Music By Stucky and Mahler Featured in Sounds About Town Program

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 AT 2 PM

The American Youth Symphony (AYS), led by its Music Director Alexander Treger, appears at Walt Disney Concert Hall as part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Sounds About Town Series on Sunday, April 22, at 2 p.m. On the program is Steven Stucky's Pulitzer Prize-winning Second Concerto for Orchestra and Mahler's Symphony No. 5.

Stucky's Second Concerto for Orchestra was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and premiered by that orchestra at Walt Disney Concert Hall in March 2004. Mahler's Symphony No. 5, with its distinctive trumpet solo opening and celebrated Adagietto, is one of the composer's best-known works. Both works are true tests for orchestras, pushing them to the limits of virtuosity and musicianship.

Treger is only the second conductor to lead the AYS since it was founded. He also has served as Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 1985.

The Sounds About Town Series furthers the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association's goal of nurturing tomorrow's performers by providing opportunities for leading youth ensembles to perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The remaining Sounds About Town concert this season features the YMF Debut Orchestra with Sean Newhouse conducting and violinist Jennifer Frautschi (May 27).

ALEXANDER TREGER, noted violinist, accomplished conductor and gifted educator, was appointed Music Director of the American Youth Symphony (AYS) in 1998. As the successor to Mehli Mehta, he is only the second conductor to lead the ensemble since it was founded by Mehta. Prior to being named AYS Music Director, Treger conducted the orchestra in 1994 and 1996. An inspiring teacher who enjoys working with promising young musicians, he has given numerous master classes around the world and held the position of Professor of Violin at UCLA for two decades from 1977 to 1997. Treger began his musical training at the age of 5 in his native Russia, where he studied violin and piano. By the age of 13, he had won numerous musical competitions in his country and was later chosen by the renowned violinist David Oistrakh to study at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory. After graduating, Treger became a member of the Moscow Radio Symphony and subsequently left Russia to become the Concertmaster/Soloist of the Israel Chamber Orchestra. He arrived in the United States in 1973, and joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1974. Treger was appointed Assistant Concertmaster in 1973, promoted to second Concertmaster two years later and appointed Concertmaster in 1985, a position he still holds.

The AMERICAN YOUTH SYMPHONY (AYS) was founded in 1959, and organized in its current form in 1965 by Mehli Mehta. AYS has attained a reputation as one of the nation's most prestigious artistic institutions for young people, a rigorous training program for some of the country's best pre-professional musical artists and one of southern California's most honored cultural treasures. Under the musical direction of Alexander Treger, AYS continues to flourish and nurture young musicians while holding them to the very highest standards. Blending traditional repertoire with innovative programming and world-class soloists, AYS concerts take place throughout the year at some of California's most prestigious concert halls, including UCLA's Royce Hall and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. During its 2004/2005 season, AYS received the rare honor of an invitation from Carnegie Hall to make its New York debut, as part of the 40th anniversary celebration.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music - Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association's involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational programs, community concerts and children's programming, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:

SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2007 AT 2 PM

WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL, 111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles

Sounds About Town

AMERICAN YOUTH SYMPHONY

ALEXANDER TREGER, conductor

STUCKY Second Concerto for Orchestra

MAHLER Symphony No. 5

Tickets ($15-$39) are on sale now online at LAPhil.com, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office, or via credit card phone order at 323.850.2000. When available, choral bench seats ($15) will be released for sale to selected Philharmonic, Colburn Celebrity Recital, and Baroque Variations performances beginning at noon on the Tuesday of the second week prior to the concert. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only. Groups of 10 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For all information, please call 323.850.2000.

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