Writer’s Choice: Young musicians perform in WYSO events

Generation “text” can’t concentrate or think, and is unmotivated, culturally shallow and spends way too much time staring vacantly into computer monitors or texting away into cell phone screens. They are doomed, right?

Well, gramps, the kids are all right. Really.

Consider the members of the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO). Some 365 young musicians, representing more than 80 schools from southern Wisconsin, turn out of bed on Saturday mornings and head to Madison for rigorous rehearsals that can begin as early as 8 a.m. And they do this gladly, 33 times a year, from September to May.

WYSO provides a challenging, noncompetitive learning environment where students can improve their skills, grow as musicians and develop a life-long appreciation of music. Members generally have several years of ensemble experience and perform individually at a precollege or college level. Members also perform three to four public concerts per season, and tour regionally, nationally and internationally.

WYSO was created in 1966 by Marvin Rabin of the UW-Extension music department. Since then, more than 5,000 young musicians from more than 100 communities have participated. WYSO currently includes three full orchestras, a string orchestra, a chamber music program, a harp program, a percussion ensemble and a brass choir program. All are under the artistic direction of James Smith, UW–Madison professor of instrumental conducting, director of orchestras and conductor of University Opera.

All the hard work becomes audible as the assorted WYSO orchestras and ensembles will present concerts in the next several weeks.

The Eugenie Mayer Bolz Spring Concerts will be held Saturday, May 10, in Mills Hall in the Mosse Humanities Building. At 1:30 p.m., the Harp Ensemble, Sinfonietta and Concert Orchestra perform. At 4 p.m., the Percussion Ensemble and Philharmonia Orchestra take the stage.

The Philharmonia Orchestra performs orchestral literature at the high school and college level. Members generally have three or more years of ensemble experience and perform individually at an advanced high school level. Tickets are available at the door 45 minutes before each concert.

Then, on Saturday, May 17, the WYSO Youth Orchestra presents a side-by-side concert with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra at 2:30 p.m. in the Capitol Theatre in the Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St. The Youth Orchestra is WYSO’s premier orchestra and performs advanced orchestral literature.

The May 17 concert features violinist Nathaniel Wolkstein, winner of the Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition. The program includes the Festive Overture, Op. 96, by Shostakovich; Symphony No. 8 in G Major, I. Allegro con brio, by Dvorak; and selections from Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky. Tickets are available through the Overture Center Box Office, 258-4141.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a summer evening and music with the Philharmonia Orchestra on the Great Lawn at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3. Make an evening of it and bring a picnic. (Picnics are usually not permitted in Olbrich Botanical Gardens.) In case of rain, the concert will be held indoors. A $1 donation is requested.

For more information on WYSO or its concerts, call 263-3320 or visit Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras.