On Sunday, November 18, at 3 p.m., in the Performance Hall of the Hochstein Music School, the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra presents the opening concert of its 2001-2002 season of "Musical Impressions." RPYO Music Director David Harman had originally selected for this program of "Latin Charm" music by Dvorak, Bizet, and Respighi that represents the "Latin" cultures of Europe.

Since September 11, RPYO students expressed a wish to memorialize in music the tragic events of that day. They have chosen two beloved works to express musically their compassion for those directly affected and their sense of American identity. In a mood of reflection on these recent tragedies, the RPYO will perform Elgar's "Nimrod" and Copland's "Variations on the Shaker Theme." "Nimrod," a movement from Elgar's "Enigma Variations," is a deeply felt eulogy to the fundamental ties of friendship, loyalty, and love that connects us one to one another, and carry us through times of trouble. "Variations on a Shaker Theme," composed by Aaron Copland for his ballet "Appalachian Spring," conveys in music some of the most cherished national values: freedom, openness, energy, and optimism that have helped us as a society overcome countless difficulties.

The concert will continue with Antonin Dvorák's exuberant "Carnival Overture." Dvorák captures here the joyous mood of the pre-Lenten Carnival festival, a season of uninhibited merrymaking that had made its way north from gaiety-loving Italy to a more somber northern Europe. Bizet's "Carmen Suite, No. 2" includes familiar selections adapted for orchestra from his great French opera that tells the story of the Spanish gypsy temptress Carmen and of the young soldier she tragically enticed away from his responsibilities. In his tone poem "The Pines of Rome," the early 20th century Italian composer Respighi celebrates the scenes, memories of past glory, and emotions evoked by his beloved Rome. Each of these works celebrates the virtuosity and emotional richness of orchestral sound.

Among area students participating will be: David Shewan, a junior at Churchville-Chili High School, who plays horn; Michelle LeRoy, a junior at Hilton High School, who plays horn also; Sean Dray, a senior at Spencerport High School, who plays tuba. The Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is comprised of ninety-three student musicians in grades 8 through 12 who attend over thirty schools in the greater Rochester area. They are selected through competitive auditions to become members of the RPYO, which was founded in 1970 and is sponsored by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra's Education Department. The RPYO rehearses throughout the school year at Apollo Middle School in Greece. It presents three performances during its concert season, including a joint concert on March 10 in Eastman Theatre with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.