symphony and Philharmonic -- will take the stage for a combined performance.

The Youth Symphony, conducted by Gary Wilkes, will celebrate the musical genius of Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, presenting two of his masterpieces, "Procession of the Nobles" and "Capriccio Espagnol."

The ensemble also will feature current concertmaster Emily Oing performing Jean Sibelius' Violin Concerto. The young violinist is a senior at Girls Preparatory School and won this year's CSOYO concerto competition by performing this Sibelius work.

Conductor Sandy Morris will lead the Youth Philharmonic through a diverse compilation of pieces, including Johannes Brahms' masterwork "Academic Festival Overture" and Carl Strommen's "Prairiesong," which has a soulful beginning that evolves into a lively fiddle tune and hoedown.

Other works on the program are "Hatikvah -- The Hope," Elliot Del Borgo's powerful arrangement of the Israeli national anthem; "Artemis Rising," written by Jeffrey Bishop; and Bob Cerulli's "Celebration."

The CSOYO was founded in 1949. Its membership of 150-plus students, ages 6-19, comprise four main orchestras that perform throughout a nine-month season.

IF YOU GO

  • What: Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Youth Orchestras concert.
  • When: 7:30 p.m. Monday.
  • Where: Brainerd Baptist Church, 300 Brookfield Ave.
  • Admission: $6 adults, $4 students, children, seniors (65 and older).
  • Phone: 255-9594, 267-9011.

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