On Saturday February 27, the Melbourne Youth Orchestra gave a special performance at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. It was a wonderful opportunity for the orchestra to perform as part of the Sidney Myer Music Bowl Free Concert Series for 2010. The orchestra, consisting of no less than 90 talented young musicians, performed to an estimated crowd of 8500 that arrived in force despite the somewhat bleak weather conditions.

Under the baton of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Fabian Russell, the orchestra performed a selection of French works, including the Roman Carnival Overture of Berlioz, and the much loved Faure Pavane. The Melbourne Youth Orchestra rose to the occasion and conducted themselves in a very professional manner, and were great ambassadors for Melbourne Youth Music.

Kristian Winther gave a seemingly effortless performance of Saint-Saens’ virtuosic Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, clearly demonstrating why he is one of Australia’s most outstanding young soloists, it was a great experience for the orchestra to play alongside a musician of such calibre. Kristian will also be making a special appearance with the Melbourne Youth Orchestra performing Ravel's Tzigane at the September 5 concert.

The feature work on the program was Ravel’s La Valse. The orchestra was very impressive in their performance, paying much attention to the colour, timbre and contrast of the music. The audience was extremely enthusiastic in their appreciation of the orchestra, and was treated to an encore of Berioz's Hungarian March. The MYM Office has already received enquiries about future concerts and this opportunity highlighted the fantastic work Fabian Russell is been doing with the orchestra, and suggests that there are many great things to come this year! See our concerts page for more details.