Talanted Teens Play At Seattle Symphony

The program will feature young local tuba star Jonathan Hill as the soloist in Vaughan Williams’ Concerto in F minor for Tuba Orchestra and the MENC All-Northwest High School Orchestra will perform movements from Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in C minor, "Resurrection,” and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in D minor, alongside Seattle Symphony.

“When I was 16,” Music Director Gerard Schwarz explains, “I had the opportunity to play with the New York Philharmonic, so I personally felt the impact that a side-by-side experience can have on a young musician. It can be inspirational, both for our young musicians and Orchestra members. It’s always a thrill for me to see this exchange and be part of inspiring our next generation.”

“Washington Music Educators Association is thrilled to have had the opportunity for a major symphony conductor to conduct its All-State and All-Northwest orchestras,” commented Bruce Caldwell, WMEA Executive Director. “Maestro Schwarz’s willingness to work with and support our music students shows the value he places on music education. The partnership with Seattle Symphony to provide an additional experience in the side-by-side concerts shows a commitment unparalleled in our nation. We greatly appreciate Maestro Schwarz and the Seattle Symphony’s continuing commitment to WMEA and its service to teachers and students.”

MENC All-Northwest High School Orchestra

The young musicians playing with Seattle Symphony are part of the 225-piece All-Northwest Orchestra, sponsored by WMEA, a state affiliate of MENC: The National Association for Music Education. The orchestra is comprised of talented students from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming who participated in a lengthy audition process starting last October. Only one out of every five applicants was selected to join this elite ensemble. The orchestra performed in Spokane this February under the direction of Maestro Schwarz at MENC’s Northwest Division Conference. As part of their artistic experience in Seattle, all participating students have been invited to attend a dress rehearsal of Seattle Opera’s upcoming production of The Marriage of Figaro.

Jonathan Hill

Jonathan Hill, 22, is a senior at the University of Washington (UW), where he is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Music degree with a minor in history. He is a student of Christopher Olka, Seattle Symphony Principal Tubist and UW faculty member. As a soloist, Hill has performed with the University of Washington Wind Ensemble and the Iowa Youth Chamber Orchestra, and won the MTNA 2003 National Senior Brass Competition and MTNA 2008 National Young Artist Brass Competition. Hill will graduate from the UW in June, 2009 and will attend The Juilliard School in the fall. He began playing the tuba in his school band at age 11.

Gerard Schwarz

Gerard Schwarz is internationally recognized for his engaging performances, innovative programming and renowned recording history. This season, Maestro Schwarz’s exciting work with Seattle Symphony enters into its 24th year as he leads the Orchestra in Benaroya Hall’s Tenth Anniversary Season. Recent highlights for Maestro Schwarz include two consecutive Emmy Awards in 2007 and 2008 for televised performances with Seattle Symphony; leading Seattle Symphony in its recent Southern California Tour; and conducting Mahler’s colossal Eighth Symphony to launch the 2008–2009 UBS Masterworks Season in Benaroya Hall. Maestro Schwarz has now received 12 Grammy nominations, six ASCAP awards, and numerous Stereo Review and Ovation awards. His extensive discography of some 250 releases showcases his collaborations with some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras. -- www.seattlesymphony.org