Family Series
Introduction to the Orchestra and Instrument Petting Zoo
February 3, 2008

The Longy Youth Chamber Orchestra—youngsters who take music lessons in Longy’s Preparatory division—gave a stellar performance in Longy’s Family Series concert on February 3, 2008. Under the baton of exuberant conductor George Ogata, each instrument was introduced to the audience. Featured soloists were Winston Huang, age 12, who played a Beethoven piano concerto with breathtaking virtuosity, and cellist Sophie Applbaum, age 10, who displayed musical maturity in a J.C. Bach concerto. How do we know? Because hundreds of preschoolers—a challenging audience—were completely glued to their seats, transfixed by what they were hearing and seeing. The ever-popular “Instrument Petting Zoo” followed (photo highlights below). Next stop for the orchestra, which travels worldwide is Merkin Concert Hall, Kaufman Center, New York City, February 17.

(a) Waiting for the Family Series concert to begin is 4-year-old Jennifer, of Reading, who found the program absolutely “delicious.” (b) During “Introduction to the Orchestra,” conductor George Ogata told the story of each instrument, enhanced by computer graphics and lively demonstrations. (c) The Longy Youth Chamber Orchestra performs around the globe, and wherever they go, audiences are amazed at their virtuosity. (d) All the instruments in the chamber orchestra were spotlighted, including the trumpets, played by Luca Antonucci (left) Carl Hoffman (right). (e) Winston Huang (in photo), co-winner of the 2007 Longy Preparatory Division Concerto Competition at age 12, “wowed” the audience with his command of a Beethoven piano concerto, and 10-year-old cellist Sophie Applbaum, the other co-winner, demonstrated talent well beyond her years.

(f) Zachary, age 4, who lives in Needham, was fascinated with the deep sound of the double bass, among the most popular instruments in the Petting Zoo. (g) Ben Rabin, principal second violinist in the Longy Youth Chamber Orchestra, was happy to play a few impromptu bars for his young fans. (h) Helped by violist Stephanie Adjemian, Jenny, age 8 (right), of Boston, learned that stringed instruments make sounds by being plucked or played with a bow. (i) Andreas (right), of Newton, and Luke (center), of Boston, were intrigued by the valves of the French horn, played by Irene Smail. (j) With cellist Claire Raizen is Juliet, age 3, who came to the concert with Robert and Anita Poss, of Marblehead, self-described “culture grandparents” who enjoy taking their grandchildren to arts venues.

Photographs by Steve Gilbert.