Area musicians perform with RPYO

Several area students will be members of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra when the group begins its concert season Sunday, November 5. Students from Churchville-Chili High School include David Shewan, French Horn, grade 10 and Emily Shewan, French Horn, grade 11. From Spencerport - Tonya Burek, Bassoon, grade 12; Emily Caton, Harp, grade 12; Sean Dray, Tuba, grade 11; Lanay Uttaro, Flute, grade 12.

At the first concert of its 2000-2001 season, the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra celebrates the new millennium with a brand new musical composition.

Thanks to the support of The Commission Project and the Dorothy and Jonathan Rintels Foundation, the RPYO is able to add to its repertoire a sophisticated contemporary work by a major American composer. Entitled "Rush," it was composed by David Liptak of the Eastman School of Music to enable talented and dedicated ensembles like the RPYO to become more engaged in the dynamic world of new music.

According to Liptak, "Rush" was inspired by the drive of contemporary American culture and the inexhaustible vitality of youth.

The RPYO's concert on November 5, entitled "Romantic Excursions," is the first of its year-long series of "Musical Journeys." The orchestra, guided by Music Director David Harman, will travel through the medium of music to various countries in Europe before it embarks on its own springtime journey to France, where it will perform in Rochester's Sister City Rennes and in Paris.

The November concert honors the musical roots right here in Rochester with a performance of Howard Hanson's Symphony No. 2, subtitled "Romantic." A work of mid-19th century Viennese musical "Romanticism," von Suppe's "Poet and Peasant" Overture, opens the concert. The "Romantic" theme continues with Tchaikovsky's "Capriccio Italien," a musical impression of his travels in Italy, whose light, exuberance, and ever present song have long had a powerful impact on visiting composers.

Tickets to the RPYO's concert at the Hochstein School of Music on Sunday, November 5, are $6 and $4. They area available by calling 377-3537 or 454-7311 ext. 244 or at the time of the performance.