Vashon Island Youth Chorus & I Solisti di Vashon

On November 15 and 17, Island audiences will have the opportunity to experience an exciting collaboration between two of Vashon’s most talented groups of youth performers, Vashon Island Youth Chorus and I Solisti di Vashon Youth String Ensemble. Together, they will perform Vivaldi’s "Gloria for Young Voices and Instruments," a piece selected and directed by long time Island musician, Marita Ericksen.
 
Initially, Ericksen was drawn to this particular choral masterpiece because of its rich story. Antonio Vivaldi spent a large part of his life directing a choir and orchestra at an orphanage in Venice, training young orphans to become masters of music. Gloria is based on his stories from the orphanage, and celebrates the fame and success that young people attained through their music, with his help and mentorship. The performers will do a readers’ theater style dramatization of the Vivaldi story, featuring VHS senior Meghan Murphy in a leading role with the remainder of the chorus and string ensemble members as the orphans in Vivaldi’s music class that originally helped him prepare and perform "Gloria."
 
This performance will also celebrate the revival of the Vashon Island Youth Chorus, a group of 9 choral members aged 10 through 18, who, says Ericksen, "have risen to the challenge of singing a higher level of choral repertoire in two and three-part harmonies." VIYC has not performed since 2008, and the group is thrilled to be making a return to the stage with the support and collaboration of I Solisti Di Vashon Youth String Ensemble, a group of eight high school string players who will be accompanying the chorus under the direction of Gaye Detzer.
 
In addition to the performance of Vivaldi’s timeless classic, the program will also include a short set of seasonal choral and instrumental pieces. VHS student Isabelle Porter is interning with the project, helping out behind the scenes and learning about all of the aspects of preparing a youth music program. VIYC intends to offer another youth class series in the spring, so this performance will offer a wonderful chance for families to learn more about opportunities for young singers on the island.
 
Vashon Island Youth Chorus & I Solisti di Vashon Gloria for Young Voices and Instruments. Tickets: Members/Students/Seniors $6, General $8
 
Friday, November 15, 7:30 pm. Vashon Lutheran Church.
Sunday, November 17, 4 pm
Vashon United Methodist Church