Youth orchestra members showcase their talents
What it is: 2008 Tucson Philharmonia Artists Showcase.
Who it's for: Kids of all ages and adults.
When it is: 4 p.m. Sunday.
Where it is: Catalina Foothills High School auditorium, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive, west of Swan Road.
Who's doing it: Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra.
What it costs: Admission is free.
Who to call: The Philharmonia, 623-1500.
The particulars: A dozen finalists from the ranks of the Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra will compete for more than $10,000 in scholarships during the annual showcase.
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According to press materials, the competition could be the largest in the state for high school musicians. The contest is funded by the James W. Rollins Charitable Trust and the Green Valley Concert Association.
The competitors are trumpet player Adam Ackermann; xylophonist Trevor Barroero; pianists Jasmine Chan and Andrew Yao; bassoonist Robert Curl; cellists Connie Ko and Nicholas Mariscal; violinists Julie Sebag and Matthew Vera; violists Amber Reed and Sarah Tatman; and flutist Kathy Xu.
The program will include a wide range of solo masterworks, including Bartók's Viola Concerto; Enesco's "Légende pour Trompette"; Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue"; Mayuzumi's Concertino for Xylophone; Mozart's Bassoon Concerto; Saint-Saëns' Cello Concerto No. 1; and Tucson composer Robert Muczynski's Sonata for Flute.
For Vera and Mariscal, the competition is a run-up to their appearance May 1 in the Tucson Symphony Orchestra's "Celebrate the Future" concert.
Carnegie-worthy concert right here
What it is: Rincon/University High School Choir and Band Bon Voyage concert.
When it is: 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Where it is: Rincon/University High auditorium, 422 N. Arcadia Ave.
Who's doing it: Rincon/University High choir and band.
What it costs: It's free.
Who to call: Rincon High, 232-5600.
The particulars: Four years ago, the Rincon/University High School band played a concert at the storied Carnegie Hall.
This year, they are returning to New York with the school's wind ensemble — the group's Carnegie debut — for the Mid- America Productions spring concert series, April 20-21. The choir, directed by Mareena Boosamra-Ball, will join other high school groups April 20 for a performance of Fauré's Requiem.
But the Rincon/University High School wind ensemble will have the stage to itself for the concert's second half. Under the baton of Rincon Bands director Brian Wolfe, the group will be featured in the Ensemble Spotlight Series, performing Orff's "Carmina Burana" Suite for concert band; H. Owen Reed's "La Fiesta Mexicana, Mvt. 3, "Carnival"; Anthony Suter's "Dancing at Stonehenge"; and Eric Whitacre's "Lux Aurumque."
The choir and ensemble will perform a bon voyage concert for fans who can't make the trip to New York City. The concert on Tuesday will include works they will perform in New York. It's a chance to wish the kids well and hear what the audience at Carnegie will hear.
MidAmerica Productions concerts at Carnegie are by invitation only.
