Three performances this weekend will feature the 80 talented musicians of the Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra performing classical pieces for guests attending concerts in Penticton, Vernon and Kelowna.
“Our youth musicians are so talented that they will impress every music lover and attendees will truly enjoy this show,” said OSYO coordinator Carol Colpitts. “These musicians work so hard and love what they do and many will make performing in an orchestra part of their future careers.”
The featured soloist for this concert series is Andrew Stoney, a pianist residing in Salmon Arm, who is an OSYO musician himself.
Stoney has competed and performed across the province at music festivals, such as the Kelowna Kiwanis Music Festival, Kamloops Festival of the Performing Arts, Burnaby Clef Society Festival, Performing Arts B.C. Provincial Festival, and his hometown at the Shuswap Music Festival.
Aside from the piano, Stoney makes an effort to expand his musicality away from the keyboard. He currently works with three different choirs as an accompanist, baritone and conductor. He is a percussionist in the OSYO, and spent two seasons with the Monashee Chamber Orchestra as a violinist, which included a concert series of the complete Messiah.
The youth symphony’s program will include The Barber of Seville Overture by Rossini; Hatikva, arranged by J. Williams; Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concert #2, first movement; Russian Sailor’s Dance by Gliere; Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5; Carmen Suite #1 by Bizet and Lord of the Dance, arranged by Moore.
“It brings everyone so much enjoyment to see how these musicians grow during their time with the Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra,” said OSYO music director Dennis Colpitts. “They learn so much from each other and their mentors. Their hard work and dedication will show at their performances this weekend.”
*** Update, please note the date for the OSYO concert at Vernon’s Trinity United Church, 3300 Alexis Park Drive, is Sunday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are general admission and are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and youth, and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased from students, at the Vernon Community Music School, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra office (865 Bernard Ave., Kelowna), and at the door.
