May 22, 2002
Youth Orchestras perform season finale
Lars Hockstad concert features symphonic and concert orchestras
By LISA PERKINS
Herald staff writer
Sunday marked the final performance of the season for the Traverse City Youth Orchestras under the direction of principal conductor Elizabeth Bert.
More than 120 young musicians performed with the Traverse Youth Symphonic Orchestra and Traverse Youth Concert Orchestra, conducted by Bert and the Traverse Youth Repertory Orchestra, conducted by Jean Coonrod. The concert was held in Lars Hockstad Auditorium at Central Grade School.
New to the program this year were the chamber music ensembles coached by members of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra. The Traverse Youth Symphonic Brass Ensemble is led by Thomas Riccobono, principal trombone of the TSO and a member of the music faculty at Interlochen Arts Academy. Peggy Johnson, a violist in the TSO and prominent piano teacher in the area led the Traverse Youth Symphonic String Quartet. The Traverse Youth Symphonic Percussion Ensemble was under the direction of Flournoy Humphreys, Traverse City West Junior High's band director.
"We are proud to showcase the talent that continues to blossom in our community and region," said Susan Cogswell, president of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, who refers to the youth program as the "crown jewel" of TSO's education and outreach activities.
The concert also featured concerto winner Eva Lymenstull in J.C. Bach's Cello Concerto in C minor along with the Traverse Youth Symphonic Orchestra.
Lymenstull has been a member of the Traverse Youth Symphonic Orchestra for two years and competed with other members for the opportunity to appear as a soloist. She is currently a freshman honor student at the Interlochen Arts Academy where she is a cello student of Crispin Campbell.
The Traverse Youth Orchestras, an educational program of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, is supported in part by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.