Young musicians bond through letters and music in cross-country collaboration
The Golden State Youth Orchestra (GSYO) from the San Francisco Bay Area and the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras will join forces for an unforgettable side-by-side performance at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie on Saturday, April 12.
The performance is the culmination of a collaboration where over 150 young musicians from two ensembles, 2,170 miles apart, join forces to celebrate their dedication to music education and their shared commitment to the arts.
This event is more than just a performance — it is a community-focused celebration of music’s power to connect, inspire, and create lasting relationships. In addition to rehearsing together, the musicians will enjoy social activities, including shared meals and games, helping them strengthen their camaraderie before taking the stage.
As part of this event, the young musicians have engaged in a pen pal program to build connections before meeting in person. Musicians from each ensemble who play the same instrument will exchange letters, introducing themselves and sharing their musical journeys and interests. This correspondence will nurture the camaraderie that students will continue to build in person, enhancing the performance and making the experience even more meaningful.
The concert program will feature captivating pieces, including: Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” a playful journey through a lively city; Bizet’s “L’Arlesienne Suite,” beautiful evocation of the southern French countryside; and Florence Price’s “Suite of Dances,” a fusion of classical, jazz, and folk influences with Chicago roots
The concert will highlight the hard work, talent, and teamwork required to create a truly memorable orchestral performance. The collaboration between GSYO and EYSO emphasizes the educational and inspirational impact of the arts, bringing the next generation of musical talent to the stage.
The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie. Ticket are $27, $22 for seniors, or $16 for students.
In-person tickets available for purchase online at northshorecenter.org/event/eyso/ or by calling the North Shore Center box office at (847) 673-6300. Livestream tickets also available for purchase.
About the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra:
The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras has a national reputation for providing not only an engaging musical experience for its students, but also a comprehensive learning environment that promotes curiosity, imagination, critical thinking, and collaboration. Between five large ensembles, three small ensembles, and a thriving Chamber Music Institute, students explore a comprehensive curriculum each season — one which aims not only to help these students develop artistically and technically, but also to prepare them for a future of complex ideas, creative risk-taking, and leadership as global citizens. The dynamic and engaging rehearsals foster musical and personal growth as students develop into well-rounded and thoughtful communicators, and leaders in their sections, ensembles, schools, and communities. Visit www.eyso.org.
About the Golden State Youth Orchestra:
The Golden State Youth Orchestra is an award-winning organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area, dedicated to providing talented young musicians with opportunities to grow artistically and perform at the highest level. Its mission is to inspire the next generation of musicians by offering world-class music education and performance experiences that emphasize artistic excellence and personal growth.