National Youth Orchestra

Last Monday I had the pleasure of attending the performance of the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America. They were outstanding. Their talents remarkable. They were appreciative of each other. The selections they played were varied and showcased each instrument. I would go again in a minute. And to top it off - the Disney Concert Hall was a perfect venue.

The Disney was not totally filled on this Monday evening but it should have been. Most people don't realize that teenagers can master an instrument and in ensemble sound like the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Makes these tickets a bargain.

This concert was first-rate in every way. Conductor David Robertson was off the charts in his uncanny ability to blend his non-professional and disparate forces into a thrilling ensemble that was electric in its impact in every piece. With brilliant and proactive soloist, Gil Shaham, the Britten Violin Concerto was one of the many highlights.It was a great show too with all of the orchestra members, including Robertson and Shaham, dressed in vivid red slacks and red and white sneakers. The music was equally thrilling, with Samuel Adams' Radial Play, Bernstein's West Side Story Symphonic Dances and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition rounding out the official concert. The encores were the icing on the cake, America the Beautiful and music from Porgy and Bess.

This was one of the most exciting and inspiring concerts I have attended in years. Not only was it well performed but the enthusiasm of the musicians was infectious. The selections were interesting as well. Since it was the last performance of this group there was a lot of emotion to be seen. Clearly this was hugely important in the lives of these kids. We need a lot more of this sort of thing in this country!

Phenomenal evening! There was something very moving about seeing 100-odd young people play with such grace, precision, and unbridled enthusiasm. The conductor was practically jumping off his podium with energy-- the whole evening was pure joy. Bravo!