Youth Orchestra presents winter concert at Phillips Center

November 15, 2005

The Alachua County Youth Orchestra will help kick off the holiday season with its annual winter concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27 in the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Florida.

This concert is free and open to the public. Conductor Gary Langford has selected the following program for the evening:
“Toccata” by Girolamo Frescobaldi; “Introduction and Finale from Romeo and Juliet” by P.I. Tchaikovsky; “Russlan and Ludmilla Overture” by M.J. Glinka; “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson; “Concert Suite from The Polar Express; and “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson.

A special presentation to Barbara and Glen Smerage will be given during the concert. It recognizes the contributions of ACYO Board member Glen Smerage. Prior to his retirement this year, Glen has contributed many years of service to ACYO as a member of its board of directors, coordinator of ACYO’s annual Concerto Competition as well as concert organizer and director of Gainesville Youth Ensembles — chamber music ensembles that were formed using many ACYO members.

Nearly 100 sixth- through 12-grade area students make up the body of the ACYO, and each one of them auditions for his or her position each season. They rehearse Sunday evenings throughout the school year on the University of Florida’s campus under the auspices of UF’s School of Music.

This concert caps off a busy day for the orchestra because the ACYO participates in the Holiday Traditions/Stop Children’s Cancer Benefit Concert that takes place at the Phillips Center at 4 p.m. on Nov. 27.