Smith Center for Performing Arts announces a landmark concert gala by the city’s treasured youth organization.
“The advancement and success of our students are tied directly with our mission & goal. We strongly believe that music education creates a path that allows students to reach maximum potential, in turn, creates outstanding citizens bettering our community. Lastly, the success and longevity of our program will extend a trend that through time would evolve into a tradition of fine arts, and cultural awareness within Southern Nevada.”
– Yunior Lopez, Founder and Executive & Music Director of Young Artists Orchestra
Some cynics once said Las Vegas was a place for fading artists to die. That was then, this is now. World-class performers have been drawn here, and a burgeoning arts movement came together with the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Since then, we’ve seen the rise of important organizations geared toward fostering the next generation of musical artists.
VEGAS 411 has proudly covered organizations like the JOI Jazz Orchestra and Postively Arts Youth Foundation. Today, we introduce you to the Dr. Shirley Linzy Young Artists Orchestra, which is celebrating a decade of greatness in the City of Entertainment.
Young Artists Orchestra was founded by Yunior Lopez, an accomplished violinist and conductor. Previously the conductor of Toronto’s Academy Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Lopez is YOA‘s Musical Director and conducts its various iterations.
Initially launched as Las Vegas Young Artists Orchestra, the organization was renamed two years later to honor the late Dr. Shirley Linzy, a significant original supporter. It’s one of the few tuition-free programs of its kind in the nation and the only one in Nevada.
In the words of the organization, “The nonprofit makes high-level musical training accessible to all students, regardless of financial background. This commitment has fostered the artistic and professional growth of hundreds of young musicians, with 100% of YAO’s high school graduates continuing their studies at prestigious music schools and universities.”
“What began as a small ensemble has since grown into a powerhouse of musical talent, expanding into various ensembles: the YAO Symphony, featuring over 80 musicians up to the age of 22; the YAO Academy, a string orchestra comprising more than 50 students under 18; and the Chamber Orchestra, which presents side-by-side performances with local and visiting artists.”
Mr. Lopez has worked tirelessly to strengthen and grow the Young Artists Orchestra beyond its humble beginnings when it rehearsed inside a vacant store.
“I am proud that YAO has become a beacon for innovation in youth music education, performances and for our contributions to southern Nevada’s cultural scene,” stated Lopez in regards to the upcoming gala at the Smith Center. “Our ten-year anniversary is a milestone celebration for the students and their families, and we remain committed to nurturing the next generations of musicians, offering them the tools to succeed in life and the professional music world.”
Yunior Lopez (center) conducts the Young Artists Orchestra
Participation in the YOA is competitive and merit-based to maintain a level of excellence. Prospective and current members must audition every year. More than a dozen concerts are performed annually, with programs saluting classical, jazz, hip-hop, rock, and even opera!
The Windmill Library Performing Arts Center is YOA’s favored location, with community outreach performances often held in local library auditoriums. As one of the nation’s highest-grossing youth orchestras, it has performed more than 140 concerts and events.
Many talented individuals have bolstered and collaborated with Yunior Lopez and the Young Artists Orchestra, including the deeply respected Keith Thompson, Niki Scalera, and Brent Barrett (left).
Vincent John, musical director and vocalist/musician for The Bronx Wanderers, welcomed members of the Young Artists Orchestra to play with the band a few years ago. They’ve remained an ongoing part of the South Point Showroom residency.
“I first found out about YAO from my friend Keith Thompson. I was looking for young, energetic, happy kids to share our Vegas stage with, and he said, ‘You have to reach out to the Youth Artist Orchestra.’ The first performances went so well; we’ve been playing together for two years straight this month, and the five kids continue to add so much to our show.”
Young Artists Orchestra and The Bronx Wanderers make beautiful music together…
“We’re able to do so many different songs from ‘ELO’ to an acoustic Greenday song, and the stage is filled with ten people giving it their all. I can’t imagine playing Las Vegas without them. So honored to call this organization and those players my friends.” – Vincent John
The 10th Anniversary Young Artists Orchestra Gala promises to be a one-of-a-kind concert:
“The Dr. Shirley Linzy Young Artists Orchestra of Las Vegas will present its 10th Anniversary Concert Gala on Sunday, April 13th at The Smith Center’s 2,000-seat Reynolds Hall. This special anniversary concert will feature ‘Aheym,” an electrifying piece by Bryce Dessner of The National, George Gershwin’s timeliness “Rhapsody in Blue,” performed on its 101th anniversary by acclaimed Canadian pianist Lucas Porter, Tchaikovsky’s powerful Symphony No. 4, and special performances by Cuban-American singer Noybel Gorgoy, The Groove Culture Band, and Mariachi Internacional from the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts.”
The 10th Anniversary YOA Concert Gala will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, April 13th. Tickets start at $52 and can be ordered here. For more information or to donate, visit the Young Artists Orchestra website by clicking on this link. The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is located at 361 Symphony Park Avenue in downtown Las Vegas. @
