Melbourne Youth Orchestras Announces 'Homages and Virtuosity Grand Final'

Continuing its fiftieth birthday celebrations, Melbourne Youth Orchestras (MYO) presents two showcase concerts at the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre on Sunday, 17 September 2017.

Homages with the Melbourne Youth Orchestra will pay tribute to great German composers, before three of Melbourne's best and brightest young musicians take to the stage to compete in the Virtuosity Grand Final with the Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra.

Directed by guest conductor and MYO alumnus, Paul Fitzsimon, Homages opens with R. Strauss' striking Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare for a large brass ensemble and timpani, and continues with the rarely performed and virtuosic Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber by Hindemith.

Brahms' Violin Concerto in D major - a work dedicated to the violinist Joseph Joachim and composed in homage to Beethoven's Violin Concerto - will round out the concert featuring Berlin-based MYO alumnus Michael Brooks Reid as soloist.

MYO Chief Executive Officer, DorIan Jones, explains MYO's fifty-year history continues to enrich young lives through the power of music, "Since 1967, we have offered an inclusive and inspiring range of artistic and social activities designed to instill a love of ensemble music playing for all Victorian music students which often leads to life-long orchestra engagement and opportunities."

18-year old MYO associate concertmaster Emma Amery will play violin in Homages; she lives on a farm in Thoona (North-East Victoria) and with assistance from an MYO regional student travel bursary, makes the 500km journey each week to rehearse with the Melbourne Youth Orchestra.

The Virtuosity Grand Final is a concerto soloist competition, offering young musicians aged 15 - 25 professional development and mentorship opportunities with some of Australia's best musicians, cash prizes and invaluable performance experiences.

Now in its fourth year, this years Virtuosity finalists include 18-year old Sam Beagley (trumpet), 22-year old Emma Morrison (bassoon) and 23-year old Eliza Shephard (flute).

Virtuosity panelist Lucinda Cran explains the significance of Virtuosity for emerging young soloists, "This competition provides young musicians with much more than just performance opportunities - these talented students are mentored by industry professionals and work with one of Victoria's best conductors and a full symphony orchestra. The whole experience is about supporting them to grow as well-rounded musicians, not just solo performers".

"It's been wonderful to hear such a diverse range of instruments and concertos throughout the competition. It was difficult to nominate only three young musicians to proceed to the Virtuosity Grand Final - however Sam, Eliza and Emma stood out to the panel for their very high level of musicianship and technical ability," said Cran.

Melbourne Youth Orchestras presents Homages and Virtuosity Grand Final

Date Sunday, 17 September 2017

Times

2:30pm Homages with the Melbourne Youth Orchestra

7pm Virtuosity Grand Final with the Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra

Venue Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt Street, Southbank

Tickets $22 - $29 per concert (booking fees apply)

Bookings 03 9699 3333 or melbournerecital.com.au

Information myo.org.au

Photo credit: Sarah Walker