Two concerts slated by Lima Area Youth Orchestra

LIMA — The Lima Area Youth Orchestra will present two concerts this month under the direction of Joseph MacBenn and assistant director Tawnie Keen.

Students will be given the opportunity to observe their peers on the stage of the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center for the Annual Children’s Concert on Wednesday, March 20 at 10 a.m. 

The Lima Area Youth Orchestra will return once again on Sunday, March 23 at 4 p.m. for their finale concert on stage at the Lima Senior High School Auditorium.

Students will showcase their hard work this year with challenging classic pieces such as Sleeping Beauty Waltz by Tchaikovsky, Libertango by Piazzola, and The Barber of Seville by Rossini. Furthermore, the orchestra will present a world premiere commissioned work in honor of the upcoming solar eclipse: Hidden Star by Samantha Ezell.

The younger students in the Cadet Orchestra also will be featured throughout the performance.  

The Lima Area Youth Orchestra is comprised of auditioned students between grades 7 and 12 from several area schools. LAYO is an educational opportunity for young musicians throughout northwest Ohio to further develop their musical skills and talents in a professional setting. LAYO seeks to develop pride and self-esteem in young musicians from all cultural backgrounds, linking them with musical achievement and instilling values and discipline they will carry throughout their lives. 

Children’s Concert tickets are free. For the finale, tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students/seniors. For tickets, contact the Lima Symphony at 419-222-5701 or www.limasymphony.com.