321 Main Street
Worcester
MA 01608
Worcester Youth Orchestras’ anniversary season under the direction of Jonathan Edward Brennand continues on May 20 at Mechanics Hall with a 70th Anniversary Alumni Concert. The evening will feature the Worcester Youth Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestra’s Alumni Orchestra, as well as the Worcester Chorus, Nashoba Valley Chorale and Auburn High School Choirs. Alumni of the WYO’s prestigious programs from as far back as 1947 will join the ensembles and be in the audience. The concert will include the world premiere of two works commissioned by WYO to commemorate this anniversary: “Fanfare” by Hansani Archibald and “Spiral Labyrinth” by composer, arranger and performer Josh Oxford. The program will also include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 “Ode to Joy” and works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky and Sibelius. Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito will be in attendance to present the inaugural Robert Kennedy Community Service Award to Robert Kennedy, executive director of Mechanics Hall. Tickets are on sale now at www.worcesteryouthorchestras.org.
The Robert Kennedy Community Service Award recognizes individuals who provide outstanding opportunities and support for young people in Central Massachusetts,” said Brennand. “Bob Kennedy’s unwavering support and mentorship has enabled WYO to flourish. It is the perfect time, as our 70th Anniversary coincides with his year of retirement, that we honor him and his service to the Greater Worcester community. We will present this award annually to an individual in the community that upholds these values.”
Performing 30 concerts each season to audiences over 8,000 strong, the WYO has become a cherished institution in Massachusetts. It has been and continues to be a source of hope and inspiration to the nearly 4,500 student musicians who have performed in the various ensembles over the decades.
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Dance of the Tumblers
Jack Corbett, Conductor
Symphony, Philharmonic & Alumni/ae Orchestras
TCHAIKOVSKY Romeo & Juliet Fantasy
Bradford Chase, Guest Conductor
Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra & Alumni/ae
SIBELIUS Finlandia
Jack Corbett, Conductor
Worcester Youth Philharmonic
OXFORD Spiral Labyrinth (World Premiere)
Commissioned by the WY Philharmonic for the 70th Anniversary
Jack Corbett, Conductor
Worcester Youth Philharmonic
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 9 “Ode to Joy”
Mvt. IV: Choral Finale
Jonathan Edward Brennand, Conductor
Dana Varga, soprano
Emily Harmon, mezzo-soprano
Omar Najmi, tenor
Ryne Cherry, bass
Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra
The Worcester Chorus, Chris Shepherd, Artistic Director
Nashoba Valley Chorale, Anne Watson Born, Artistic Director
Auburn High School Concert Choir, Nick LaPete, Director
Event Architect