AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 23 For many of the NYO-USA musicians, this tour was their first opportunity to travel outside of the United States. Lavariega has had the opportunity to visit relatives in Mexico and Japan, but this was her first trip to China, and she is thrilled at the prospect of touring and experiencing concert halls throughout the country. THE PROGRAM I was really fortunate to experience the send-off concert in Carnegie Hall on July 11. The NYO-USA performed the program that they would be sharing throughout their China tour. Opening the program was the premiere of “Passacaglia: Secret of Wind and Birds” by Tan Dun (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”). The piece was commissioned specifically for the NYO-YSA by Carnegie Hall and was a gorgeous piece focused on man’s ongoing endeavor to understand the world we are living in. The composition made use of forms and methods from east and west, ancient and modern, and incorporating birdsong as well as sounds digitally recorded and played on smartphones. The orchestra then performed “Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5”—also known as “Emperor”—with internationally renowned pianist Yundi as a special guest. Stunning and exhilarating, the back-and-forth play between the soloist and the orchestra kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Closing out the program was music from one of my favorite composers, Hector Berlioz. I was really energized to see “Symphonie Fantastique” included in the presentation. Technically difficult and emotional, this piece takes listeners on the roller coaster of a young musician’s descent into madness after being rejected by the woman he loves. The musicians did such a brilliant job. I would liken the end of this piece to the conclusion of a race, as the audience jumped to their feet in celebration at the final chord. It was truly an impressive evening. To lear n more about NYO-USA, visit: Website - www.carnegiehall.org/About-the- Music/NYO-USA-Homepage Facebook - facebook.com/nyousa Twitter - @nyousa Youtube – you.tube.com/nyousa
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