The Glendale Youth Orchestra, conducted by Henry Shin, performs its opening concert of the 31st season on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale. The program, titled “New Adventures,” will feature Verdi: Overture to Nabucco; Williams: Jedi Steps and finale from “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens;” and Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 in e min., Op. 95 “From the New World.”

This concert will mark Shin’s debut as the GYO’s new music director and conductor. Brad Keimach, conductor emeritus, retired in May after 19 seasons at the helm. 

There will be a silent auction to benefit the scholarship program.

The GYO is funded in part by a grant from the LA County Arts Commission.

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased from the Alex Theatre box office. Students, children and seniors may purchase tickets for $12. Groups of 15 or more get 15% off.

Formed in 1989 by a group of Glendale music lovers and school teachers, the Glendale Youth Orchestra now attracts talented young musicians in grades six-12 and college music programs from all over Los Angeles and the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys. Auditions for membership in the orchestra are ongoing and may be arranged by calling emailing the GYO at gyo@earthlink.net. More information can be found at www.glendaleyouthorchestra.com.

Known for his “keen sense of timing, charisma, and leadership,” Henry Shin is steadily building a reputation as one of the most versatile conductors of his generation. Beginning with the 2019-2020 season, he will embark on a new journey as the music director and conductor of the Glendale Youth Orchestra.

Since 2015, Shin also served as director of orchestras at Pasadena City College. A strong proponent of bringing music to underserved youth in Los Angeles, he is the music director and conductor of the nationally acclaimed Harmony Project Orchestras, Hollywood, the Valley Philharmonic Orchestra in Porter Ranch, and with the Kadima Conservatory Philharmonic in Pacoima. For seven years, Shin also served as the assistant conductor of the Elizabeth Mandell Music Institute (EMMI) Chamber Orchestra at the prestigious Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences in Santa Monica.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Berkeley, his master’s degree in conducting from the USC Flora L. Thornton School of Music, and is currently completing his doctoral studies at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.

The GYO’s mission is based on the belief that young people have a better chance of succeeding in their world if they appreciate and participate in its rich artistic and cultural traditions. GYO provides young musicians in grades six through college with a unique opportunity to play classical music.

The GYO has been a resident company of the Alex Theatre for more the 20 years. The GYO is also an Emeritus Premier LA Phil Youth Orchestra Mentorship Program. In 2007, GYO was selected to be a Los Angeles Philharmonic Youth Partner Orchestra, which provides the members quality time to meet and learn from the Philharmonic members.

To become a supporter or sponsor of the Glendale Youth Orchestra, contact Mara Kelly at (323) 839-8135  or via email at maraskelly@gmail.com.

The Alex Theatre is located at 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. For more information, call 818-243-ALEX, or visit www.alextheatre.org.