40th Season Opener Coming From GBYO

BRIDGEPORT — The Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras will open their 40th anniversary season on Sunday, November 12, with a concert at Central High School. All four GBYO orchestras will perform, with a special appearance by the Fairfield County Children’s Choir. The concert will begin at 3 pm.

Over 200 young musicians in grades 5-12 from 22 communities in Fairfield and western New Haven counties, have been accepted into the 2000-01 GBYO. Sheila O’Connor of Newtown is principal violin II in the GBYO Principal Orchestra.

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the orchestra program, GBYO commissioned a special work for its Youth Orchestra and Children’s Choir. David Clark Isele, a renowned composer from _Tampa, Florida, composed “America the Grand,” for the occasion. The world premiere of the piece will be presented by GBYO and Fairfield County Children’s Choir.

Other pieces on the program will include “Dream Pantomime” from Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, Marche Slav by Tchaikovsky, Sheep May Safely Graze by Bach, and the opening chorus from The Bartered Bride by Smetana.

Tickets are $10 for adults; $7 for students and senior citizens. Call 203/452-0003 for more information.