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DOWNBEAT | SUMMER 2021

Official e-Newsletter of the Empire State Youth Orchestra

ESYO WELCOMES NEW FACES THIS FALL!

ESYO WELCOMES DR. DAVID BEBE, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, AND ZOË AUERBACH, CHIME & YOUNG LEADER PROGRAM MANAGER

We are thrilled to welcome our new education leaders: Dr. David Bebe and Zoe Auerbach, whose extensive combined experience will be put to good use in guiding the artistic growth of our musical youth.

Dr. Bebe will be responsible for creating enriching learning opportunities for ESYO members, guiding their musical growth, and supporting the work of our artistic staff. Zoë Auerbach will be taking over the management of our CHIME program, supporting the teaching teams, and nurturing student success. ESYO musicians enrolled in the Young Leader Program will benefit greatly from her experience as a musician, teacher, and administrator.

ESYO JAZZ WILL BE LED BY TWO PROMINENT LOCAL JAZZ ARTISTS

From Jazz standards and big band to Jazz masterpieces by Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Louis Armstrong, ESYO Jazz plays it all and is at the center of the youth jazz movement in Upstate New York. We are beyond excited to welcome Dr. Peter Bellino and Keith Pray to ESYO as the new Directors of ESYO's Jazz Program.

Late Summer Auditions Open Now!

Are you looking to make music with friends? Now is the time to audition for an ESYO Ensemble. Now accepting auditions to fill vacancies in ESYO classical, jazz, and percussion ensembles.

ESYO MAKES INVESTMENTS IN YOUNG MUSICIANS WITH FEDERAL AID AND DONOR SUPPORT

Empire State Youth Orchestra is grateful to receive federal assistance through the Small Business Administration's Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. This COVID-19 relief, when matched by the continued support of donors, alumni, and friends like you, will give ESYO the resources needed to make transformative investments in our young musicians and artistic faculty while also mitigating projected deficits created by the pandemic.

This season, ESYO will invest in meaningful enrichment opportunities, additional coaching, clinics, and masterclasses to help mitigate the impact the pandemic has had on our musical youth. 

ESYO CONTINUES TO RESPOND AND ADAPT TO THE PANDEMIC USING UP-TO-DATE MEDICAL INFORMATION & GUIDANCE

Final preparations are underway for the start of the new season. ESYO's conductors and staff are looking forward to welcoming you back in September. ESYO continues to rely on the most up-to-date medical information and governmental guidance to make informed decisions about our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a community, we remain committed to creating a safe studio space for ESYO musicians and conductors. ESYO expects all eligible musicians, conductors, and staff to be vaccinated to protect the health and safety of all involved in its program.

ESYO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WELCOMES GUEST CONDUCTOR ANDRÉS RIVAS, AND SAYS “SEE YOU SOON” TO CARLOS AGREDA

While the search for a new Music Director/Symphony Orchestra Conductor continues, ESYO is delighted to welcome Andrés Rivas as guest Symphony Orchestra conductor for the fall concert season. Former Music Director Carlos Ágreda will make a spotlight appearance in December as the conductor of our Symphony Orchestra at Melodies of Christmas.

Andrés Rivas, currently serving as Assistant Conductor to Bard College’s Orchestra NOW, brings a wealth of experience, both as a violinist and conductor. He has performed in famous concert halls across the globe with world-class musicians and conductors like the late Claudio Abbado, Giuseppe Sinopoli, Sir Simon Rattle, Esa Pekka Salonen, Joann Faletta, and Hollywood icon John Williams.

YOUNG MUSICIANS RETURN TO THE REHEARSAL ROOM & HIT THE TRAILS DURING ESYO'S NEW SUMMER SESSION

Dr. Bebe, ESYO's new Education Director took a group of musicians to Tanglewood to watch Anna Rakitina rehearse Elgar’s “Enigma Variations with the Boston Symphony.

ESYO String players work with local violinist and coach Jamecyn Morey at the Addy @Proctors. Together the students are exploring small chamber works by some of the greatest composers of all time.

ESYO conductor Joe Gumpper took a stroll through Thatcher Park to enjoy the sounds of nature.  Before they left they listened to excerpts from Beethoven's "Pastoral" Symphony including its first movement, "Joyful Feelings Upon Arriving in the Country.”

ESYO SENIORS TAKE THE STAGE ONE LAST TIME

For the first time in 18-months, ESYO seniors and juniors got the chance to perform on stage at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Each recital performance was professionally recorded by cinematographer and ESYO Board Member, Robert Bengraff.

NOW STREAMING ON DEMAND in ESYO's Virtual Concert Hall.