Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra in concert May 15

When Paul Smith, conductor of the Northridge Singers at Cal State University Northridge, suggested to Jo Stoup, Music Director of the Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra (PYMO), that their two ensembles perform together, Stoup immediately agreed. Audiences will hear the results of that collaboration when PYMO presents “Around the World in 80 Minutes,” on Sunday, May 15 at 3:30 p.m. at Sexson Auditorium on the campus of Pasadena Community College in Pasadena.

“Paul Smith and I have been friends since 1989, when we were both on the faculty at John Muir High School,” explains Stoup, a full time faculty member at PCC and professional flutist who has premiered works by Howard Hansen, worked under the baton of Aaron Copland, performed with Maurice Abravanel and the Utah Symphony, soloed with Henry Mancini and performed with Luciano Pavarotti.

“Paul and I have remained close friends ever since,” Stoup continues. “When he invited us to do something together, I jumped at the chance. He’s a magnificent musician, has a beautiful tenor voice, and works magic with a choir.”

With Smith working his magic, in this particular case, with the Northridge Singers and PYMO, under Stoup’s direction, casting an equally mesmerizing spell, “Around the World in 80 Minutes” will transport the audience to Germany, Russia, the Middle East, Africa, Mexico and the United States. Works performed will include the Candide Overture by Bernstein, Symphony No. 35 “Haffner” by Mozart, the Berceuse and Finale from The Firebird by Stravinsky, and Marquez’s Danzon No. 2, plus PYMO will also accompany the Northridge Singers for a performance of the first movement of Brahms’ German Requiem. Rounding out the program is an a cappella performance by the choir of works by Rachmaninoff.

“It’s also become a PYMO tradition to showcase one of our musicians each concert,” Stoup explains. “And, for our ‘stop’ in the US during ‘Around the World in 80 Minutes’, our bass player Andrew Li has arranged ‘The Promise of Living’ from The Tender Land by Aaron Copland. We’re also pleased to introduce our audience to our newest coach, Nikki Shorts, who will conduct Andrew’s arrangement. “

Tickets for “Around the World in 80 Minutes” may be purchased at the door for the suggested donation price of $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. For more information about PYMO or its upcoming performances, call (626) 403-1086 or visit the orchestra’s website, www.pymo.org.

Pasadena City College is located at 1570 East Colorado Blvd in Pasadena, with parking available at any PCC student lot for $2.