June 4, 2024 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sixty members of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra from Fort Worth, Texas will be in Spain from June 6-16 for a performance tour with many guests as well. The FWYO has a tradition of performing internationally, embarking on over 15 performance tours in its 60 year history.
"Performing internationally is not only a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to travel while young, but is also critical to their education" said Music Director and Youth Orchestra Conductor, Dr. German Gutierrez. "Many of our alumni perform in orchestras around the world and while music is an international language, experiencing the cultural differences of playing in other countries is valuable for young musicians."
The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra had the honor of being awarded 2nd place in the Youth Orchestra division of the American Prize and is conducted by Texas Christian University's Dr. German Gutierrez, who is known for his specialty in Latin American music for orchestra.
"We are excited to continue this tradition of traveling with the Orchestra" said Andrew Reynolds, Executive Director. "Our previous tour to Spain was attempted in 2020, but was unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic. We're excited that after a brief pause, we can continue this important - and fun - tradition and pick up right where we left off."
A large community of supporters has also stepped up to ensure many students can attend, securing over $27,000 for the Global Experience Financial Aid Fund that was used to support students who otherwise would be unable to attend. "We're thankful for the many donors that have helped us make this trip a reality for our students" said Andrew. "We have made a commitment as an organization to break down financial barriers in music education, and experiences like this are where economic disparities come to the forefront."
In addition to the performance tour, Spanish conductor Cristobal Soler - who recently was awarded the prestigious top conducting role at the Valencia Municipal Symphonic Band (one of the only full-time concert bands in the world) - attended the FWYO Finale concert in May to work with all students, providing a link to the experience for everyone and a valuable preview of the connections they will make in Spain.
Works for the tour will include selections from
Rodeo by Aaron Copland
Symphony No. 2 in B Minor by Alexander Borodin
Carmen Suite No. 1 by Georges Bizet
La Vida Breve: Interlude and Dance by Manuel de Falla
Nimrod from the Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar
Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla
Deep in the Heart of Texas by June Hershey (lyrics) and Don Swander (music)
La Boda de Luis Alonso by Gerónimo Jiménez
Aquarela do Brasil by Ary Barroso (arr. John Wasson)
El Choclo & La Cumparsita by Ángel Gregorio Villoldo & Matos Rodríguez (arr. Alejandro Drago)
Colombia Tierra Querida by Lucho Bermúdez (arr. Lucho Bermudez/ Rubén Darío Gómez Prada)
Pueblito Viejo by José A. Morales
Ticket links and performance information is below:
June 8th - 8:00 pm - Lliria at Teatro Unió Musical - General Seating until full - Free
June 11 - 8:00 pm - Barcelona at L'Aliança del Poble Nou Casino - Tickets
Featuring soprano Dr. Patricia Caicedo
June 13 - 8:00 pm - Cullera at Auditori municipal de Cullera - Tickets
June 14 - 8:00 pm - Vall d’Uixo at Auditorio La Vall d’Uixo - Tickets
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Press Inquiries: Lauren Arie - larie@fwyo.org / 817-923-3121 x18
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