FSYO to Host 61st Season Closer on May 6th Ft. Curtis Shugart, cellist

Orlando, FL – On Sunday, May 6, 2018, at 4:00 pm, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras will astonish the public with the final concert of its 61st Season at the historic Bob Carr Theater, located at 401 W. Livingston St.

The organization's three full orchestras and string-training orchestra will be featured as they showcase their talent and growth, with a featured performance from Curtis Shugart, cellist. Shugart will perform Kabalevsky's Concerto No. 1 in G minor accompanied by our Symphonic Orchestra led by Music Director and Symphonic Orchestra Conductor Hanrich Claassen.

The Season Finale Concert will highlight pieces by Kabalevsky, Stravinsky, and more. In addition, forty-four graduating seniors will be recognized as they leave the orchestra to reach new heights as musicians and individuals.

"I would like to personally thank FSYO for the profound impact it has had on my life and the lives of so many other students. Even just a few years ago, I never once thought that I might fall in love with classical music so fast and that it would become such a large part of my daily life. This would have never been possible if not for the humble outreach of FSYO in the community and its purpose of revealing the critical importance of music to countless young people. The amount of care and attention provided to each student by both the conductors and staff has amazed me year after year and I couldn't be more thankful." - Curtis Shugart, cellist

Tickets for the event are $20 general admission with special pricing for children and Student/Senior/Military. Tickets may be purchased online at drphillipscenter.org, by calling 844.513.2014 or by visiting the Dr. Phillips Center Box Office at 445 S. Magnolia Avenue between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday. Online and phone ticket purchases are subject to handling fees. Prices, shows, artists, dates and times are subject to change at any time without notice. Tickets may also be purchased two hours prior to the performance at the Bob Carr Theater box office. Florida academic and private teachers receive free admission to all FSYO season subscription concerts. This is one that you do not want to miss!

For more information on this and all other 61st season performances please visit the FSYO website www.fsyo.org.

About FSYO: Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras exists to encourage children and young adults, through the practice and performance of orchestral music, to become passionate leaders, thinkers, and contributors in their local community and beyond. In its 61st Concert Season, FSYO comprises three full orchestras, one string training orchestra, an advanced chamber ensemble, and a new jazz orchestra made up of more than 250 students from nine 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; Orlando Utilities Commission; The City of Orlando, Mayor's Matching Grant; and United Arts of Central Florida. We thank these groups for their generous support.

Learn more: web: www.fsyo.org | FB: @TheFSYO | Twitter: @FSYO | IG: @F_S_Y_O | Youtube: @fsyo

Curtis Shugart: Curtis Shugart is grateful to be performing with FSYO for his fifth season. Curtis began his FSYO career in Prelude followed by two years in Philharmonia, where he served as Assistant Principal and Principal cellist. For the past two years, he has played with the Symphonic Orchestra and was honored to participate in the 2017 European Tour. Curtis also enjoyed playing with the FSYO Chamber Orchestra for the 2016-17 season.

Curtis is a senior at Olympia High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society, the Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Principal cellist for the top-level Olympia High School orchestra. He has played with the All-County Orchestra for the past three years, serving as the Principal cellist in 2016. Curtis is a three-year member of Florida All-State Orchestra and was seated as the Principal cellist in 2016. For the summers of 2015 and 2016, he attended Canon Music Camp at Appalachian State University.

In addition to his musical experiences with FSYO, Curtis has enjoyed playing chamber music for two seasons with the Winter Park Chamber Music Academy under the direction of Dr. Alvaro Gomez and has had many opportunities to play at weddings and various community events.

Curtis has played cello for the past 7 years. He initially studied with Brenda Higgins and is currently privileged to study with David Bjella at Stetson University. Curtis would like to thank them both and his FSYO conductors for their excellent instruction and continual encouragement.