Maestro Edwin Outwater
This afternoon, Resident Conductor Edwin Outwater led the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra to an extraordinary performance of Mozart's Overture to The Abduction from the Seragio, Symphony No. 31 in D major and Berlioz' Symphonie fantastique, Opus 14.
Michael Tilson Thomas was in the house. His presence clearly showed how much he cares about the SFS Youth Orchestra.
Three generations from our family, ages 6 to 68, were also there to enjoy the performance and to express our appreciation for these world class musicians.
At the intermission, I had the opportunity to ask a proud niece who she was here to support. She said her nephew, Michael Madderra was one of the five oboe players.
Michael was thirteen when he was accepted into the youth symphony. For the past two years, he and his parents have made the commitment to drive from Concord to San Francisco to be part of this extraordinary opportunity.
We salute fifteen year-old Michael, all of the members of the youth symphony, and Maestros Edwin Outwater and Michael Tilson Thomas for their dedication. It is no wonder that these teenagers received a standing ovation, and Maestro Outwater returned to the stage three times before the applause died down.
It is also no wonder that the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra (SFSYO), now in its 23rd season, is recognized throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia as one of the finest youth orchestras in the world. The entire operation is world-class.
You are all an inspiration.
For those who have not had the opportunity to spend a Sunday afternoon at Davies Symphony Hall, the next time the Youth Orchestra will perform is May 16th at 2pm. General admission tickets are only $10.
On May 16th, the SFSYO will be performing Berlioz Le Corsaire Overture, Vieuxtemps Violin Concerto No. 5, Dun Orchestral Theatre 1: Xun, and Ravel Daphnis et Chloe Suite No. 2.
On Saturday, June 19th, a Bon Voyage Concert will take place on the eve of the SFSYO's 7th international tour.
Michael Tilson Thomas will begin his 10th season with the San Francisco Symphony on September 8th featuring works by Debussy, Gershwin and Copland.
For further details go to: SFSymphony.org
or
SFSKids.com, a music web site for families and kids
~Jennifer