The American Youth String Ensemble (AYSE), led by Conductor Laura Cahn, and the American Youth Concert Orchestra, led by J.D. Anderson, present a "Suite Celebrations" concert on Sunday, May 12, 3:00 p.m. at George Mason University's Center for the Arts in Fairfax, Virginia. Repertoire includes works by Grieg, Fauré, Brahms, Weber, Mozart, and Bizet.

"I selected the music for this program because I wanted to highlight the technical and musical virtuosity of the musicians and the orchestra as a whole," said Laura Cahn. "The Prelude of the Holberg Suite is an original work composed for string orchestra and is technically virtuosic. The Fauré Pavane is a personal favorite of mine and also requires a tremendous understanding and appreciation for musical phrasing and balance.  There is a common misconception that an orchestra of very young musicians lacks musicality and true ensemble. I really wanted to push this misconception aside with the Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 6. These musicians are watching the conductor, playing together, breathing, and most importantly, dancing! It is a joy to make music with them."

For many musicians in these two preparatory level orchestras, it is their first time participating in an orchestral ensemble. Works performed throughout the season are great introductions to some of the astounding literature that the musicians will experience in the future, in one of the advanced orchestras and beyond.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $10 for students (including college with ID), and free for music teachers. Tickets are available online or at the venue box office on the day of the concert.