The Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles Presents Free Concerts, 3/1

Youthful musicality soars as both Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble (PSYWE) and Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra (PSYO) perform a phenomenal range of music for their spring concerts. Both ensembles return to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at their prime after bonding at their annual retreats this past January. The students have prepared a difficult collection of masterworks guaranteed to transfix listeners and show off their hard work. Taking place on Sunday, March 1, the day of music begins at 1 p.m. with the talented wind musicians of PSYWE, led by Music Director Gregory X. Whitmore, performing "OLDE School, New School," a concert that highlights the variety of wind literature across the centuries. Later at 7 p.m., the students of PSYO, led by Music Director Alejandro Gutiérrez, impress as they delve into the magic and power of superheroes through excerpts from popular film music and works by Dvorák and Rimsky-Korsakov. Thanks to the support of generous sponsors, the concerts are free to attend, but tickets are required. For more information, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble

Music Director Whitmore and his ensemble of talented young woodwind, brass and percussion musicians take on 16th-century classics by Tielman Susato and Antonio de Cabezón. After delving into these early pieces, Whitmore transitions to the 20th and 21st centuries, leading PSYWE in Gershwin's Second Prelude from "Three Preludes" and three pieces by John Mackey: "Xerxes," "Sheltering Sky" and "Kingfishers Catch Fire."

"This concert highlights what compositions for winds has been, and what they are becoming," describes Whitmore. "The program spans more than 500 years, and in this way, exposes our audience to the breadth and depth of wind music, as well as offers a perspective on the different facets of wind literature." Susato's "The Dansyere" is a bright, festive anthem that was composed in 1551 in what is today called The Netherlands. Selections are being performed by only the brass instruments in the ensemble. Cabezón's "Prelude in the Dorian Mode" is a Spanish work composed in the 1500s, but later arranged for winds by Percy Grainger. The inclusion of Gershwin's Second Prelude on the program pays homage to wind music's jazz heritage. The reason for including Mackey's music is "that his compositional output in many ways represents the new artistic discoveries. His three works on the program are distinctly unique in their ethos," says Whitmore.

Beginning his career with Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles this past fall, Whitmore's appointment follows a 13-year career as director of bands at Cathedral City High School and a career as conductor of the College of the Desert Symphony Band. Whitmore is also director of bands at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut. He received his bachelor's degree in musical education from the University of Michigan, his master's degree in music with an emphasis in wind conducting from California State University, Fullerton and is currently a doctoral candidate at Columbia University in New York. His career as a music director has led him to conduct ensembles in a variety of notable venues such as the Kennedy Center in Washington, Carnegie Hall in New York, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and Heidelberg Castle in Germany.

Whitmore describes the impressive quality that the musicians of PSYWE are achieving. "The level of technical prowess, artistic depth and musical intent that is currently on display in rehearsal is both fantastic and inspiring," comments Whitmore. "I can feel the students' enthusiasm and energy through their performances as we arrive at our concert date. The PSYWE is truly a fantastic ensemble of artists, we are so excited to share our talents and musicality with our audience on March 1."

PSYWE's performance is generously sponsored by Bette and Wylie Aitken, Dolores Grunigen, Dorothy Lazier and Mr. and Mrs. Terry McDonald.

Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra

Music Director Gutiérrez and his talented youth orchestra have prepared an exciting program of music filled with heroic themes that are also being performed during their side-by-side performance with Pacific Symphony for the Family Musical Mornings concert, "Superheroes," taking place March 14.

With melodious build-ups and dramatic falls, it is the work of 19th-century composers such as Antonin Dvo?ák and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov that paved the way for music in film. Filled with dynamic temperaments, Dvorák's Symphony No. 8 expresses a joy for life and love for nature, but also expresses melancholic and martial themes. Rimsky-Korsakov's "Russian Easter Overture" starts with "beautiful solemn chant-like melodies that transport our imagination immediately to an Orthodox Liturgy mood. Then the music becomes more celebratory, full of wonderful orchestration, rhythm and musical color," describes Gutiérrez. The program concludes with the unforgettable music of John Williams, including themes from "Star Wars" and "Superman."

Gutiérrez is excited to show the musical growth of his students. "Their technique and level musicality is growing faster, they are understanding more complex principles of music form and phrasing, and their general musical knowledge is being enhanced," he says. "They are more excited and interested in working together as a team, and of course, the most important thing is that they are enjoying the process of making music together. The desire of these wonderful young artists to share their joy with our audience is amazing."

Gutiérrez is the assistant conductor for Pacific Symphony and is a passionate pedagogue, clinician and speaker. He holds a doctorate in orchestral conducting from the University of Texas at Austin. His career started in the late 1990s, when he became the associate director of the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, touring through the nation's seven provinces. He later went on to become the music director and conductor of the University of Costa Rica Symphony Orchestra, and the founder of the internationally known chamber ensemble "Trombones de Costa Rica," which tours the United States, the Caribbean, South America and Europe. He is the designer and conductor of several successful educational and family programs: "Discovering Beethoven," "The Family Instruments of the Orchestra," "From the Caves to the Orchestra," "The Concerto," and co-designer and conductor of "Halloween Masquerade" and

"Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Haunted Violin" for Pacific Symphony's Family Musical Mornings concerts.

PSYO's performance is generously sponsored by Janet Marie and James Walkie Ray and Judith Posnikoff.

Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles (PSYE) is a premier performance program, nurturing and inspiring young artists in grades 6 through 12. More than 430 students auditioned for places in the three PSYE this year, breaking the previous year's record. PSYE provides members with a high-quality and innovative artistic experience and strives to encourage musical and personal growth through the art of performance. The Youth Ensembles include three performing ensembles: PSYO, PSYWE and Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings. All three benefit from the artistic vision of Music Director Carl St.Clair, who acts as the artistic adviser for all activities. Representing 72 schools in and beyond Orange County, PSYE performs in the world-class Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and at other venues in Orange County. Students enjoy a variety of interactions with Pacific Symphony musicians, including sectional coaching, master classes and side-by-side performances.

Photo Courtesy of the Pacific Symphony

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