Chloe Duerr, ’14, has auditioned and been a part of the Youth Orchestras of Fresno (YOOF) since the second semester of her freshman year. In conjunction with the Fresno State Symphony Orchestra, YOOF will perform a concert directed by Thomas Loewenheim entitled “Planets of Fire”, Dec. 2. Featuring the pieces “The Planets” and “The Firebird Suite”, the concert will be held at the Saroyan Theater, 7 p.m..
Duerr believes the orchestra is well-prepared and she has high expectations for the event which combines the youth orchestras with the California State University, Fresno, Orchestra.
“I’m really excited for the concert,” Duerr said. “The two pieces we are playing, ‘The Planets’ and ‘The Firebird Suite’ are both renowned and challenging orchestra pieces, and think we are going to be able to execute them both. We’ve been practicing since September every Sunday, so I think we are well prepared.”
Kyle Hudecek, ’14, plans to go to the performance because he enjoys listening to orchestral music, and he thinks that the performance will go well.
“I’d really like to go to the concert because I enjoy orchestra and musicals,” Hudecek said. “I’ve gone to see the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra, and that was really good. In general, I just like the fine arts like drama and choir; I think I will enjoy the concert.”
Music director Michael Ogdon is pleased that Duerr is participating and appreciates all her work in FC’s music program and in YOOF. He believes that her place there is well earned, due to the time she has invested in her music.
“I’m really glad Chloe has the chance to play in this concert,” Ogdon said. “She is very talented, and it takes a lot of talent to be in that group. She has been working hard every day after school, and she is taking lessons. This is a good reward for all her work.”
The selections being presented are considered “standards” by most classically astute critics.
“Excerpts from these pieces are often used in television commercials and, on occasion, cartoons,” Ogdon said. “This concert will be a powerful auditory experience for all in attendance.”
A suggested $10 donation for adults will be collected at the door. For more information about the concert, go to the Fresno Youth Orchestra website.
