March 18, 2024 - For Immediate Release
Join the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra (FWYO) from 6 PM - 9 PM on Saturday, March 23rd, for a free public performance at Sundance Square! The performances will feature the FWYO's three large ensembles - Philharmonic Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and award winning Youth Orchestra - comprised of elite young musicians from around Fort Worth. Programs will include a wide variety of music for all ages including symphonic, pops, patriotic, western, Latin American and movie music selections.
"We are excited and thankful to be invited back to Sundance Square to share these incredible musicians and their work with the community," said Executive Director Andrew Reynolds. "Having the opportunity to fill Downtown Fort Worth and Sundance Square with the inspiring music of Fort Worth's finest young musicians is always a treat for everyone, including the many casually passing by who stop to enjoy."
The FWYO recommends bringing a folding chair and a light jacket. Parking meters are free for weekends in downtown Fort Worth and a number of surrounding garages also provide complimentary parking on weekends. As of printing, weather for the day looks favorable, but note that the performance may be cancelled in the event of rain or poor weather. Check FWYO.org for up-to-date information.
FWYO @ Sundance Square - March 23, 2024
6:00 PM - Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Brian Coatney
6:45 PM - The Youth Orchestra conducted by Dr. Germán Gutiérrez
8:00 PM - FWYO Wind Ensemble conducted by Brian Youngblood
Location: Sundance Square Plaza
420 Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
About The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra
The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra, founded in 1965 by a community group headed by Betty Utter and under the direction of Ezra Rachlin and John Giordano, was formed with the goal of inspiring the development of young musicians by providing intensive classical orchestral education and unparalleled performance opportunities.
During its 59 seasons, the Youth Orchestra has won local, national, and international recognition as one of the finest youth orchestra programs in the United States. Through eight programs - including four major orchestras, a Wind Ensemble, FWYO Suzuki School, Chamber Programs, and Jazz - the FWYO delivers high quality musical instruction to more than 430 students ranging in age from six months to eighteen years, and represent communities throughout North Texas.
The programs offers students the opportunity to further develop their talent as well as their leadership skills, self-discipline, confidence, and pride in personal achievement. Many of the nearly 20,000 alumni of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra program have gone on to become members of major symphony orchestras, music educators, or leaders in their fields.
The Orchestra's accomplishments include concert tours in Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the Far East; music festivals in Switzerland and Washington, D.C.; and numerous other concert appearances across Texas and the Southwest. The Youth Orchestra has also been honored to perform with artists such as Van Cliburn, Jose Feghali, Yakov Kasman, Tamàs Ungàr, and John Owings, and composers Morton Gould and Samuel Adler. In 2021, the FWYO also received 2nd in the Youth Orchestra Division of the prestigious American Prize. The FWYO will continue it's international acclaim in 2024 by touring in Spain.
Under the leadership of Music Director Dr. Germán Gutiérrez since 2000 and Executive Director Andrew Reynolds since 2021, the FWYO has become one of North Texas’ most prestigious performing arts organizations.
For media inquiries, please email Andrew Reynolds, Executive Director at info@fwyo.org
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