issue one - Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

The orchestra thrived and in 1938, the
ensemble became an “educational
project” of the Vancouver Symphony
Orchestra and the name was changed to
“Vancouver Junior Symphony Orchestra”.
In 1945 the group was reorganized as an
independent and became the “Vancouver
Youth Symphony Orchestra.” Today, the
Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra is a
dynamic, independent organization that is
recognized throughout Greater Vancouver for
its very fine, multi level orchestral training
programme. VYSO musicians continue to
proudly represent Vancouver locally, nationally
and internationally. Many former VYSO
musicians have gone on to acclaimed musical
careers and there is never a shortage of
current young VYSO musicians following in
their paths. The Vancouver Youth Symphony
Orchestra continues to offer the highest level
of musical training, to nurture and develop
young musicians for decades to come. VSO
Principal Oboe Roger Cole is the current
Artistic Director & Senior Orchestra Conductor
of the VYSO.
Eric Coates
b. Hucknall, England / August 27, 1886
d. Chichester, England / December 21, 1957
London Suite: Knightsbridge March
Unlike composers such as Elgar and Vaughan
Williams, for whom “light” music represented
only the occasional diversion from their
“serious” pursuits, Coates was a “light” man
to the fingertips – and proud of it. The London
Suite (1932) marked his breakthrough to
international fame. The Knightsbridge district
is home to Harrod’s and other renowned
retailers. The suite’s cheerful concluding
march (theme music for a long-running BBC
Radio programme, In Town Tonight) captures
its energy and elegance.
Sir Edward Elgar
b. Broadheath, England / June 2, 1857
d. Worcester, England / February 23, 1934
Cockaigne Overture, Op. 40
Elgar preferred country living to the city.
He clearly kept a warm spot in his heart
for London, however, as this robust concert
overture clearly demonstrates. He composed
it over the winter of 1900/1901, and
conducted the highly successful première
himself on June 20.
The title originated in the medieval legend
of Cockaigne, a mythical land of plenty.
The name later came to be associated in a
humorous way with London. Although Elgar’s
overture bears no official program, he told
friends that it portrays the sights and sounds
of the English capital. In it may be heard the
cries of street urchins, the parading by of
brass bands, and music for the contrasting
areas of quiet, reflection and romance which
dot the face of London.
Ralph Vaughan Williams
b. Down Ampney, England / October 12, 1872
d. London, England / August 26, 1958
The Lark Ascending
It would be difficult to imagine a stronger
contrast than that between this peaceful
idyll and the state of world affairs when it
was written. It dates from 1914, as Europe
teetered on the brink of the most horrific
conflict humanity had yet witnessed.
The solo violin sings the lark’s achingly
beautiful songs. At first the orchestral strings
envelope it in a soft halo of sound, as it soars
gracefully above a sun-dappled summer
countryside. A gentle dance-like rhythm
animates the central section, where the
lark trills in contented rapture. Tranquility
is restored in the concluding panel, which
evokes sunset, in both the physical and
spiritual senses. Beauty will endure, it seems,
despite the changes wrought by time and
circumstance.
Sir Edward Elgar
Arranged by Bramwell Tovey
Three Miniatures for Violin and Orchestra
Elgar was equally adept at composing short,
charming works as he did longer, more
ambitious ones. Two of these three pieces
began as works for violin and piano: La
capricieuse (The Capricious One, 1891), and
Chanson de Nuit (Night Song, 1897).
allegro 49