York University Department of Music and York Symphony Orchestra tie a musical knot

TORONTO, October 6, 2000 -- York University's Department of Music and the York Symphony Orchestra (YSO) are embarking on a new partnership. The YSO, York Region's community orchestra, is the new orchestra-in-residence at the University. Students in York's classical music performance program will join the YSO on stage for four concerts in the York Symphony's Master Series.

For the opening concert on Saturday, October 21 at York University's Burton Auditorium, the York University Concert Choir will join the YSO under the baton of its artistic director and conductor, Roberto De Clara, in excerpts from Haydn's Creation and Godfrey Ridout's arrangement of Canada's national anthem.

"We're delighted to have the York Symphony Orchestra on campus", said Michael Coghlan, Chair of the music department. "The chance to study and perform on a regular basis with such a fine, well-established community orchestra is a wonderful opportunity for our students. And we're very pleased to be able to collaborate with musicians from the larger community within the University setting."

The YSO's Roberto De Clara welcomes the opportunity to work with York University's Music Department and its talented students such as pianist Mina Park, who will be a featured guest artist in a YSO concert later in the season.

"This wonderful new collaboration between the orchestra and York University signals the beginning of a new era in the history of the York Symphony." said Roberto De Clara. "I am thrilled to be working with the York University musical community, since the addition of these talented and energetic young musicians will greatly enhance the orchestra. It promises to be a very exciting and rewarding inaugural season."

The York Symphony Orchestra's concert program at York University includes:

Sat. Oct. 21
Fall Passions
Ridout, O' Canada and Fall Fair; Haydn, excerpts from The Creation with the York University Concert Choir; Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4

Fri. Dec 1
Northern Expressions
Sibelius, Finlandia; Horwood, Intravariations for Piano and Orchestra with guest artist Mary Kenedi; Dvorak, Symphony No 7

Sat. Feb 3
Symphonic Romance
Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker pas de deux; Chopin, Piano Concerto No. 1 with guest artist Mina Park; Vaughan Williams, Fantasia from "Sir John in Love", Tchaikovsky, Capriccio Italien

Sat May 5
European Treasures
Beethoven, Leonore Overture No.3; Stamitz, Flute Concerto with guest artist Ingrid Takahashi; Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 5 (Reformation)

Saturday concerts take place at 8 pm. The Friday Dec. 1 concert is at 8:30 pm. Performances take place in Burton Auditorium, York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto. Admission: $20, students/seniors $15, children under 12 $5. Series subscriptions for all four concerts: $72, students/seniors $52, children under 12 $20. Tickets are available at the door or in advance from the YSO, tel. (416) 410-0860 with Visa/Mastercard, or the Department of Music, 225 Winters College, York University (cash sales only).

Now celebrating its 39th season, the York Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to providing musical education and enjoyment for its audiences and musicians and to contributing to the community's cultural enrichment and civic life through music.

The Department of Music at York University is widely recognized as an innovative leader in music education, offering in-depth academic study and studio training across a wide range of musical traditions from classical western art music to jazz, electronic. popular and world music.

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For further information, contact:

Brigitte Kleer,
Manager, Public Relations
Faculty of Fine Arts, York University
(416) 736-2100 ex. 77143
bkleer@yorku.ca

David Frieberg,
President, York Symphony Orchestra
(416) 410-0860