Experience the thrill of 75 talented young musicians (ages 16-26) performing together with energy, precision, and passion!

Conductor:  Antun Poljanich.

Prokofiev - Romeo and Juliet, Suites 1 & 2 (selected movements)
Bernstein - West Side Story, Symphonic Dances
Verdi/Bassi - Concert Fantasia for Clarinet on Motives from Verdi's Rigoletto

Romeo and Juliet, one of the world’s most famous love stories, is brought to life in music

• Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet ballet suites were written just before the outbreak of the second world war – most listeners will recognise the dramatic opening music depicting the warring Montague and Capulet families
• Bernstein wrote West Side Story, his modern take on the Romeo and Juliet story, 20 years later.  It contains well-known songs including 'Somewhere', 'Maria', and 'America'.   The warring families of the Romeo and Juliet story are replaced by gangs the Jets and the Sharks.  Modern dance replaces ballet. The story is a post-war urban drama and the musical score is rhythmic and dramatic.  Listen out for the musicians’ voices in 'Mambo'.
• One-hundred-and-fifty years ago Luigi Bassi, the principal clarinetist of Milan’s famed La Scala opera house, composed this bravura work for clarinet and orchestra, based on themes from Verdi’s opera Rigoletto.  It’s a dazzling showpiece, designed to thrill audiences as it shows off the range and agility of the clarinet.