LAKEPORT, Calif. – The annual Lake County Symphony Association Youth Orchestra concert will be held on Sunday, June 5, at 3 p.m. at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport.
The theme for the concert will be "Heroes in Music and Film," and will feature a variety of pieces from Mozart to contemporary film favorites.
The first half of the program will begin with the beginning and advanced string classes sponsored by the Lake County Wine Alliance.
The cello classes, conducted by Clovice Lewis, will play Domenico Gabrielli’s “Canon for Two Cellos,” and the violin, viola and cello classes combined will play three tunes conducted by Jeff Ives.
Then the Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Sue Condit, takes the stage to begin its program with "Rondo" from “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and arranged by Carrie Lane Gruselle.
“Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” is an example of a serenade, which in Mozart's time was written for special events and outdoor evening concerts.
“Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Rings” by Howard Shore, and arranged by Bob Cerulli accompanies the award-winning film based on the book by J.R.R. Tolkien. This epic piece explores numerous musical themes from the film, and challenges players with difficult rhythms and tempo changes.
"May It Be" from “The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring” by Eithne Ni Bhraonain, Nicky Ryan and Roma Ryan, arranged by Larry Moore, was recorded and sung by Enya, and featured during the credits of the film. This slow and melodic piece allows for work on phrasing and expression.
Concertmaster and violin soloist, Julianne Carter, will perform the third movement from the "Third Pupil's Concerto,” Op.12 by Friedrich Seitz.
The first half of the program will conclude with "The Adventures Of Stringman" by Richard Meyer. This novelty piece features the superhero, "Stringman," who saves the day by coming to the aid of struggling players.
Acknowledgement of graduating seniors and recognition of Allegro Scholarship students will complete the first half.
The second half of the program will begin with "Blue Tango" by Leroy Anderson, and arranged by Bob Cerulli.
"Blue Tango" is one of the most popular pieces in the Anderson collection. It was published in 1952 as an instrumental piece, but later was made into a popular song with lyrics by Mitchell Parish.
The next piece is movement one from the "Symphony No. 29, K. 201" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and arranged by Janet Farrar-Royce. This early work of Mozart is considered one of his best with contrasting themes, delicacy and energy.
The Youth Orchestra Quartet will play Mozart's "Menuetto K. 465," and will feature Julianne Carter on violin 1, Haley Webber on violin 2, Rafael Contreras on viola and Polina Bradley on cello. This group has been working hard to learn the techniques of quartet playing under the direction of Jeff Ives, the first chair violist in the Lake County and Ukiah Symphonies.
"Star Wars Heroes" by John Williams, and arranged by Jerry Brubaker, delivers an exciting medley of popular selections from many of the Star Wars films, such as "Star Wars" (main theme), "Luke and Leia," "Battle of the Heroes," "Han Solo and the Princess" and "The Throne Room."
The final piece will be "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" by Earl Scruggs, and arranged by Larry Moore. This fast moving bluegrass number was made popular as a banjo solo piece in 1950.
Everyone is urged to support these young music students who have worked very hard on this presentation.
Admission is only $5 and free for under 18 and LCSA season ticket holders.
Reserve tickets early at www.soperreesetheatre.com , by phone at 707-263-0577 or at the box office on Fridays at from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.