It’s not as uncommon as September’s supermoon eclipse, but it’s not often we get to see the launch of a new orchestra — even here in SoCal, where classical life is bustling. This Sunday brings such a debut for the Young Artists Symphony Orchestra (YASO), led by artistic director Alexander Treger, and there’s no ramping up with this first program: they’re diving in head-first with the difficult and monumental 2nd Symphony (“Resurrection”) from Gustav Mahler. The selection shows intrepid leadership and no lack of chutzpah, but is well-supported by the choral force of the Angeles Chorale, as well as vocal soloists Amanda Achen (soprano) and Niké St. Clair (mezzo-soprano), who will perform two of the most memorable concert roles in the repertoire.
The ensemble’s mission, as the name suggests, is to nurture young talent, ages 16-27, Treger has significant experience in that area, as the former and long-standing director of the American Youth Symphony. He is also a former LA Phil concertmaster and is joined in the effort by associate conductor Henry Shin, who comes to us with most recent roots in the Bay Area. This debut will be followed in December by an all-instrumental program that includes Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll, for those who like to dip just a toe in those operatic waters.
YASO’s kick-off takes place Sunday evening at UCLA’s Royce Hall. Admission is free — reserving your tickets online is recommended, but walk-in tickets will be available before the concert.
Inaugural performance
Young Artists Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, October 11 — 7pm
Royce Hall
This feature originally appeared in Next 7 — Vocal events thru 10/15/15
