By Dylan Haney
The musically talented youth of Utah get a chance to do something not many musicians get to do–perform with a professional symphony.
Thursday, May 23 at 7 p.m. at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake, Lyceum Chamber Ensemble will perform a free concert with the Utah Symphony in an annual Side-By-Side Concert.
The concert is a tradition in which a youth symphony is awarded the chance to perform with the Utah orchestra. Lyceum Chamber Ensemble, selected for participation through a competitive tape audition, is a select string orchestra from Utah Valley, composed of music students ages 12-18.
“The side-by-side concert evolved from years of featuring youth soloists and youth ensembles in Utah Symphony”s education program,” said Angela Clark, Audience Development Assistant for the Utah Symphony. “It was advantageous to offer a program that featured both youth soloists as well as a youth ensemble in the same concert program, simultaneously with a Utah Symphony orchestra performance.”
Clark said the Youth Symphony members have the opportunity to learn from professional musicians in “Master classes.” They also perform at different events, and get discounts on Utah Symphony Concerts. It is not a requirement to play an instrument to join the Youth Guild, but all members are encouraged to learn.
Sharon Sobieszczyk, Education Programs Coordinator for the Utah Symphony, said, “The purpose of the Youth Guild is to promote future audiences for the symphony, enhance music appreciation, encourage young musicians, and provide service to the Utah Symphony.”
The concert will also feature performances by pianists Jessica Weiss and Jonathon Coombs, and violinist Sarah Moench.
Coombs has performed across the United States and will be attending the Julliard School of Music in New York City this coming fall. Coombs said he is glad to be able to attend “one of the best music schools in the nation.”
Coombs has performed with the Utah Symphony on five occasions. He will be playing the second and third movements of Tchaikovsky”s Piano Concerto No. 1.
“It”s absolutely exciting to learn concerto pieces alone, and then be able to perform them with the orchestra,” said Coombs. “It completes the work.”
Of performing with the Symphony, Coombs said, “You”ve got to be on top of your game.”
Utah Symphony Associate Conductor Scott O”Neil will lead the combined orchestras. The performance will include the Finale of Beethoven”s Symphony No. 5 and “Jupiter” from Holst”s “The Planets.” The youth orchestra will also perform works by Bartok and Villa Lobos.
