ODU Partners with Local Schools for 'Side by Side' Concerts Feb. 16 and Feb. 24

The Old Dominion University Symphony Orchestra will partner with two local high schools for the annual "Side by Side" concerts this month. The first concert is Feb. 16 at the Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VPAA) in Virginia Beach and the second will be at Chesapeake's Oscar Smith High School on Feb. 24. Both performances begin at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

Lucy Manning, assistant professor of violin and director of the ODU Symphony Orchestra, said these annual events are important for local high school students. "Not only does this give students a full symphonic orchestra experience, but it also provides them with an opportunity to play alongside more advanced players, work with a new conductor and be introduced to the possibilities of music at ODU."

The concerts will showcase each symphony playing separately, and then combining for the "Side by Side" experience.

This year's high school participants, both the Visual and Performing Arts Academy and Oscar Smith High School, will be playing with Leslie Frittelli, ODU resident cellist and soloist. The concerts will also feature ODU Young Artist Competition winner Thomas Joseph as the ODU Symphony Orchestra performs his new work, "Concert Music for Orchestra."

The Feb. 16 concert will also feature VPAA guest conductor Gail Barnes, from the University of South Carolina, conducting the combined symphony in the Bach-Stockowski "Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor."

For more information about the concerts contact Manning at lmanning@odu.edu.