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New Brunswick Youth Orchestra will play at Tom Morrison Theatre on Feb. 11
Feb. 5, 2024: New Brunswick’s internationally-acclaimed youth orchestra, now boasting more than 100 members, plan a triumphant return to Fredericton with a vibrant and dynamic performance on Feb. 11.
The curtain rises for the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra (NBYO) concert at the Tom Morrison Theatre in Fredericton High School on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. New Brunswick’s finest young musicians will enthrall audiences after last year’s stellar concert series, including a performance at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City.
“The NBYO Fredericton concert will showcase the professional-level instruments, acquired through the Dr. Mary & Mark Pedersen Instrument Bank, in the hands of the orchestra’s section principals. It is an exciting moment for the musicians and for the Pedersen’s who will be in attendance,” said Ken MacLeod, NBYO president and CEO. “With an orchestra of 100 musicians and these new, outstanding musical instruments, music lovers will be drawn into the visceral power and sound quality of the performance. Don’t miss it!”
The Fredericton concert is the fifth in NBYO’s 2023-24 series, with exceptional attendance at previous performances in Tracadie, Bathurst, Woodstock and Saint John. Don Matheson, NBYO director of community programming, said patrons have rallied to see the orchestra in peak form.
“Fredericton is a very savvy city... rich in arts and culture, the seat of our provincial government, and brimming with music teachers, music makers and music lovers,” Matheson said. “Her Worship Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers graciously accepted our invitation to host this year’s concert. This will be Mayor Roger’s second time as our concert MC. She is an arts enthusiast and champion, and has expressed how much she looks forward to seeing, hearing, and hosting our 2023-24 NBYO ensemble on the eve of our 60th anniversary year.”
Maestro Tony Delgado said the Fredericton audience is in for a musical treat.
“In Fredericton the NBYO will be playing the entire ‘New World Symphony’, and present the winners of the NBYO solo competition: Gracie Lewis and Bark-Wende Sinon. To complete the program the orchestra will perform the challenging and exciting ‘Festive Overture’ by D. Schostakovich,” Delgado said. “The repertory the NBYO will perform in Fredericton is one that has been designed specifically for large orchestras which will give Frederictonians a unique and uncommon event. The powerful sound is something that captivates audiences, but also the capacity of creating beautiful textures when playing softly and the remarkable contrasts that can be created when you have these numbers.”
Matheson said the Fredericton show is presented by Maple Leaf Homes, a long-time sponsor. Most NBYO members will be guests of Co-Presenting Sponsor—CFB Gagetown at Camp Argo on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 9 and 10. The orchestra will welcome CFB Gagetown personnel and Maple Leaf Homes staff and their families to the concert. Their Honours, NB Lieutenant Governor Brenda Murphy and Linda Boyle, will also be special guests at the Fredericton concert.
“The orchestra enjoys great support from Fredericton businesses, organizations and residents. The Anglophone School District—West continues to be a leading supporter and partner of NBYO programming. We’re also delighted to have the support of both St. Thomas University and the University of New Brunswick. Both have offered recruiting presentations to our talented NBYO roster,” Matheson said. “It would be a win-win situation to see many of our NBYO members continue their post-secondary educations right here in New Brunswick. The longer our musicians learn and perform with the NBYO, the more they excel and bring recognition to our province. We encourage all music lovers in Fredericton to come see these outstanding youth musicians at the top of their game.”
Tickets for the Fredericton concert are available from the Fredericton Playhouse box office at https://theplayhouse.ca/en/schedule-and-tickets or nbyotickets.com .
