Performing at Boettcher Hal: Kim Standish from the Central City Opera performing “Habanera.” PHOTO BY JESS BOEHNER[/caption]

Denver Young Artists Orchestra (DYAO) presents The Fountain of Youth in collaboration with the Young Artists Orchestra (YAO), Central City Opera, and Performing Arts Academy.

On Sunday, September 24, DYAO performed at Boettcher Concert Hall as a kick-off to their 2023-2024 season. Family and friends of the orchestra flooded into the theater to watch their loved ones’ hard work live.

Wilbur Lin, conductor and music director of the YAO welcomed the audience before the show began. His enthusiasm and knowledge stayed consistent throughout the concert. He would frequently give background to the upcoming music and offer the audience advice on how to experience it.

The show opened with a suite created by composer Jennifer Higdon. In the program, Higdon explained what a “wonderful challenge” it was to put together. “Cold Mountain” is about love, war, and death, so she emphasized piecing together dramatic music. Her goal was to arrange the music in a manner that would create the most contrast for the listener rather than organizing it in story order.

Following the 15 minute intermission, the Central City Opera and Performing Arts Chorus joined the orchestra on stage. The first aria performed in Act 2 was “Va pensiero,” from Nabucco, composed by Giuseppe Verdi. The piece is about the King of Assyria imprisoning the Jewish captives. However, Lin advised the audience to listen to it with a sense of hope - the dream that one day the prisoners will be freed and return to their homeland.

The next song was sung solely by the women’s chorus. Titled “Polovetsian Dance and Chorus,” the tune featured the women singing about longing for their homeland in a wistful yet warlike sound.

The following piece starred mezzosoprano soloist Kim Stanish. Taking the stage in a long red gown, Stanish sang the aria “Habanera” from the opera Carmen. Carmen is a famous opera written by Georges Bizet, which is claimed to be one of the “best operas of all time.” Stanish stunned the audience with her talent and ability to sing profoundly without a microphone.

The next piece was one widely discussed amongst the audience after the show. The song did not include any words, but rather a melodic humming. From the opera Madama Butterfly, the group performed “Humming Chorus.” The orchestra and choir did a wonderful job working together on the difficult tune.

The show’s only duet was sung by Christine Conniver and Eric Botto. Their chemistry on stage captivated the audience and added another level of storytelling. The two knew not only how to sing but also how to play the roles of “new lovers.” After the duet finished, Lin gave kudos to the orchestra because this piece is “almost never done the same way.” He refers to the fact that, as the orchestra, you never know the energies of the singers on stage so it is important to be attentive and match that energy with instruments.

Before the show’s finale, Lin invited Dr. James Ramsey to the stage to speak about the collaboration. As the Director of the Performing Arts Academy, Ramsey addressed the company’s gratitude for the opportunity. He said that while collaborating can be hard because you’re not sure how you’re going to get to the end, it always works out.

“Professional singers singing next to students is a unique way for students to learn from the pros. And it’s also a unique way to allow the professional singers to give back because obviously, they were in their spot before.”

Lin and Ramsey agree that collaborating with other performance groups is another opportunity to further the inspiration of music.

The show concluded with a selection of songs from the play Les Misérables. The professional opera soloists lined the front of the stage while the orchestra sat behind them, followed by the youth chorus. The group transitioned seamlessly between the songs “At the End of the Day,” “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” and “One Day More.” As the set concluded, the audience celebrated the performers with a standing ovation.

After the applause, one final song was played from the opera Candide. Another standing ovation concluded the show as the performers took their bows.

As the students came outside to see their families, they were greeted with bouquets of flowers, chocolate, and cards. Everyone’s smiling faces proved that Sunday’s concert was a success.

The DYAO has a few more shows planned for the Fall. They will perform “Harmonies of History” on November 12 at Littleton United Methodist. This performance will feature special guest Edward W. Hardy on the violin.

On November 18, the orchestra will perform at Wheat Ridge United Methodist, and on November 19, they will perform at Highlands Ranch Christ Lutheran Church. The show on November 19 will feature the VAO Chamber Concerto Competition winner.