A new orchestra for pre-professional musicians has been formed in Los Angeles. The Young Artists Symphony Orchestra (YASO) will present its inaugural concert on 11 October, conducted by violinist and artistic director Alexander Treger (pictured).
The orchestra, which has received funding from an education foundation, will bring together musicians aged 15–26, drawn from schools and conservatoires across the region. Each will be selected through audition and will receive a stipend for their services. 'Our goal is to prepare YASO musicians in a focused and supportive environment for the challenges and rigours of ensemble performance of the highest echelon,' explained Treger. 'It is essential for them to have practical experience in an orchestral setting.'
Treger joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic as a violinist in 1974 and was appointed concertmaster in 1985, a position he held for 25 years. He has previously spent 17 years as music director of the American Youth Symphony and continues to serve as music director and conductor of the Crossroads Chamber Orchestra.
The YASO's inaugural season will consist of four concerts at UCLA's Royce Hall. The first performance will include Mahler’s Symphony no.2 in C minor 'Resurrection'.
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Photo: David Bjerke
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