Young String Players Join Forces for Free Saturday Concert in Cedar City

Jack Ashton’s Young Artist Chamber Players join forces with the Suzuki Strings of  Cedar City for a free public concert on Saturday, April 11, at 4 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, 70 N. 200 West, Cedar City.

Combined pieces include the Violin Concert in A minor, 3^rd mvt, by Vivaldi and the Viola Concerto in G minor, 4^th mvt, by Telemann. Suzuki Strings will also perform a dance called Musette by Bach and May Song to celebrate spring.

The Young Artist Chamber Players (YACP) was founded by Jack Ashton, a member of the Utah Symphony, in 1985.  He wanted to give young, talented string players along the Wasatch Front a chance to participate in a quality chamber orchestra.  In 1988 the orchestra was incorporated and a Board of Directors appointed.  YACP is renowned for its superior youth performances with accomplished musicians from, Davis, Salt Lake, Weber, and Utah counties. YACP represents 18 different schools.

Through the years, YACP has enjoyed many wonderful playing opportunities.  They play regular concerts in the fall and the spring, and have become very involved in educating the community and helping to benefit others.  In the last few years, YACP has educated young children by playing at elementary schools, and sponsored a “Christmas Oranges Benefit”, which helps to raise money for the Utah Food Bank.  They also played a benefit concert with the Calvary Baptist Choir, which raised money for the Choice Humanitarian organization.  They have been invited to perform as part of the Governor’s concerts series, with Pro Musica, and Side-by-Side concerts with the Utah Symphony.

YACP members are exposed to many opportunities for performance, including an annual trip to southern Utah, playing in several venues.  This trip is a highlight for YACP players.  They bond during their bus ride, love to play for the audiences where their skills and talents are enhanced, and enjoy the beauty of southern Utah.  We hope our audiences will enjoy the music of this talented group.  The YACP have chosen the Serenade by Elgar, Suite by Wiren, Hoedown by Copland and Playground by Marcie Smith to share on the Cedar City concert.  They will also be performing in Price on Friday evening.  

Suzuki Strings recently incorporated as a non-profit and is a federal recognized 501(c)(3).  For 32 years this group has trained students in violin, viola, and cello and provided a student orchestra.  Several of these students are now professional teachers and performers.  Others have gone on to successful careers in science, medicine, and business.  Weekly group classes are offered and the annual spring concert will be Thursday, May 7, at the Heritage Center at 7 p.m.

Photo of YACP by Mariko Kay

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Who:  Young Artist Chamber Players and Suzuki Strings

What:  Joint concert, open to the public, and free

When:  Saturday, April 11, 4 p.m.

Where:  St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, 70 N. 200 W.

Contact for more information:  Sara Penny, suzukistringscc@gmail.com