"Fate's Fortune" on Sunday, February 26, 3:00 p.m. at Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, Virginia, will feature a concert by three orchestras and the

J.D. Anderson conducting AYCO in December 2011. Photo: Avie Schneider

Percussion Ensemble. The American Youth Symphonic Orchestra (AYSO), led by Conductor Carl J. Bianchi, will perform Verdi's Overture to La Forza del Destino and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 in E minor. The AYPO Percussion Ensemble, led by Director Doug Wallace, will hold a special performance during the concert intermission. The American Youth Concert Orchestra (AYCO), led by Conductor J.D. Anderson, will perform von Suppé's Light Cavalry Overture, Schubert's Symphony No. 8, and Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 1 as a side-by-side concert with musicians from the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO).

"We are so excited about doing this collaboration with AYCO, and thank HSBC for its generous support," said Elizabeth Murphy, Executive Director of FSO. "The FSO musicians always enjoy working with young, enthusiastic students,

Carl J. Bianchi conducting AYSO during the 2010-2011 season. Photo: Patti Reid

especially when it results in a public concert event where they make music together."

"Members of the FSO and myself have been looking forward very much to collaborating with the young players..." said Christopher Zimmerman, Music Director of FSO. "At our rehearsals so far with the Concert Orchestra every one seems palpably excited, pros and students alike; the energy that goes back and forth, and the enthusiasm for us all to both learn and teach, is simply great fun and irresistible. Such synergy is what musical expression is all about, no matter the technical level. If the concert reflects this type of collaboration, the audience is in for a treat!"

"As an AYPO parent, board member, and violist in the Fairfax Symphony, I am very excited about this collaboration between the American Youth Concert Orchestra and the Fairfax Symphony," said Patti Reid. "Playing side-by-side with professionals will improve the skills of the young musicians by allowing them to hear as well as see demonstrations of musical technique and interpretation. Fairfax Symphony has been committed to promoting music education in this area... This collaboration between AYPO and the Fairfax Symphony will allow the young musicians in the Concert Orchestra to reach an even higher level of excellence. I encourage you to come see this very special performance!"

Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (65+), $5 for students (including college with ID), free for ages 5 and under, and free for music teachers. Tickets available online or at the door.