Metropolitan Youth Symphony presents Fall Festivo Virtual Concert

The Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) will perform virtually on Wednesday evening October 28, 2020 at 7:30 at the St. Charles Borromeo Convocation Hall on the Romeoville campus of Lewis University. The live streaming of the concert can be enjoyed at www.mysomusic.org for free, with a suggested donation of ten dollars.

The Fall Festivo concert will include Andante Festivo by Jean Sibelius, Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral by Richard Wagner, Intermezzo from the opera “Goyescas” by Enrique Granadas, and Romanian Folk Dances by Bela Bartok.

Featured in this fall program are MYSO’s 2020 Concerto Competition Recipients Jack Gordon and Lillian Pankhurst. MYSO Principal Hornist and Lewis University Senior Jack Gordon will perform Mozart’s first movement of Horn Concerto in Eb. MYSO Flutist and Plainfield Central Senior Lillian Pankhurst will perform Vivaldi’s Flute Concerto No. 3 in D Major.

Dr. Benjamin Firer leads the award-winning youth orchestra in his inaugural performance as MYSO’s new maestro. Dr. Firer is Director of Orchestra and Opera at Northern Illinois University, where he conducts the NIU Philharmonic, Opera Theatre, and teaches music courses. Firer is also conductor of the Northeastern Illinois University and the Chicago Chamber Music Festival. He holds a Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from Northwestern University and a Master’s Degree from Yale University.

Founded in 1959 the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra has resided in Will County since 1991. Players in MYSO come from area high schools and middle schools, as well as Lewis University and Joliet Junior College.

MYSO rehearses every Wednesday evening that school is in session from 6:15 to 8:45 at Lewis University. The orchestra currently has openings in their viola and double bass sections. For more concert and audition information, visit www.mysomusic.org.