This weekend has been full of performances featuring our talented musicians in our Young Artist Programs. Full of passion and energy, the Young Artists Orchestra opened their concert this Saturday with Beethoven’s Egmont Overture. The raw power of the ensemble shook the hall as the opening chords reverberated through Ozawa Hall and echoed out across the back lawn. The orchestra followed up the overture with Copland’s Appalachian Spring. As the clouds began to dissipate over Ozawa, the Simple Gifts tune was introduced, an audience favorite. The program concluded with Elgar’s Enigma Variations. The musicians gave a gripping performance, the final work a wonderful balance of drama and introspection. At its conclusion, the piece was received with wild applause and a standing ovation. We are so proud of the strides these young musicians have made and how they have grown as an ensemble in just a two short weeks. We are looking forward to hearing their continued growth throughout the rest of the summer as they prepare for their joint concert with the Young Artists Vocal Program next month.