OSYO’s Spring Concert, “Iris”
OSYO Conductor Zeena Zaiyouna and the musicians of the youth orchestra are preparing for their spring concert cycle, titled “Iris,” set for May 4 and 5 in Vernon, Penticton and Kelowna.
“I am so proud of the remarkable achievements in this 35th season of the OSYO. “This youth orchestra is stoked to be performing some electrifying repertoire such Glinka’s Ruslan and Ludmilla at the upcoming concert. The players have truly bounded forward in their musical determination and development this year, bringing their best and finest efforts. I am really looking forward to our end of season concert!” says Zeena.
PENTICTON
Sunday, May 5
2:00 pm
Cleland Community Theatre
KELOWNA
Sunday, May 5
7:00 pm
First Lutheran Church
The title of the concert, “Iris,” resulted from a discussion between Zeena, the concerto soloists and other OSYO players. “I really value deliberating with youth to explore the various and creative aspects of putting an artistic program together,” says Zeena. Landing on the curious notion that every piece on the program vibrates at a different frequency, this exciting sentiment bloomed into ‘Iris’. Zeena later states, “I was pleased that this idea came up organically at our programming round table. I have always wanted to be a music scientist and have always been fascinated by the conversion of frequency from sound to light. I am very fortunate to lead such sound students.”
The program features three student concerto performances, and the premiere of an OSYO student composition, as well as standard symphonic fare including movements from Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8.
A concerto performance is an important milestone for aspiring young performers, and competition is stiff among the members of the OSYO for this honour Their inclusion on this program speaks to their level of desire and dedication. Tyler Funk, a grade 12 student at Mount Boucherie Secondary, will be featured in a movement of Oskar Böhme’s Trumpet Concerto in F minor. Tyler has been playing trumpet for five years and in the OSYO for four. He’ll be studying jazz at the University of Victoria next year. Zaiden Thiessen —currently principal cello in the OSYO — will perform Camille Saint-Saëns’ Allegro Appassionato for Violoncello, Op. 43. They plan to continue studying music at university this fall. Sami Overland plays baritone, alto saxophone, and tuba for the OSYO, and plays and sings in a variety of other ensembles in her school and Kelowna. She’s headed for music studies at Capilano University in September. She will perform a movement of Alexander Glazunov’s Saxophone Concerto in E-flat major.
The success of the OSYO’s Student Composition Program is highlighted on this concert with movements from graduating student Owen MacNeill’s Symphony No. 1.
Advance tickets for all three performances are available at OSYO Spring Concert | Okanagan Symphony Orchestra. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, cash sales only.
The OSYO is designed to provide a rigorous orchestral education to young musicians of the Okanagan Valley. It fosters a supportive community where young musicians can thrive and offers opportunities for growth and development within the orchestra. Originally founded as the Youth Symphony of the Okanagan by Imant Raminsh in 1990, the OSYO came under the auspices of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra in 2012.
The OSYO extends a warm invitation to dedicated musicians seeking a challenging and enriching ensemble experience. Whether learning to play a string or band instrument privately or in school, musicians ages 12-24 interested in joining a community of like-minded peers should consider auditioning for the OSYO. Auditions will take place later in May.
Zeena Zaiyouna is a conductor, oboist, pianist, teacher/performer, clinician and educator. Together with a double Masters of Lifelong Learning (M.Ed.) from Denmark and Bilbao Spain, and a degree in oboe performance from Queen’s University, Zeena Zaiyouna has served as the Assistant Conductor of the Ontario Pops Orchestra and conducted at the Canadian music festival (C.I.S.M.F.) at Roy Thomson Hall. She is also an Ontario Arts Council recording artist recipient.
Zeena Zaiyouna finds fulfillment in uplifting and teaching students of all ages, from as young as five to as seasoned as ninety; and guides students in their Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) oboe and piano pedagogical studies. Her community involvement extends to adjudicating festivals, leading wind clinics, reed-making workshops, and facilitating new learning experiences at various levels of the school system.
