Even though just a few musicians will win, there are many benefits of entering the competition for all participants. First, your level of musicianship can only increase if you work hard on performing a piece of music from the standard repertoire, especially if you work with a private teacher. Second, performance in competitions is one of the fastest ways to gain confidence in your own playing skills. Many of our winners have entered multiple times (without winning), but each time they compete, the learn a little more about what it takes to give a great performance. Third, the judging is completely independent, so where you sit in your orchestra is not a factor in your overall rating.

Each of our twenty-four competitors are to be commended for their effort and preparation.  They are already winners!

The OCB rehearses with Conductor Jon Territo

For the first time ever in the FYAO’s history, the FYAO Symphony will share the stage with the Orlando Concert Band at the February Concert from the Heart (3pm at Trinity Preparatory School).  The Orlando Concert Band, formed in 1989, is a 50-member wind ensemble made up of professional and semi-professional musicians, many of which are local area music teachers.  The concert will feature separate performances by the FYAO Symphony and Camerata, and the Orlando Concert Band, as well as a stirring joint performance of the final movement of Ottorino Respighi’s Pines of Rome.  The concert is sure to be a crowd pleaser, and you won’t want to miss it!

The idea of a joint concert was conceived by our artistic staff, who have been working to find ways to collaborate with other ensembles and private music teachers.  Since Philharmonic Conductor Jon Territo also serves as Conductor of the Orlando Concert Band, the fit seemed like a natural one.  Also, one of the founding Directors of the FYAO, Jim Graber, is currently the President of the Orlando Concert Band.  In recent months, the FYAO has gained great student brass musicians through members of the OCB.

Several of the sixteen competing soloists had already won other international concerto competitions. Dr. Gomez said that the level of competition was incredibly high, and several cellists performed as well as some of the best professional artists he has ever heard. Gomez also said that there was an unusual camaraderie among the entrants, with each competitor encouraging the others to do their best.

The series of concerts were sold out every night. Contestants were required to perform multiple works as part of the competition process. The winner was 26 year old Xian Zhuo from China (who currently studies in the United States), followed by Alexey Zhilin from Russia and Mariusz Wysocki from Poland.  Dr. Gomez was also impressed by performances of the youngest participant, 18 year old Oleskey Shardrin from Ukraine.

Xian Zhuo received the First Prize “Izidor Handler”, with $10,000 and an invitation to perform two concerts with the Symphonic Orchestra of Chile, in February 2012 and a concert in the City of Santiago in Official Season 2012.

Immediately upon his return to the United States, Dr. Gomez began preparing for the Giving Thanks With Music Concert, which we all know was a huge success.  Dr. Gomez also had to prepare for a concert performance by two other of his ensembles, the Strings V class at Trinity Preparatory School and the Winter Park Chamber Music Academy.

All FYAO members are encouraged to enter. Over the years, the Concerto Competition and subsequent Virtuoso Concert has been a season highlight, showcasing the talents of our own FYAO musicians. The competition helps raise the level of musicianship, as student musicians work hard to prepare important works from the standard repertoire for their instrument and orchestra.

Even though just a few musicians will win, there are many benefits of entering the competition for all participants. First, your level of musicianship can only increase if you work hard on performing a piece of music from the standard repertoire, especially if you work with a private teacher. Second, performance in competitions is one of the fastest was to gain confidence in your own playing skills. Many of our winners have entered multiple times (without winning), but each time they compete, the learn a little more about what it takes to give a great performance. Third, the judging is completely independent, so where you sit in your orchestra is not a factor in your overall rating.

So, no matter whether you win the Concerto Competition or not, you win!  Click here to go to the Concerto Competition information page, and GOOD LUCK!

The president of the Cultural Corporation of Vina, Luis Bork said, “This contest is one of the cultural landmarks of our country, as great masters of music have launched their careers on it and there is no other event of this level from Mexico to the south of the continent.”

The participating artists are young virtuoso cellists of whose ages range between 18 and 27 years. The first two stages of the competition, scheduled from Saturday through Wednesday 5 November 9, will take place in the Central Hall of the Club in Vina del Mar, while the great final day will be held in the Hall of the Hotel Don Bernardo O’Higgins. For the second year, the Artistic Director of Competition will be Alvaro Gomez, a prominent Chilean-American violinist and conductor of wide international experience.

The eight cellists receiving the highest scores in the first round will advance to the final stage, scheduled for Tuesday, November 8 and Wednesday November 9. The competition winners will be chosen by leading musicians and scholars: Walevska Christine (USA), David Chew (England), Dmitry Eremin (Russia), Martin Osten (Germany), Emmanuel Lopez (USA), Eduardo Salgado (Chile) and Edgar Fischer (Chile).

The winner will receive the First Prize “Izidor Handler”, with $10,000 and an invitation to perform two concerts with the Symphonic Orchestra of Chile, in February 2012 and a concert in the City of Santiago in Official Season 2012. The Second Prize “I. Municipality of Viña del Mar” will consist of $ 4,000, while the Third Prize “Cultural Corporation of Viña del Mar” will be  $2,000.

This appointment for Dr. Gomez is a visible recognition of his international stature and abilities as a musician and conductor.  While Dr. Gomez is away at this event, rehearsals will continue!  Dr. Gomez asks that everyone continue to prepare their parts well for the upcoming concert, so that all will be ready when he returns!

 Happy Fundraising!

Mila Makarova

Nominees, Routa celebrate with Margot Knight

The FYAO made a strong showing at the United Arts “Arts + Awards” event, held on Monday evening, October 3 at Sea World’s Ports of Call Convention Area. The annual event is intended to celebrate the local arts community, and to honor organizations and individuals who contribute positively to the community through art, dance, theater, music and a host of other performance arts. The event was hosted by Margot Knight, the outgoing President of United Arts. The evening’s program included performances by Michelee Puppets, Power Chords (a student vocal ensemble of the Orlando Repertory Theatre), Voci Dance, a local dance troupe, and ended with a rousing violin duo performance by our own Dr. Alvaro Gomez and his wife, Routa on behalf of the Bach Festival Society.

Dr. Gomez poses next to the Nomination Board

There were eight different categories of annual awards, for such categories as “Volunteer Organization of the Year”, “Collaboration Award”, and “Organizational Excellence in Arts Education”. A total of 120 nominations were made by the public, and finalists and winners were selected by a five member panel of business professionals. For the first time ever in the FYAO’s history, the FYAO was represented as finalist nominees in two different categories. First, Dr. Gomez was one of five finalists in the category of “Arts Educator of the Year”.  Next, long time board member Dale Burket was one of three finalists in the category of “Individual Volunteer of the Year”. These nominations are very high honors which bring attention to the important contribution of the Florida Young Artists Orchestra in the Central Florida community.

Dr. Gomez with Evelyn (FYAO President) and Larry Chew

The FYAO was well-represented at the event with Board Members, volunteers and supporters (as well as our Artistic Director!). The final performance of the evening was the violin duet by Dr. Gomez and Routa, a jaw-dropping tour-de-force that displayed their considerable combined skill. The piece is actually a set of variations on the tune “Happy Birthday”. It began simply with the well-known tune, which amused the crowd. Then, the piece became a roller coaster ride of dazzling speed and virtuostic technique, through a number of wild variations that brought the crowd to their feet! Afterward, many audience members came up to meet our performing duo, to shake their hands and to let them know how much enjoyment the performance provided.

Even though our nominees did not win the final awards, we can be proud of their nominations and the attention brought to the FYAO at this event, and to the great number of FYAO volunteers who came out to cheer for the nominees. It was a great evening for the FYAO!  See more event pictures on our FaceBook Page!

Richard Elenberger, Jim Philiben and Larry Chew

Orchestra Manager Lori Knowles and Dr. Gomez

]]> http://fyao.org/fyao-shows-strong-at-united-arts-event/feed/ 1 http://fyao.org/dr-gomez-nominated-as-arts-educator-of-the-year/ http://fyao.org/dr-gomez-nominated-as-arts-educator-of-the-year/#comments Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:33:20 +0000 dburket http://fyao.org/?p=983 FYAO Artistic Director Alvaro Gomez was recently named as one of a small handful of nominees for the honor of “Arts Educator of the Year” as part of the United Arts‘ Arts + Awards. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held on October 3, 2011 in the Ports of Call Ballroom at SeaWorld Orlando. This is a huge honor for our Dr. Gomez, and one that is well-deserved. Prior to joining the FYAO, Dr. Gomez maintained (and still maintains) a full private studio of violin and viola students. He continues his work as the Artistic Director of the Winter Park Chamber Music Academy, a chamber group of elite student musicians, many of whom also play in the FYAO. He also succeeded the late Jonathan May as the Director of the Strings V class at Trinity Preparatory School. And, he has continued his role as Co-Concertmaster (along with his accomplished wife, Routa) of the Bach Festival Orchestra, where he frequently appears as a soloist.

Dr. Gomez’ nomination as “Arts Educator of the Year” is a very significant recognition of the level of our artistic staff. All of them, Dr. Gomez, Jon Territo and Ross Amkraut, are excellent educators, conductors and musicians, and the FYAO is extremely fortunate to have each of them!

The Parent Meeting opened with a welcome by President Evelyn Chew, followed by the Symphony’s performance. It was obvious to all present that the Symphony will be a strong orchestra this year, with a very full and large sound. The Parent Meeting resumed after the performance, with the election of Jim Philiben as Vice President/President Elect, the introduction of our Artistic Staff, our new Executive Director, Millie Soto, Board Members, and a “fashion show” by several FYAO members, to illustrate to the parents what a proper uniform looks like.

The highlight of the Parent Meeting was honoring Susie Couvillion, long-time Executive Director of the FYAO.  Several FYAO alumni were on hand to participate. Board Member Dale Burket talked about Susie’s boundless energy and love for the FYAO, and Susie’s unique ability to know so much about each and every Young Artist. Board Member Mila Makarova presented Susie with a special scrapbook created by current and former FYAO members and parents containing well wishes, photos and notes about Susie and the FYAO.  The Board also presented Susie with a lovely necklace – a silver treble clef – to thank her for her contributions to the FYAO. Two current students also had flower bouquets on hand for Susie.  Following the presentation, and a long standing ovation, everyone moved outside to enjoy cake, fruit, special treats and punch. The Phil rehearsed shortly thereafter to round out the day.

All in all, it was a wonderful Classical Jam, and a great start to the season! Be sure to check out all the pictures on the FYAO Facebook Page!

I remember my first day in Sinfonia back in 4^th grade; my palms were sweating, my hands shaking and my brows furrowed in concentration as I struggled to “adjust” to my fellow first violinists. Suffice to say, I had never played with an orchestra, much less anybody else besides my violin teacher. But little did I know that this organization would change the course of my life forever.

FYAO has given me the chance to play tremendous classical pieces that far outclass the Suzuki pieces of old. Because of this, it reawakened my passion to play violin once more. It has also taught me patience and the ability to sit still and focus even when sometimes my mind wanted to wander elsewhere, skills that I know will help me in my future endeavors.

I also never dreamed that I would be able to play at Carnegie Hall, but FYAO afforded me this wonderful opportunity. I will never forget that feeling of awe and excitement when I stepped onto the stage of Carnegie Hall. Thank you FYAO!

Lastly, FYAO has given me the chance to work with some of the most amazing conductors I have ever met. I will never forget Mr. May and the fun times we all had with him, nor will we ever forget the impact he has had on our lives. Under Dr. Gomez, who is one of the most brilliant conductors I have ever met, we are challenged with difficult pieces that require focus and most importantly, practice. He pushes us to do the best we can because he believes in us and what the orchestra as a whole can and is able to achieve. I am very grateful that despite his very busy schedule, he has committed his time to being our conductor.