Young musicians to star in concert
The Taranaki music community recognises that young people are our future, and a huge effort is put into encouraging them to explore the joy of music.
Much of this work is voluntary, just because it is hugely satisfying to watch young players learn and develop and then pursue their passion into the future.
In April the first New Plymouth Orchestra Concerto Competition was held, which gave an opportunity for young local musicians to prepare a movement of a concerto or similar work and present it with a piano accompaniment. From among the entrants in the three age sections were chosen the soloists for the Student Stars concert, presented by Taranaki Youth Orchestra and New Plymouth Orchestra on Saturday August 13 at 7.30 pm in the Theatre Royal.
The two orchestras, conducted by Adam Jasinski, will accompany the soloists as they step into the spotlight for a very special experience.
The students range from primary to university, ages 10 to 19, although their technique and musicianship are way beyond what you might expect in such youngsters. The programme runs the gamut of the Baroque to the 20th Century. There’s a Haydn piano concerto by Lenora Sagen, a Telemann recorder suite by Olivia Burns, a Vivaldi guitar concerto by Reuben Chan and the Hummel trumpet concerto transcribed for euphonium by Daniel Chow.
The romantic period is well represented with Mercy Jones playing a Mendelssohn piano concerto and David Codd the Grieg piano concerto. There’s a brilliant Devienne flute concerto played by Emma McNab, a Tedesco guitar concerto presented by Dominic Jacquemard on marimba, and the demanding Prokofiev piano concerto by Danny Jones.
The two orchestras have been rehearsing together, which is a really great learning experience for the members of both groups.
The icing on the cake for the young musicians would be to have a large supportive audience. Tickets are only $10, available from Pianoworks, Palmers Garden Centre and at the door (cash only).
The following week Singing is Life! will also star young musicians. It’s on Saturday August 20 at 2pm at the TSB Theatre. Tickets at Ticketmaster. See more on the What’s On pages.