Future orchestral musicians

Pam Hahn (Q) with Vanja Gjumar Nikolovski (A)

Always fun for both orchestra and audience, our annual Cheers to Youth! concert features the talented Youth Competition First Place winner and this year we bring back our popular Side-by-Side opportunity for students who want to play with us. Vanja was asked about this year's concert and it's clear he has been enjoying the experience.

Q:  There are a lot of components to the November 6 Cheers to Youth! concert. Has it been more challenging to manage the Side-by-Side students and the Youth Competition winner's performance than for other concerts? If so, in what way?

A:   It is certainly a challenge for the Side-by-Side students because lots of attention goes to the soloist, especially since he is very young. But, luckily, they are not playing the same part the soloist does, so with nice welcoming and good work, students can gain a great experience being part of the big orchestra and performing advanced pieces.

Q:  What is your favorite music selection in this concert?

A: Definitely Carmen! This music was flowing in my veins since I was a very, very young boy. Watching first time the whole opera, it made a big impact on me. 

Q:  Joshua Lee is a very young Youth Competition winner - only 13 - and this is his first performance as a soloist with an orchestra. What kind of advice have you given him?

A:   Joshua's talent is incredible! He plays very musically and I can easily predict a big future in front of him. I just told him to relax, to smile and listen to the orchestra so we can all together bring the beautiful music alive.

Q:  Talk about your feeling about student musicians. How important is music study for their lives?

A:  Not everyone can become a musician. There must be something, some gift and passion from a young age. Then it is easier to nurture those young students through listening, practicing and studying scores. It is not enough to only have a musical culture in the home, it is important to also have it in the community and in society. Whoever makes music is definitely a better person with positive thoughts.