The Lone Star Youth Orchestra continues its season on March 3rd with a concert titled “HAYDN & THE HEN”. The featured piece is Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 83 in G Minor ("The Hen"). Works by William Grant Still ("Cumbia y Congo" from Danzas de Panama) and Edward German ("Torch Dance" from Incidental Music to Henry VIII) round out the hour-long program.
Haydn was known as "The Father of the Symphony". The nickname of this piece comes from a theme played by the violins in the first movement that evokes a clucking sound – which reminded 19th century listeners of the jerky back-and forth head motion of a walking hen – and an accompanying pattern by the oboe that sounds like a hen scratching. All of this prompts the musical question . . . Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
William Grant Still was one of the most important African-American composers of the 20th century, so much so that he was known as “The Dean of Afro-American Composers". LSYO is proud to explore the world of music in order to present composers old and new, across civilizations and cultures.
Single tickets are available by visiting IrvingArtsCenter.com, by calling (972) 252-2787, or by purchase at the door. Ticket prices are $6.50 per student and $13.50 for adults. Safety protocols in effect this season require assigned seating to ensure physical distancing. Masks are required and must be worn the entire time audience members are inside the venue. No cash payments will be accepted. Print-at-home ticketing is available. Will-call and walk-up tickets will be printed upon arrival.
“HAYDN & THE HEN” will take place on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at the Irving Arts Center’s Carpenter Hall. The Arts Center address is 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75062.
The Lone Star Youth Orchestra is the only tuition-free youth orchestra in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and is one of the most pivotal pre-college experiences for talented high school instrumentalists. Membership in the Lone Star Youth Orchestra is open to all middle and high school string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players. The LSYO offers rolling auditions throughout the season for interested student musicians. Additional information regarding auditions can be found at www.lascolinassymphony.org/lsyo or by calling (972) 252-4800.
Now in his sixth year as conductor of the Lone Star Youth Orchestra, Dr. Kevin Pearce brings a unique combination of a world-class musical background and an unending commitment to education. Pearce was named a finalist for the 2020 American Prize in Conducting, Youth Orchestra Division. He currently teaches orchestra in Rockwall ISD, where he was a nominee for 2020-21 Teacher of the Year at Cain Middle School. Prior to his move to North Texas, Pearce served from 2008-2013 as the inaugural Director of Orchestras at Cypress Lakes High School in the western suburbs of Houston. During his time in Texas, orchestras under his direction have won multiple UIL Sweepstakes awards and top honors in local and national festivals.
For more information about the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra or the Lone Star Youth Orchestra, please visit LasColinasSymphony.org.
