Whidbey orchestras perform the classics

Whidbey Island Youth Orchestra and Community Orchestra announce their spring concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 23. The concert will be held at the South Whidbey High School auditorium.

Whidbey Island Youth Orchestra and Community Orchestra announce their spring concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 23. The concert will be held at the South Whidbey High School auditorium.

The Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Siri Bardarson, will play Pachelbel’s “Canon,” Vivaldi’s “Spring,” Offenbach’s “Can Can” and more.

The Community Orchestra, under the direction of Chris Harshman, will play Sibelius’ “Finlandia,” Borodin’s “In the Steppes of Central Asia,” von Suppe’s “Light Cavalry Overture,” Grofe’s “On the Trail,” Borodin’s “In the Steppes of Central Asia” and Rossini’s “William Tell Overture.” The last two pieces will feature English horn soloist Frances Kenney.

The Whidbey Island Youth Orchestra is open to musicians under 21 who have the basic musical skills for reading music and who would like to meet, play with and perform with other local young people. There are openings for all string and wind musicians. This year there are no auditions or audition fees.

The Whidbey Island Community Orchestra is open to more advanced, high-school-age musicians, with the conductor’s approval, and to all adults.  There is no audition for adults. The Community Orchestra has openings in all sections.

For information about joining, contact Bill at billmvg@gmail.com or Sheri at 360-341-3130 or james.kelly1@juno.com, or visit www.whidbeyorchestras.org.