YS Symphony in action. Photo courtesy of YS Symphony

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The Yuba Sutter Symphony’s Young Artist Showcase Concert will be presented on Saturday, February 24 at 7:00 pm at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1390 Franklin Road in Yuba City.  The winners of the 2024 Yuba Sutter Oratorio Society’s Young Artist Solo Competition will be the featured soloists at the concert.  The winners were selected by the Board of the Yuba Sutter Oratorio Society at auditions recently. Those selected to perform are Amelia Martin, violin, who will play Mozart’s Concerto in D 2nd Movement; Johanna Riffel, viola, playing Concerto in C minor by Henri Casadesus in the style of J.C. Bach; Allie Stockmal, violin, who will play Concerto in A minor 3rd Movement by Vivaldi; and Mykah Williams, French Horn, playing Strauss’ Horn Concerto #1, 1st movement.  All musicians will perform their winning solos with the Yuba Sutter Symphony under the direction of Maestro Corey Kersting.

Johanna Riffel will play the viola. Photo courtesy of YS Symphony

Mr. Kersting says, “It is especially exciting to have four soloists this year!  Each one has demonstrated great dedication to their music on their specific instruments, and we are excited to be able to showcase them as part of this program.” 

The Young Artist Showcase Concert was created by the Yuba Sutter Oratorio Society and the Yuba Sutter Symphony over 40 years ago.  Its purpose is to provide the rare opportunity for gifted young musicians to play a solo piece with full orchestra accompaniment.  Many of the former winners have gone on to careers in music and music education.  Some have returned to the Yuba Sutter area as music teachers and performers.

Mykah Williams will play the French Horn. Photo courtesy of YS Symphony

In addition to the Yuba Sutter Symphony, the Yuba Sutter Youth Symphony will also be performing at the concert.  The Youth Symphony, directed by Zachary Zumstein is comprised of talented local youth who have auditioned to be part of this special orchestra throughout the year.  They will also perform a combined piece with the YS Symphony.

A special feature of this year’s concert will be two dance performances by the Yuba City Youth Ballet Performance Group.  They will be performing a ballet that they will present in various ballet competitions including a national competition in Florida in April.

Corey Kersting, conductor of the YS Symphony, states, “It is always a privilege to be able to present this concert.  These talented young people deserve this opportunity to share their music with a full orchestra.  We are also very pleased, for the first time ever, to welcome the Yuba City Youth Ballet to our concert!  This will definitely be an inspiring and memorable concert!”

Amelia Martin, violinist. Photo courtesy of YS Symphony

The concert is free, but donations will be accepted. 

For further information about this press release contact Chris Kersting at [email protected] or 701-1325 or Corey Kersting at 530 301-7265.