By 1812Blockhouse
The Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) is gearing up for a vibrant spring concert that promises to showcase the exceptional musical talents of local youth. Scheduled for Sunday, May 5 at 3:30 PM at the Renaissance Theatre, this event under the baton of the esteemed conductor Stephen Domka, offers an afternoon of exquisite music performed by some of North Central Ohio’s most promising young musicians.
The MSYO has meticulously curated a program that reflects both the technical prowess and the expressive range of its ensemble. The concert will open with Martin Rutherford’s “Suite No. 1 in G,” setting a sophisticated tone. This will be followed by “Cumberland Cross” by Carl Strommen and “An American Rhapsody” by Richard Meyer, pieces that evoke the spirit of American landscapes and pioneers, reminiscent of the works of Aaron Copland. The first half’s crescendo will come from three gifted seniors from Lexington High School, each performing challenging solo pieces alongside the orchestra.
- Scott Bartlett on viola will tackle Vivaldi’s demanding “Concerto in D Minor.”
- Clarissa Cousart on trombone will perform the intricate “Morceau Symphonique” by Alexandre Guilmant.
- Wyatt Miller on violin will interpret “Symphonie Espagnol” by Lalo, showcasing their advanced skills and musical maturity.
The concert will conclude with a stirring “Phantom of the Opera” medley arranged by Calvin Custer, promising a grand finale that combines the dramatic flair of Broadway with the disciplined beauty of symphonic performance.
The MSYO is a testament to the rich musical talent spread across a 12-county region in North Central Ohio. This season’s orchestra includes students from schools in Ashland, Clearfork, Crestline, and many others, including those who are homeschooled. This diversity not only enriches the ensemble’s quality but also ensures a wide representation of the area’s young talent, particularly benefiting those whose schools lack the resources for a full orchestra.
The Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra includes:
- Flute: Emma Fowler, Mason Diaz, Debra Primm, Rachel Hassinger, Madeline Saltzgiver
- Oboe: Eliana Fittante
- Clarinet: Peyton Putnam, Kaiden Parsons, Allison Russell
- Bass Clarinet: Abby Hostettler
- Bassoon: Lilly Heydinger
- Horn: Maja Seibel
- Trumpet: Maria Welch, Andrew Lloyd, Adam Policz
- Trombone: Clarissa Cousart, Logan Bartlett, Chayton Winters, Kayla Selan, Parker Brown
- Tuba: Cameron Fullen
- Percussion: Ava Ghazarian, Scarlett Pryor, Carter Anderson-Tharpe
- Violin I: Wyatt Miller, Iris Prifti, Callie Kaschube, Drew Hooper, Randy Domka, Landon Nicholson
- Violin II: Emma Tingley, Owen Garver, Amelia Hughes, Willow Roberts, Gage Devaney, Lilian Fox, Jenna Halfhill, Sophia Layman, Elliott Christie, David Winans
- Viola: Scott Bartlett, Avery Miley, Ben Wiltanger, Natalie Badnell, Alexis Foster, Sylvia Secrist
- Cello: Gabe Hill, James Prinz, Brayden Vance, Sonja Gottschling, Elyssa Van Langevelde, Adrik Dudgeon, Finn Devaney, Ava Worcester, Natalie Holmes, Melody Smith
- Bass: Lydia Schroeder, Wesley Holtz, Kolton Clever, Charlie Jimenez
As part of the Mansfield Symphony’s Education initiative, the MSYO provides invaluable opportunities for young musicians to grow and excel in a supportive and challenging environment. Through rehearsals and performances, these students engage with complex orchestral pieces, gaining experience that rivals professional levels of musical training. The MSYO not only enhances their musical skills but also fosters teamwork, discipline, and artistic expression among its members.
Tickets for this must-see event are available at the Renaissance Box Office or can be purchased online at rentickets.org. Pricing is exceptionally affordable, with adult tickets at $10 and student tickets just $5, making it accessible for families and supporters of the arts. This performance is part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series and is supported by the Russell and Mary Gimbel Foundation, highlighting the community’s commitment to fostering the arts and education.
