The Santa Barbara Symphony’s free spring Youth Ensembles performances will be March 4-5, showcasing its talented young musicians, and spotlighting the impact of music education. All Youth Ensembles performances are free and seating is on a first-come basis.
“These performances are so important for young musicians; it’s their opportunity to experience performing in front of an enthusiastic, live audience,” said Nicholas Fuentes, director of music education for the Santa Barbara Symphony.
“The presence of a crowd and the roar of applause is so encouraging to our kids,” he said. “Remember, the youth you support on the stage today are the professional musicians you’ll be buying tickets to see in the future, so I urge you to please join me on March 4 and 5 to enjoy these amazing concerts.”
Conducted by Marisa McLeod, the Camerata Ensemble (beginner) and the Philharmonia Orchestra (intermediate) will perform at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 4 at the First Presbyterian Church in Santa Barbara.
Daniel Gee, the newly appointed Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Symphony music director and conductor, will conduct the Youth Symphony (advanced), 4 p.m. Sunday, March 5 at the Lobero Theatre.
Under the artistic vision of Maestro Nir Kabaretti, music & artistic director, and administered by Fuentes, vice president of Community Education and Enrichment, the Youth Ensembles boast the largest enrollment in years, a strong parent volunteer group, and new, accessible rehearsal and performance spaces.
As the only music education program in the region tied to a professional symphony orchestra, the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony brings together 50 gifted musicians, ages 12-18, from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties to perform works across the orchestral repertoire.
As part of the symphony’s strategic partnership with Westmont College, Gee leads the advanced ensemble and teaches discipline and commitment for young professionals
The Camerata Ensemble, led by McLeod, is composed of musicians who are early in their musical training. It introduces students to the basics of ensemble playing, following a conductor, and listening across a musical group while playing.
The Philharmonia Orchestra is the intermediate step in the Music Education program’s continuum of performing ensembles. Philharmonia engages string, wind, brass, and percussion students in performing as a full orchestra under the baton of McLeod.
To provide targeted training and experience with other repertoire, Philharmonia students also rehearse as a chamber strings group with McLeod and as a symphonic wind band with instructor Karen Dutton. Students in the Philharmonia Orchestra have two or more years of study on a string, wind, brass, or percussion instrument.
The Santa Barbara Symphony’s Music Education programming is made possible thanks to partnerships with school districts, Westmont College, community organizations, local and national funders and the generous support by individual donors.
To support the symphony’s Music Education programs, click here.