American Youth Symphony Presents ELFMAN PROJECT II Concert Tonight

The acclaimed American Youth Symphony (AYS), one of the nation's leading professional training orchestras for musicians ages 15 to 27, continues its 49th season with "Elfman Project II," a free concert that is part of a multi-year exploration of the music of four-time Academy Award-nominated composer Danny Elfman, tonight, November 24, 2013, 7 pm, at UCLA's Royce Hall.

Guest conductor David Newman, himself an Oscar-nominated composer, sought-after conductor and AYS alumnus and Immediate Past President, leads the orchestra in the premieres of two new concert suites, Milk Suite and Oz the Great and Powerful Suite, both assembled by Newman and Max Mueller for the occasion from Elfman's compelling scores for films directed by Gus Van Sant and Sam Raimi, respectively, and performed to film clips from the movies.

In addition, Newman conducts music from Alice in Wonderland and Spiderman, and the Big Fish Suite, composed by Elfman for the Tim Burton films of the same name. The concert opens with AYS Music Director Alexander Treger conducting Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kijé Suite, from his 1934 score for the Russian film based on the novel of the same title by Yur Tynyanov.

A chorus comprised of top professional session singers who are volunteering their services for the program joins the 106-member orchestra, noted for its innovative programming and inspiring performances. The event kicks off with a free symposium, at 4:30 pm, including a performance of Elfman's Overeager Overture, and a panel discussion moderated by esteemed journalist and author Jon Burlingame, focusing on the nuts and bolts of music's role in films and how composers work with directors. The symposium is presented in partnership with The Film Music Society.

An optional benefit diner with French bistro fare catered by Barbrix Wine Bar takes place between the symposium and concert, providing an opportunity for continuing conversation with the panelists. Tickets, which are required for the dinner, start at $350 per person with proceeds benefiting AYS.

Online Reservations are recommended but not required for the American Youth Symphony's free concerts. Royce Hall is located on the campus of UCLA at 10745 Dickson Plaza in Westwood, CA, 90095. For more information, please call(310) 470-2332 or log on to www.AYSymphony.org.

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