The Los Angeles Youth Orchestra (LAYO) is gearing up for its annual spring concert series, titled “A Pastoral Celebration,” scheduled for Sunday, April 14, and Monday, April 15. This year’s performances will take place at two esteemed venues, catering to audiences on both the west and east sides of Los Angeles.
Under the baton of conductors Russell Steinberg and Jorge Padrón, LAYO will showcase the talents of students from 70 public and private schools in the Los Angeles area. The orchestra, a revered institution celebrating its 25th year, comprises gifted musicians between the ages of 8 and 18.
The concerts promise an enchanting evening of classical repertoire, featuring beloved compositions such as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F major (the “Pastoral” symphony), Haydn’s “London Symphony No. 104,” Bartok’s “Pieces for Children,” Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 2, and the world premiere of Conductor Russell Steinberg’s Cirrus Nimbus.
Russell Steinberg, LAYO’s Founder and Artistic Director, is renowned for his multifaceted contributions to the classical music world. As a Harvard-trained composer, conductor, pianist, and educator, Steinberg’s passion for instilling a love for classical music in others is evident through his dynamic lectures and extensive body of work.
Jorge Padrón, LAYO’s Assistant Conductor, brings his expertise as a doctoral student at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. With a dedication to music education, Padrón’s leadership has positively impacted young musicians across Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Youth Orchestra, consisting of over 110 student musicians annually, serves as a beacon for music education in the region. Through rigorous training and collaboration with professional coaches, LAYO provides students with unparalleled opportunities to master challenging masterworks.
Concertgoers can experience the magic of LAYO’s performances at the following venues and times:
Westside:
Date: April 14, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm
Venue: Barnum Hall, 600 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Eastside:
Date: April 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm
Venue: Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S. St. John Street, Pasadena, CA
Tickets for these captivating performances are available online, and patrons are encouraged to support youth in music by attending these unforgettable concerts.
In addition to the concerts, LAYO invites the community to a free pre-concert Zoom presentation on April 8, 2024, at 5 pm, where Conductor Russell Steinberg will delve into the selections for the April concert.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/layospring2024.
Submitted by Joyce LaBriola