FSYO Announces New Music Director Hanrich Claassen

Hanrich Claassen

The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra has appointed cellist, conductor, and educator Hanrich Claassen as the new music director and conductor of the Symphonic Orchestra for our upcoming 2016-2017 season.

"I immediately fell in love with the passionate, energetic young musicians' joyous approach to music making and I look forward to exploring a wide variety of repertoire and projects with this vibrant organization. Together with our wonderful artistic and executive team, I am excited to cultivate innovative programs and initiatives to make our organization even more visible and expand the love of music within our community." – Hanrich Claassen

An international performing cellist and pianist, as well as conductor, Mr. Claassen musically began at the University of the Free State in South Africa, earning a Bachelor's in Music with cello and piano. Continuing his cello studies, Claassen obtained a Music Honours degree and his Master's degree in chamber music at the University of Stellenbosch. Mr. Claassen then finished his Teaching Licentiate at the University of South Africa with distinction, and continuing his cello study in 2003 in Portugal.

"We are absolutely delighted to have Mr. Claassen joining the FSYO and very much look forward to his input and vision for the organization. We have no doubt that Hanrich will draw on his diverse musical background to bring new strengths to FSYO and the Symphonic Orchestra. He clearly bonded with the students during rehearsal and I believe the students are looking forward to working with him" – Stephen Schenck, Board President

Mr. Matthew Davis will continue to act as the interim music director and the conductor for the Symphonic Orchestra until the completion of the 2015-2016 season.

ABOUT: The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra aims to educate and inspire Florida's top young musicians through programs committed to strengthening musical talents and developing appreciation of the arts through classical music. The FSYO, in its 59th Concert Season, comprises three full orchestras and one string training orchestra made up of more than 250 students from eight Central Florida counties.

Programs are sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs; the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; Darden Restaurant Foundation; Universal Orlando Foundation; The Central Florida Foundation and United Arts of Central Florida. The FSYO is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, please visit www.fsyo.org |facebook.com/THEFSYO | @fsyo (twitter) | @f_s_y_o (instagram) | youtube.com/fsyo

About Hanrich Claassen: Hanrich Claassen is a passionate cellist, conductor and educator who believes that a balance between educating and performing music is the key to true artistic enlightenment.

Mr. Claassen obtained his Bachelor of Music in both piano and cello at the University of the Free State in South Africa. He furthered his cello studies at the University of Stellenbosch, where he completed both a Music Honours Degree and his Master's Degree in Chamber Music. Mr. Claassen was awarded the Teacher's Licentiate from the University of South Africa with distinction before furthering his cello studies in Portugal in 2003 at the Escola Superior de Artes Aplicadas.

59th Season Opener Wrap-Up

The 2015-2016 season opener at Bob Carr Theater was a thrill and a testament to the dedication of the members of the FSYO. With our 2015-2016 season well underway, we were delighted to share music with nearly 1,000 people on October 18.

From the cinematic African Adventure, performed by Sarah Morrison and Overture Strings; to the powerful opening of Dvorak's Symphony No. 9, -- inspired by American spirituals -- led by Mauricio Cespedes with Prelude; to the sprightly, catchy melodies of Aaron Copland, performed by Michael Simpson and Philharmonia; to the gripping music of Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, under the baton of Matthew Davis and our Symphonic Orchestra, there was something for everyone.

Friends and family of our talented young musicians, as well as new audience members, were all impressed by the collaborative spirit of our orchestras and the desire to push their limits to new levels of excellence. The highlight of the evening was a guest appearance by Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois, who joined our Symphonic Orchestra for a superb performance of the first movement of Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1.

We thank all parents, friends, family, and music fans for coming down to the Bob Carr to celebrate the love for music that brings together all FSYO members and keeps us going.

Behind the Scenes at FSYO

This year FSYO was honored to utilize Snap! Orlando as a back drop for our annual photo shoot with photographer Tina Craig.

The mission of Snap! Orlando is to boldly increase the visibility and appreciation of the photographic medium as a significant cultural art form. Photography plays a critical role in society as a vehicle for cultural documentation and reflection. Snap! seeks to increase exposure to this highly accessible art form and to broaden the demographic of engaged art enthusiasts within our community.

We feel that Snap! Orlando captures the spirit of community. These photos represent young musicians as they evolve in 2015.

Photos will be displayed in FSYO's 2015-2016 season programs, brochures and on concert posters. Here's a behind the scenes look:

Support FSYO this Holiday Season

Help support our youth and share the holiday spirit by giving a gift.

This Holiday Season give yourself and your out-of-town friends, family and business associates a special greeting with a fresh, fragrant evergreen gift!

Due to a recent update with the wreath company, we have been able to run our holiday wreath fundraiser through the online portal. Ordering is easy! Just go to http://www.mickmanholidaygifts.com/, select the holiday gifts that you want, and place the order.

Make sure to use the special FSYO coupon code, FLORIDFL014, to ensure that the FSYO gets credit for the order and get your discount. Additional order forms and brochures will be handed out during rehearsal on October 11th. We will also have a sample on hand at the concert.

FSYO Hosts 59th Season Opener on October 18th, Featuring Rimma Bergeron-Langlois

ORLANDO, FL – On Sunday, October 18th, 2015, the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra will dazzle the public with the first concert of their 59th season at the historic Bob Carr Theater. Featuring all four of FSYO's orchestras and Orlando's own Rimma Bergeron-Langlois, the opener will include works from composers such as Copland, Tchaikovsky and Wagner.

The orchestras: Overture Strings, the entry level string group, consists of musicians aged 7-14, conducted by Ms. Sarah Morrison; Prelude, the intermediate ensemble, has members aged 9-15, conducted by Dr. Mauricio Cespedes; Philharmonia, the advanced ensemble, features performers of ages 11-18, led by Mr. Michael Simpson; Symphonic, the conservatory-level orchestra, whose performers are ages 13-20, directed by Mr. Matthew Davis.

Guest artist Rimma Bergeron-Langlois, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Concertmaster, will perform Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No.1 with the Symphonic orchestra. This beautiful but challenging piece is guaranteed to wow the audience. Originally intended to be a concertino, this piece grew into a full three-movement concerto. This concerto was originally criticized for a non-traditional style, but it is the piece's unique qualities that have helped it find its way onto the list of important contemporary concerto pieces.

Central Florida's top young musicians will bring this piece, and many others, to life at 4 p.m. on October 18th at Bob Carr Theater. Tickets can be purchased on the FSYO website (www.fsyo.org). Ticket prices range from $10 to $20. This is one that you do not want to miss!

Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra Names Interim Music Director

For Immediate Release Davis 4221L

ORLANDO, FL – The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra has appointed cellist, teacher and conductor, Matthew Davis, as Interim Music Director and Symphonic orchestra Conductor. He takes the role effective immediately with the departure of long time music director Andrew Lane.

Davis has been with FSYO for the last 2 seasons - moving from Prelude, to Philharmonia, and now to the Symphonic orchestra. Since 2006, Davis has held the position of Director of Strings at the Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts in Lakeland, Florida. In addition to conducting the Harrison Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, Davis teaches music theory, music composition, and chamber music.

"I am truly excited to serve as Interim Music Director and Conductor of the Symphonic Orchestra for the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra this upcoming season! The opportunity to collaborate with these fine young musicians to perform music of the highest caliber is an honor and a privilege, a dream come true, and I look forward to bringing my passion and joy for music making to this fine organization."– Matthew Davis