Under the direction of Stanley Dodds, the LJO will perform a deeply romantic program with the fabulous young cellist Benjamin Kruithof.
Program:
Mieczysław Weinberg (1919–1996), Polish Melodies, Op. 47/2
Edward Elgar (1857–1934),
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in E-flat Minor, Op. 85
August Hübner (b. 2005), Krunzfumpe for Large Orchestra (world premiere)
George Gershwin (1898–1937),
Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture (arr. Robert Russell Bennett)
During its summer workshop, the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Youth Orchestra is once again putting together a highly varied and multifaceted concert program: With works by Mieczysław Weinberg, Edward Elgar, George Gershwin, and August Hübner, the musical spectrum ranges from Eastern European folklore to late Romantic expressiveness, all the way to 20th-century American musical culture and a world premiere composed by a long-standing member of the orchestra. The program artfully combines themes such as cultural roots, emotional depth, and the opening up of classical music to popular influences—all while featuring very distinct individual musical languages and styles.
Founded in 1991, the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Youth Orchestra is a selective ensemble that brings together the best young musicians aged 14 to 20, primarily students from music schools in our state or prize winners of the “Jugend musiziert” competition. This project, organized by the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Music Council, enables these top young talents to perform together in a large symphony orchestra, to master the world’s great musical repertoire, and to collaborate with internationally renowned soloists and conductors. Stanley Dodds has served as the orchestra’s artistic director since the summer of 2012.
The orchestra meets for two sessions each year. The daily schedule includes up to eight hours of intensive rehearsals, during which the young musicians are mentored by experienced orchestra musicians from orchestras across our state. The sessions conclude with several concerts held throughout the state.