News
Aug. 27, 2024: Students from Sistema New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra recorded a musical triumph in the ‘Windy City’ this summer with their successful participation in North America’s oldest music festival.
Five New Brunswick musicians between 13 and 18-years-old attended the International Ravinia Seminario in Chicago in July. It was the second year New Brunswick orchestral musicians were invited to the prestigious event.
”On both occasions we sent the largest delegations, and most of our young musicians became principals in the orchestra. These events included the participation of renowned conductor Marin Alsop and were organized by Sistema Ravnia,” said Maestro Tony Delgado, NBYO music director and conductor. “We were invited in 2023, the first edition when this was a national event. On that occasion we were the only organization outside the US. This year it was international, and we were invited back.”
Ravinia Festival, North America’s oldest music festival, presents a large variety of different events throughout the summer. These concerts run the gamut from Yo-Yo Ma to John Legend to the annual summer residency of the nation’s finest orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
The National Seminario Ravinia: Orchestras for All, encourages students’ growth and learning through music education and performance. The Ravina Festival website said under the leadership of Chief Conductor Marin Alsop, Ravinia welcomed more than 100 students from El Sistema–inspired organizations internationally. Participating students, selected through a collaborative nomination process, experienced four days of orchestral training and mentorship from members of the National Orchestral Institute and the festival.
“These events create confidence in our students, help develop their skills, know the repertoire and work under the direction of different professionals, “ Delgado said. “Both years they got to play side by side with and under the mentors of advanced musicians like the Chicago Philharmonic and National Orchestral Institute. Both years we have been the only Canadian orchestra participating in the program.”
Yusela Perez, a NBYO faculty member who served as chaperone for the New Brunswick delegation, said NBYO members enjoyed sharing musical interests with young people from different programs and countries.
“The progress was remarkable due to the enriching connection they achieved in just a few days, and so it could be seen in the outstanding concert,” Perez said. “Undoubtedly the energy that was projected in each rehearsal and each sectional gave them a lot of confidence and encouragement to give their best… Our students had a wonderful time, and it was an incredible experience.”
Delgado said it is critical for NBYO’s young musicians to learn from other conductors and instructors at events like International Ravinia Seminario.
“Listening from different conductors and instructors give them new perspectives, reinforce known principles, new knowledge and different approaches,” the NBYO conductor said.
