Reno Phil Youth Orchestra performing Spring Showcase May 21 in Reno

Before the talented young musicians of the Reno Phil Youth Orchestra depart for a once-in-a-lifetime performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City later this month, a student preview performance takes place at the Spring Showcase, May 21 at 4 p.m. at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in Reno.

The evening begins with the Youth Strings Symphonia, under the direction of conductor Carol Laube. The Youth Strings Symphonia is followed by the Youth Concert Orchestra and finally the Youth Symphony Orchestra wraps up the evening under the direction of conductor Dr. Jason Altieri. The concert features Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, a new composition by Amanda Harberg and Bacchanale by Saint-Saëns.

“To say these young musicians are excited about performing in Carnegie Hall is an understatement,” Dr. Altieri said. “Reno is in for a real treat and showcase of talent in this exclusive preview performance just days before they leave to New York City. These students have been working so hard and this culmination is worth every bit of it.”

Work on the Carnegie Hall Concert Tour has been underway since fall of 2014 with students eagerly preparing for the May 27 performance at a concert hall known for world famous performances in a city that captures the best of the best. It’s anticipated several performers are going to remain with the Reno Phil. In fact, 10 percent of the Reno Philharmonic is comprised of former youth orchestra members.

“In its 20th season, our youth orchestra program is seeing an increase in talent level year-after-year and the group’s repertoire is advancing accordingly,” Heather Gallagher, Youth Orchestra Manager at Reno Philharmonic Association, said. “When we submitted a recording of the group it was instantly accepted. We immediately started financial plans and gearing up for Carnegie Hall. It’s a huge opportunity to raise awareness nationwide that the Reno-Tahoe arts atmosphere is evolving, growing and supporting the cultural education of our community’s youth.”

Nine Carson City students are all members of the Reno Youth Symphony Orchestra, which has been invited to play Carnegie Hall at 8 p.m. Friday, May 27. Eight Carson High students will make the trip to New York: Eleanor Sturm, freshman, violin; Gabriel Covington, freshman, violin; Ethan Lopes, senior, viola; Nick Rosen, junior, viola; Henry Sturm, trumpet; Rylan Kane, junior, tuba; Nicholas Bowler, junior, trumpet; and Emma Rosen, freshman, clarinet. Sierra Lutheran High’s Aleyna Gilson, violin, is also a member of the youth symphony heading to New York.

Tickets to the Spring Showcase are $5 for students (18 and under) and $10 for adults. Transaction fees may apply. To purchase tickets or for more information on the Reno Philharmonic, go to RENOPHIL.com, or call 775-323-6393.