Momentum #2: Spring 2024
Northern Valley Youth Orchestras presents a winter symphony concert on February 25th at 4:30 pm at the Empire Arts Center. The two NVYO student orchestras are comprised of string, wind, brass and percussion student musicians from over a dozen regional cities and schools in Minnesota and North Dakota. The concert will feature an exciting variety of live music including familiar favorites, and new and lesser-known masterpieces, by composers from across the ages and all around the world. Tickets are available only at the door, general admission with a pay-what -you-can pricing model, suggested minimum of $5.
The program includes works by Cécile Chaminade, Leroy Anderson, Gioacchino Rossini, Soon Hee Newbold, Maria Grenfell, and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, as well as the premiere of the full orchestra version of Haitian composer Christopher Ducasse’s Rit Lavi A (The Rhythm of Life), commissioned in 2023. From opera to pirate legends, there is something for everyone on this concert! Raffle ticket sales and a reception will follow the performance in the gallery space.
NVYO includes two performing symphonic orchestras: Symphony, conducted by Dr. Kevin Sütterlin and assistant Devon Tucker; and Philharmonic, led by Kara Hartten with assistant Katie Stermer. NVYO students gather to rehearse weekly with professional conductors and music coaches; the 80+ string, wind, brass and percussion student musicians come from over a dozen regional cities and schools, including Grand Forks, Grand Forks Air Force Base, Manvel, Thompson, Reynolds, Cummings, Minto, North Dakota and East Grand Forks, Crookston, Fisher, Warren, and Goodridge, MN, in addition to UND. NVYO programs provide challenging symphonic technique and performance opportunities for young musicians aged 10 to 21, within a supportive setting. NVYO participants gather weekly for rehearsals with make music, make friends, and use their talents to make a difference in the community.
NVYO rehearsal, equipment and concert costs are supported in part are supported in part by a number of generous grants including: the City of Grand Forks through the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, and region; the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts; the Myra Foundation; Visit Greater Grand Forks; and the Neel Family Fund, Iseminger Fund for the Arts, and Women’s Fund, all via the the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, and region. Additional support and assistance from donors and sponsors, dozens of area music teachers, and community venues, make the activities of this season possible.