The VYSO and tsyo youth orchestra extravaganza concert was a truly cultural bridge, where east and west came together for a spectacular show of technical prowess and musical energy, that swept the audience off it's feet. The first half of the concert showcased the Vancouver Youth Orchestra with the works of Shostokovitch, the Festive Overture, and Tchaikovsky Francesca de Rimini. Thier performances were electric and exuberant. Roger Cole a the helm of the 95 piece VYSO, led with fiery abandon, while the orchestra matched with intensity and passion. The next section of the program featured the tsyo, performing Paul Hindemith Symphonic Metamorphosis of themes by C.M. von Weber. The Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra string sound was bristling and the section playing taut and glistening with precision. The entire orchestra played with the maturity and panache of a professional orchestra. Alain Trudel found depth and beauty in the score and led with almost dance-like grace. After the intermission the two orchestras came together for Tchaikovsky Cappriccio Italien and the Glinka Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla. 176 musicians on stage at the Chan Centre. Wow! Hearing 56 violins playing together was breathtaking, hearing a string section of 106 performers was nirvanna, the resonation and blend of the strings created a kind satin sheen to the sound that sonically defines the word heaven. Seeing and hearing this convergence of two orchestras bringing our vast country together produced a sort of ecstasy. This, I will never forget. The young musicians of our country are truly engaged, proving that symphonic  music is alive and well in Canada: more than that, it is pulsing with life and vibrancy. Thank you to Roger Cole and Alain Trudel for having this vision, of bringing these musicians together, and to all of the many people who brought this fantastic dream to fruition. Kudos and heartfelt thanks!

The VYSO and tsyo youth orchestra extravaganza concert was a truly cultural bridge, where east and west came together for a spectacular show of technical prowess and musical energy, that swept the audience off it's feet. The first half of the concert showcased the Vancouver Youth Orchestra with the works of Shostokovitch, the Festive Overture, and Tchaikovsky francesca de Rimini. Thier performances were electric and exuberant. Roger Cole a the helm of the 95 piece VYSO, led with fiery abandon, while the orchestra matched with intensity and passion. The next sectionof the program featured the tsyo, performing Paul Hindemith Symphonic Metamorphosis of themes by C.M. von Weber. The Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra string sound was bristling and the section playing taut and glistenig with precision. The entire orchestra played with the maturity and panache of a professional orchestra. Alain Trudel found depth an beauty in the score and led with almost dance-like grace. After the intermission the two orchestras came together for Tchaikovsky Cappriccio Italien and the Glinka Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla. 176 musicians on stage at the Chan Centre. Wow! Hearing 56 violins playing together was breathtaking, hearing a string section of 106 performers was nirvanna, the resonation and blend of the strings created a kind satin sheen to the sound that sonically defines the word heaven. Seeing and hearing this convergence of two orchestras bring our vast country together produced a sort of ecstasy. This, I will never forget. The young musicians of our country are truly engaged, proving that symphonic  music is alive and well in Canada: more than that, it is pulsing with life and vibrancy. Thank you to Roger Cole and Alain Trudel for having this vision, of bringing these musicians together, and to all of the many people who brought this fantastic dream to fruition. Kudos and heartfelt thanks!

The VYSO and tsyo youth orchestra extravaganza concert was a truly cultural bridge, where east and west came together for a spectacular show of technical prowess and musical energy, that swept the audience off it's feet. The first half of the concert showcased the Vancouver Youth Orchestra with the works of Shostokovitch, the Festive Overture, and Tchaikovsky francesca de Rimini. Thier performances were electric and exuberant. Roger Cole a the helm of the 95 piece VYSO, led with fiery abandon, while the orchestra matched with intensity and passion. The next sectionof the program featured the tsyo, performing Paul Hindemith Symphonic Metamorphosis of themes by C.M. von Weber. The Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra string sound was bristling and the section playing taut and glistenig with precision. The entire orchestra played with the maturity and panache of a professional orchestra. Alain Trudel found depth an beauty in the score and led with almost dance-like grace. After the intermission the two orchestras came together for Tchaikovsky Cappriccio Italien and the Glinka Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla. 176 musicians on stage at the Chan Centre. Wow! Hearing 56 violins playing together was breathtaking, hearing a string section of 106 performers was nirvanna, the resonation and blend of the strings created a kind satin sheen to the sound that sonically defines the word heaven. Seeing and hearing this convergence of two orchestras bring our vast country together produced a sort of ecstasy. This, I will never forget. The young musicians of our country are truly engaged, proving that symphonic  music is alive and well in Canada: more than that, it is pulsing with life and vibrancy. Thank you to Roger Cole and Alain Trudel for having this vision, of bringing these musicians together, and to all of the many people who brought this fantastic dream to fruition. Kudos and heartfelt thanks!

The VYSO and tsyo youth orchestra extravaganza concert was a truly cultural bridge, where east and west came together for a spectacular show of technical prowess and musical energy, that swept the audience off it's feet. The first half of the concert showcased the Vancouver Youth Orchestra with the works of Shostokovitch, the Festive Overture, and Tchaikovsky francesca de Rimini. Thier performances were electric and exuberant. Roger Cole a the helm of the 95 piece VYSO, led with fiery abandon, while the orchestra matched with intensity and passion. The next sectionof the program featured the tsyo, performing Paul Hindemith Symphonic Metamorphosis of themes by C.M. von Weber. The Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra string sound was bristling and the section playing taut and glistenig with precision. The entire orchestra played with the maturity and panache of a professional orchestra. Alain Trudel found depth an beauty in the score and led with almost dance-like grace. After the intermission the two orchestras came together for Tchaikovsky Cappriccio Italien and the Glinka Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla. 176 musicians on stage at the Chan Centre. Wow! Hearing 56 violins playing together was breathtaking, hearing a string section of 106 performers was nirvanna, the resonation and blend of the strings created a kind satin sheen to the sound that sonically defines the word heaven. Seeing and hearing this convergence of two orchestras bring our vast country together produced a sort of ecstasy. This, I will never forget. The young musicians of our country are truly engaged, proving that symphonic  music is alive and well in Canada: more than that, it is pulsing with life and vibrancy. Thank you to Roger Cole and Alain Trudel for having this vision, of bringing these musicians together, and to all of the many people who brought this fantastic dream to fruition. Kudos and heartfelt thanks!

Vancouver Sun critic David Gordon Duke comments on the Seoul Philharmonic.  Here are links to three articles by David Gordon Duke:

Review: Seoul Philharmonic a class act

Seoul Philharmonic promises a powerhouse presentation

Korean orchestra wields power with perfect discipline

Violinist Angelica Chen has been invited to perform a the Coquitlam District Music Festival Gala Concert, April 22nd 2012, where she will be awarded the Ellen Tso trophy for most promising young string player.  Angelica won 1st place in the competition in February of this year. 

The Ellen Tso trophy is bestowed at the discretion of the adjudicator, this year, Grant Donellan Violinist on faculty of Western Washington University, chose  twelve year old Angelica Chen.

This is the 2nd Coquitlam Gala for Angelica,in the past year, under the tutelage of Toni Stanick  Angelica was also invited to perform for the Burnaby Clef and Festival on the Lake Gala Concerts, and was featured in recital for the Burnaby Clef and Vancouver Women's Musical Society, for the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival and in the JOY of MUSIC 2011.

Upcoming events for Angelica include the Coquitlam Gala, String Masterclass at VCC School of Music April 21st, and 

JOY of MUSIC 2012  June 10th, VCC School of Music.

Phil Dwyer's masterpiece Changing Seasons won the JUNO for

Best Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year!

Phil Dwyer solo sax, Mark Fewer solo violin and leader, and Ingrid Jensen solo Trumpet

backed up by jazz big band and a 21 piece string orchestra.

This cd is available at www.almarecords.com/  iTunes Amazon CDUniverse

Recorded in Vancouver July 2011.

This was an awesome project the music is inventive, challenging and intense,

and pure unadulterated pleasure to perform!

Phil Dwyer's masterpiece Changing Seasons won the JUNO for

Best Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year!

Phil Dwyer solo sax Mark Fewer solo violin and leader and Ingrid Jensen solo Trumpet

This cd is available at www.almarecords.com/  iTunes Amazon CDUniverse

Recorded in Vancouver July 2011.

This was an awesome project the music is inventive, innovative challenging and intense,

and pure pleasure to perform!

Phil Dwyer's masterpiece Changing Seasons won the JUNO for

Best Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year!

Phil Dwyer solo sax Mark Fewer solo violin and leader and Ingrid Jensen solo Trumpet

This cd is available at www.almarecords.com/  iTunes Amazon CDUniverse

Recorded in Vancouver July 2011.

This was an awesome project the music is inventive, innovative challenging and intense,

and pure pleasure to perform!

Phil Dwyer's masterpiece Changing Seasons won the JUNO for

Best Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year!

Phil Dwyer solo sax Mark Fewer solo violin and leader and Ingrid Jensen solo Trumpet

This cd is available at www.almarecords.com/  iTunes Amazon CDUniverse

Recorded in Vancouver July 2011.

This was an awesome project the music is inventive, innovative challenging and intense,

and pure pleasure to perform!