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This Week On Performance Oklahoma: Encore! OK Youth in Classical

Performance Oklahoma is delighted to present an encore of the 1st edition of OK Youth in Classical! The new breakout series profiles three distinguished Oklahoma high school music ensembles: the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra, the Norman North Chorale and the Edmond North Orchestra. Listeners learn about each award-winning ensemble, enjoy delightful commentary from six young musicians, meet the dedicated directors, and hear a sampling of recent performances from each ensemble.

The Edmond Public Schools string orchestra program was founded in 1978 and in 35 years, the program has expanded to include over 800 students in grades 6 through 12.  Under the direction of Peter Markes the ensemble has been selected by the Oklahoma Music Educator’s Association to perform at the 2008 and 2012 conferences as the high school honor orchestra,  won nine consecutive State Sweepstakes Awards and has been recognized annually by the State of Oklahoma for academic achievement. The Edmond North Orchestra appears in leading performance halls across the state and around the country; performing twice for the Oklahoma Governor's Arts Award ceremony, and joining an elite group with its performance at the premier music education convention Midwest Clinic, held in Chicago this past December.  Find out more about the Edmond North Orchestra here!

The Norman North High School Chorale has established a tradition of musical excellence and national recognition under the direction of Tony Gonzalez.  The Chorale has earned 15 consecutive State Sweepstakes Awards, won major festivals in cities across the US and has appeared with the Oklahoma Symphony and the Canterbury Choral Society.  The Norman North Chorale made its record seventh appearance as an Oklahoma Music Educator’s Honor Choir this past January  and has appeared at numerous recent American Choral Directors Association Conventions. In 2011, the Chorale was a featured performer on NPR's radio show From the Top, co-sponsored by KCSC and was heard on 276 radio stations across the country.  Learn more about the Norman North Chorale here!

The Oklahoma Youth Orchestras program, founded in 1977, provides advanced orchestral education and performance opportunities for talented middle and high school musicians. OYO, the flagship ensemble of the program, is comprised of the most advanced high school orchestral musicians who perform standard repertoire as well as music from contemporary composers, regularly tours throughout the world and has been conducted since 1992 by Dr. John Clinton.  This past November, the ensemble celebrated its 35th anniversary with a special concert offered at the Civic Center Music Hall.  Find out more about the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra here!

Hear this exciting program on Saturday evening at 8pm here at Classical 88.7-1.