Music for the soul

Anyone under the mistaken belief that today’s adolescents only listen to pop and rap need only turn their attention to Edmonton Youth Orchestra.

Widely thought of as one of the finest youth orchestra programs in Canada, it gives nearly 150 young musicians from the Capital Region and Northern Alberta the opportunity to hone their skills and develop an in-depth appreciation of music.

Conductor Michael Massey has shaped the music since 1977. His well-managed tempo changes and full-bodied sound has paid dividends for the musicians and listening community at large.

Tomorrow afternoon, the Intermediate and Senior orchestras return to the Winspear Centre fully charged and ready to perform the dynamic repertoire of Francis Haydn, Johannes Brahms, Camille Saint-Saëns and Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Opening the concert is Divertimento in D major, one of the jewels in Haydn’s classical repertoire. The Esterhazy noble family was one of Haydn’s major patrons and his music often reflected the grand salons and Austria’s flattering aristocrats. Since the music is richly braided, it demands great virtuosity from its musicians.

Following is romantic composer Johannes Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn, an ode to the classical master composed six decades after his death. Beginning in a stately setting, it builds and explodes in a grand finale. It has remained one of Brahms most popular works and was one of his personal favourites.

“These two pieces are based on the same themes and it is interesting for kids to see how the variations evolve, especially with Brahms with a passacaglia at the end,” Massey said.

The third piece is Camille Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso with EYO violinist Rafael Piesiur performing the edition. Massey singled Piesiur out in large part due to his musical elegance and command of the craft.

“He’s very thorough. He thinks about the bowing and his work as concertmaster on the Rachmaninoff helped me a lot. He is what a concertmaster should be. He is a leader and not afraid to turn around and offer suggestions.”

The grand finale is Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 in E minor, a 30-minute work filled with Russian angst and Hollywood splendour.

“This is a glorious piece. It’s a great romantic masterpiece with all its wonderful variations.”

For Massey, the entire concert is a banquet of soul-nourishing food.

“It’s a wonderful meal with Rachmaninoff as the main course. In this case the hors d'oeuvres and dessert are served before the main course.”