Youth Symphony of the Ozarks
The Youth Symphony of the Ozarks (YSO) is a symphony orchestra for young musicians of high school age and younger located in the Northwest Arkansas area. YSO was founded in 2008 by a group of parents and is one of three ensembles in the non-profit organization The Ozarks Philharmonic Youth Orchestras, Inc. (OPYO). The Youth Symphony of the Ozarks is currently conducted by Dr. C. Myron Flippin who most notably conducted the North Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra in a performance at Carnegie Hall on April, 6th 2008. The current Concertmaster of YSO is Atticus Mulkey with Erica Mueller as Associate Concertmaster.
Repertoire and Tours
In past concerts, the Youth Symphony of the Ozarks has performed many classic orchestral works by Beethoven, Antonín Dvořák and more. In the 2009/2010 season, YSO plans to perform The Butterfly Lovers' Violin Concerto by Chen Gang and He Zhanhao with guest artist Chun-yu Chen who most notably served in the Ministry of National Defense Symphony Orchestra in Taiwan before coming to America in 1997. YSO is currently working towards a tour of China tentatively scheduled to take place in 2010 or 2011.
Performances
YSO performed their debut concert on Sunday, December 7th, 2008. The program consisted of New World Symphony, 4th Mvt., by Dvorak; L'Arlessienne Suite No. 2, 4th Mvt., by Bizet; Finale from Symphony No. 5, by Shostakovich; Poet and Peasant, by Suppe; and Polovtsian Dances, by Borodin.
Related ensembles
In addition to the Youth Symphony of the Ozarks, OPYO consists of intermediate and beginner level ensembles known as PRESTO Orchestra and ANDANTE Strings, respectively. Another ensemble, the YSO Chamber Orchestra, is comprised of members from YSO and performs at local events to raise money and awareness for the organization .
Concerto Competition
Every year, YSO holds a Concerto Competition in which members of the symphony compete to win a grand prize of $300 and a chance to solo with YSO during the spring concert.