New Haven, CT October 12, 2010: The board, musicians and administration of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) are proud to announce the launch of the New Haven Symphony Contemporary Youth Orchestra (NHSCYO).
The NHSCYO aims to create a unique youth orchestra that excites passion and inspires creativity in Connecticut’s high school-aged orchestral musicians. The programming of the NHSCYO will compliment the traditional musical offerings students receive in their school and youth orchestras with a new and exciting component of contemporary music.
Repertoire selected for this ensemble will push the limits of what is thought of as “classical” music. Modern, Multi-cultural, Ethnic, Improvisational, Tonal and Atonal, World, Jazz, Pop, and Rock music will be programmed. Living American composers will work with the ensemble to give students unique insights into the musical relationship between composer and performer.
The NHSCYO will develop and foster the exceptional talent in Connecticut’s young orchestral musicians through artistic mentorship with Music Director, William Boughton, NHSO musicians and other guest artists. The orchestra will meet for weekly Sunday rehearsals from January-May 2011 from 2:00-5:00pm in New Haven. An inaugural concert will be held Sunday, March 20, 2011.
Participation is dependent on auditions which will be held Sunday, November 7 and Sunday, November 14 in New Haven. Auditioning candidates will be asked to prepare two contrasting selections from repertoire that displays their current skill level, as well as, perform selected scales and sight read during the audition. Successful candidates will exhibit the following skills: strong sense of rhythm, intonation, tone quality and advanced instrument technique. A participation fee of $350 will be due upon successful audition and acceptance into ensemble. A limited number of scholarships will be available.
Interested applicants are asked to complete a registration form which can be found under the Education tab on the NHSO website www.newhavensymphony.org. A $30 non-refundable application fee is required. Deadline for application is November 1, 2010. For more information, please contact Education Director, Daniel Kinsman at dkinsman@newhavensymphony.org or (203) 865-0831, ext. 13 or visit www.newhavensymphony.org.
