WYSO presented its first concert series of the season, the Evelyn Steenbock Fall Concerts, on November 10, 2018 and November 16, 2018.
WYSO orchestras performed works from Stravinsky, Khachaturian, Newbold, and more. The Youth Orchestra concert included a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations with special guest Joseph Johnson.
Johnson has been heard throughout the world as a soloist, chamber musician and educator. Principal cellist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra since the 2009-2010 season, he previously held the same position with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. He also serves as principal cellist of the Santa Fe Opera, and during the 2008-2009 season was acting principal cellist of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. Prior to his Milwaukee appointment, Johnson was a member of the Minnesota Orchestra cello section for 11 years.
WYSO students travel from communities throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois each weekend throughout the concert season to rehearse on the UW-Madison campus. Each orchestra performs three concerts per season, with additional performance opportunities available to students, including ensembles and chamber groups.