The Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Alison Gaines, presents their final concert of the 2008/09 season at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 24 at the Coronado Performing Arts Center.

 

Joining the RSYO is Colette Metras, first prize winner of the RSO/RVC Concerto Competition. Ms. Metras is also first chair French horn in the RSYO, and is a student of Rebecca Asher, RSO principal horn. Colette will perform Morceau de Concert by Camille Saint-Saëns.

 

Also performing with the RSYO is the Rock Valley College Chamber Singers (the premier choral ensemble at Rock Valley College) performing Fern Hill by John Corigliano, and the RVC Concert Choir performing Beethoven’s cantata, Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage. Both choral ensembles are directed by Mr. Paul LaPrade.

 

Additionally a repeat performance of Copland’s Lincoln Portrait is on the program with special guest and Rockford Woman magazine’s 2009 Woman of the Year, Judge Janet Holmgren reading the narration accompanying the famous tribute to Abraham Lincoln.

 

The RSYO Spring Concert honors the senior members of the orchestra. This year’s seniors include:

Louis Boeke and Max Gauthier -Winnebago High School

Ellie Dorsey - Freeport High School

Ashley Gray, Sauman Rajabi, and Zac Schmidt - Boylan High School

Michael Jiang and Siva Sundaram - Auburn High School

Ellen Larson - home school

Kendall McCabe and Amy Reithmeier - Lutheran High School

Josh Daniels - Harlem High School

Colleen Herman - Oregon High School

Juhee Han - Christian Life High School

Ava Norberg and Eric Ross - Guilford High School

Paige Windgassen - Hononegah High School

 

Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for students and are available through the RSO Box Office at 815-965-0049, the Coronado PAC Box Office at 815.968.0595. For further information about other RSO events and concerts call (815) 965-0049, or visit www.rockfordsymphony.com.