Quick reviews of recent events
Submit your own review or commentary to Events@CoolCleveland.com

Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra & Youth Chorus @ Severance Hall 3/8 The large stage at Severance Hall on this Sunday afternoon was filled with more than 200 young musicians. The level of talent on display was awesome. Unbelievable, in fact. The near capacity audience heard and appreciated their efforts, as witnessed by the two standing O's accorded to the members of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus.

Jayce Ogren, now in his third and final season as conductor of the orchestra, once again displayed his terrific affinity for these musicians who are not all that much younger than he is. Stravinsky’s infectious and lilting Scherzo à la russe opened the program in an upbeat fashion. At that point, most of the orchestra left the stage: however, several of the players then took their places in the chorus, for most of the remainder of the first half of the program.

The chorus displayed its versatility and amazing technique in four distinctly different works, all conducted by its director, Frank Bianchi. Balia Di Sehú is a harvest song from Aruba, which incorporates swaying and rhythmic hand-clapping from the singers with a bit of percussion. In this case, that latter was supplied by Allison Bent on conga and James Hogan with clave. In total contrast was their next selection—the Magnificat by Pachelbel (son of the composer of the very famous Canon) which brought forth six of the young women as soloists, and accompanist William Shaffer at the piano.

A motet by Anton Bruckner Os Justi followed in yet another change of style, being totally a capella, and somewhat reminiscent of Gregorian chant with its pure clear sound and close harmonies. Still more contrast was provided by the spiritual The Battle of Jericho in a recent arrangement by Moses Hogan. This very spirited and rousing rendition nearly brought down the walls at Severance!

The final work on the first half brought back the full orchestra once again for a beautiful work for chorus and orchestra that is not often heard. Johannes Brahms wrote his Song of Destiny or Schicksalslied (Op. 54) about midway in his life. From its tranquil beginning, the music becomes faster and more vigorous, especially for the cello section. The chorus excelled in the German pronunciation, with crisp diction. The entire performance was gorgeous. Northern Ohio should be proud of itself for having produced these outstanding young men and women who are so supremely talented.

The concert concluded with an impressive performance by the youth orchestra of Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s final symphony, the No. 6 or Pathétique in B minor, Op 74. Mr. Ogren was more demonstrative in this work, using broad, sweeping gestures to keep his players together and where he wanted them. Having performed this concert three days earlier in Mentor, it was obvious that some of the musicians began to tire, but he was relentless in keeping them focused.

There were outstanding solo performances by Maria Fernandez, clarinet; Adam Lauretig, bassoon; Joseph Fox, tympani; Matt Mitcheltree, oboe, and Grace Patuwo, horn. Indeed the total presentation was so impressive that the audience clapped after each movement, not just the rousing third, which always draws applause. The gentle opening of the final movement is difficult after the tumultuous ending that had just occurred, but the musicians took it all in stride. The string sections were especially lush sounding throughout.

If you’ve never heard this orchestra in person, their last concert of the season is Saturday, May 16 at 8 pm. For tickets or other information, call 231-1111 or visit the website: http://www.ClevelandOrchestra.com.

If you're in the proper age group and you'd like to become a part of such wonderful music-making, audition information is available by calling 231-7352 for the orchestra or 231-7374 for the chorus.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com

 (:divend:)