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Glen Eira Youth Orchestra Performance


A night of both talent and joy was yet again celebrated through the annual concert held at the Glen Eira Town Hall on the night of June 2nd, featuring the Glen Eira Youth Orchestra and our Senior Stage Band.

This year, audiences were welcomed by the GYO’s grand opening of Mikhail Glinka’s “Overture from Ruslan and Lyudmila”. Following this, the ensemble performed a range of works from well renowned composers including Astor Piazzolla (“Libertango and Oblivion”) which featured soloist Misha Machlak on viola and a careful selection of Saint-Saens’ “Carnival of the Animals”, featuring soloists, Andy Zhan and Lena Zhan on piano, Gary Xia on cello and Phillip Kaev on tuba (all McKinnon’s alumni). Georges Bizet’s “L’arlesienne Suite No. 1” was also an audience favourite. 

The concert featured Misha Machlak who conducted Isaac Albeniz’s “Sevilla” and Korsakov’s “Dance of the Tumblers from The Snow Maiden”. Moreover, audiences were delighted to hear recent McKinnon graduate, Will Hardy's recorder solo in Vivaldi’s “Flautino Concerto”.

The exuberant night of music did not stop there, as the McKinnon Stage Band complemented the classical array of pieces with a set of jazz, soul and contemporary works. The ensemble performed “Attitude Adjustment”, featuring a of soloists; Luci Martinez on the trumpet, Sean Malton on sax and Kitty Connolly on vibes. Also performed was “Greasin’ the Skids”, “Coconut Champagne” and “Cheesecake”, including an extended vibraphone solo by Eriks Stepanuks. Additionally, “Big Mama Cass” also displayed the band’s talent of jazz improvisation with soloists Oscar Zhang, Adam Pacak, Jonathan Pardo and Denver Kan. 


A standing ovation marked the end of a brilliant showcase, one of success and triumph that provided a heartwarming opportunity to reconnect with fellow ex-students and celebrate our achievements, both musical and otherwise. On behalf of all involved, we would like to thank Mr Dmitry Serebrianik for his extensive efforts, dedication and patience running both morning and after-school rehearsals, the Glen Eira Youth Orchestra and their conductor Anothy Brookes for their efforts and an outstanding performance, and all the parents and volunteers who supported the two ensembles on the night.

Elizabeth Lanaras - Senior Stage Band Captain