Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra Presents Concert Nov 23
Jenine Baines
October 26, 2008
As coaches for the Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra (PYMO), each of the professional musicians mentoring the orchestra´s talented high school and college-age members is content to remain in the background, reserving the spotlight for their protégés. But, on November 23, the coaches themselves will be showcased when PYMO presents "Bach, Brahms, Bizet and Bernstein" at Sexson Auditorium on the campus of Pasadena City College at 3:30 p.m.
"Our teaching staff are phenomenal musicians," says Music Director Jo Stoup, who is also a flautist. "And, one day, I thought, why not share their artistry with our audience as well as our young musicians?"
Each coach will either conduct a work or appear as a guest soloist. The program will include Bach´s Brandenburg Concerto #2, featuring brass coach Blake Hanna on piccolo trumpet, high strings coach Kelly Bunch on violin and woodwind coach Kate Green on oboe while Stoup, herself, will play the flute. Taking Stoup´s place on the podium is low strings coach Johnny Ng.
The orchestra will also perform Bizet´s Carmen Suite, conducted by percussion coach and orchestra manager Robin Sharp, and Pavanne by Ravel, conducted by brass coach Ramon Villanueva. Stoup will return to the podium to lead Brahms´ Variations on a Theme by Haydn and Bernstein´s Overture to West Side Story.
"This is a year with a lot of firsts," Stoup muses. "This is the first time we´ve showcased our coaches. And, on March 8, PYMO will present its first performance at Disney Hall."
PYMO was invited to perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall by the Los Angeles Philharmonic as a member of the orchestra´s prestigious Youth Orchestra Partners Program.
"It´s been a wonderful experience for us," says Lisa Gladstone, President of the Board of Directors. "We not only receive the opportunity to perform in venues throughout Southern California but have access to the incredible array of artistic resources only a major orchestra like the LA Philharmonic can provide. We´re very excited and honored to be part of this extraordinary partnership."
Tickets for "Bach, Brahms, Bizet and Bernstein" may be purchased at the door for the suggested donation price of $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. Children under age 12 are free.
Pasadena City College is located at 1570 East Colorado Blvd in Pasadena, with parking available at any PCC student lot for $2. For more information, call (626) 403-1086 or visit the orchestra´s website, www.pymo.org.
The mission of the Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra, now celebrating its 55th season of memorable music making, is to provide excellence in music education and performance for young musicians and to enrich the cultural experiences of the community by presenting music at a high level of artistic achievement.
PYMO is operated by the PYMO Association, a non-profit organization dependent on a network of volunteers and donors, including parents, friends and area businesses. PYMO is particularly grateful for the many benefits derived from its close association with Pasadena City College, the Pasadena Symphony Association, and the many high schools in the area.
"Our teaching staff are phenomenal musicians," says Music Director Jo Stoup, who is also a flautist. "And, one day, I thought, why not share their artistry with our audience as well as our young musicians?"
Each coach will either conduct a work or appear as a guest soloist. The program will include Bach´s Brandenburg Concerto #2, featuring brass coach Blake Hanna on piccolo trumpet, high strings coach Kelly Bunch on violin and woodwind coach Kate Green on oboe while Stoup, herself, will play the flute. Taking Stoup´s place on the podium is low strings coach Johnny Ng.
The orchestra will also perform Bizet´s Carmen Suite, conducted by percussion coach and orchestra manager Robin Sharp, and Pavanne by Ravel, conducted by brass coach Ramon Villanueva. Stoup will return to the podium to lead Brahms´ Variations on a Theme by Haydn and Bernstein´s Overture to West Side Story.
"This is a year with a lot of firsts," Stoup muses. "This is the first time we´ve showcased our coaches. And, on March 8, PYMO will present its first performance at Disney Hall."
PYMO was invited to perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall by the Los Angeles Philharmonic as a member of the orchestra´s prestigious Youth Orchestra Partners Program.
"It´s been a wonderful experience for us," says Lisa Gladstone, President of the Board of Directors. "We not only receive the opportunity to perform in venues throughout Southern California but have access to the incredible array of artistic resources only a major orchestra like the LA Philharmonic can provide. We´re very excited and honored to be part of this extraordinary partnership."
Tickets for "Bach, Brahms, Bizet and Bernstein" may be purchased at the door for the suggested donation price of $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. Children under age 12 are free.
Pasadena City College is located at 1570 East Colorado Blvd in Pasadena, with parking available at any PCC student lot for $2. For more information, call (626) 403-1086 or visit the orchestra´s website, www.pymo.org.
The mission of the Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra, now celebrating its 55th season of memorable music making, is to provide excellence in music education and performance for young musicians and to enrich the cultural experiences of the community by presenting music at a high level of artistic achievement.
PYMO is operated by the PYMO Association, a non-profit organization dependent on a network of volunteers and donors, including parents, friends and area businesses. PYMO is particularly grateful for the many benefits derived from its close association with Pasadena City College, the Pasadena Symphony Association, and the many high schools in the area.
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