Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra Starts with Brecksville and Winds up in Europe Tour

Thursday night, the was the place to be for a very uplifting and inspiring concert performed by the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra. More than 700 people heard a concert in celebration of the city's bicentennial and the beginning of COYO's 2012 season, which begins next Sunday at Severance Hall.

Maestro James Feddeck started with "The Star Spangled Banner," which he described as traditional for the first concert of the orchestra. This arrangement was breathtaking and one that will remain a favorite. It was a perfect beginning to the concert in the city's bicentennial year. There were more surprises to come from Maestro Feddeck as the evening progressed. This introduction was quickly followed by a Brahms piece, "Academic Festival Overture." The audience was amazed as to what they were hearing and seeing live on stage with these 101 young musicians.

Bach's "Prelude and Fugue in E flat Major St. Anne" followed. It featured woodwinds and brass musicians for which special recognition was given by the maestro. There was a short intermission after which the presidents of both Kiwanis Clubs welcomed and gave special recognition to the sponsors and patrons, along with the music department for continuing this tradition.

The Kiwanis Club of Brecksville, celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, has arranged for the COYO to come to the high school biannually since 2001. Broadview Heights Kiwanis joined with their support in 2009. The sponsors who made it possible for this concert to take place were Western Reserve Bank, House of LaRose, Lubrizol Corp., the city of Brecksville and the Kiwanis Club of Brecksville. Also recognized were the co-chairmen of the bicentennial committee, Mr. Don Faulhaber and Frank DeWolf.

After intermission the concert group played a difficult piece by Antonin Dvorak, his "Symphony Number 8 in G major." This piece had the audience in awe of the enthusiasm and perfection of sound reverberating throughout the auditorium by these gifted young musicians. Many commented that they felt like they were listening to the Cleveland Orchestra themselves playing. What a joy it was to witness the passion, dedication, and energy of the youth orchestra that produced such a beautiful concert.

The finale was a special and well kept secret of the piece selected for recognition of the bicentennial. And what a perfect selection it was -- "Stars and Stripes Forever." This presentation was so enthusiastically given and received. It was obvious that Maestro Feddeck and the orchestra thoroughly enjoyed playing this piece. Maestro Feddeck encouraged the audience to clap along with the orchestra when at appropriate times during the song, which added to the enjoyment of the evening.

It was a beautiful night. We certainly hope that the Youth Orchestra will return in November of 2013 and treat us to a magical night of music again. Thank you COYO and the attendees of the concert. This was a perfect beginning to their concert year that will culminate with a --homes of classic master composers. Best wishes to this outstanding group of young dedicated musicians.