When Jo Stoup stepped up to the podium to conduct her first concert as Music Director of the Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra (PYMO) in 1998, her self-described “bucket list” included Igor Stravinsky’s Petrouchka, written in the early 20th century for the Ballets Russes in Paris, France. Fourteen years after taking up the baton for PYMO, Stoup will finally lead the orchestra of talented high school and college-aged musicians in a performance of the work when PYMO presents “Petrouchka” on Sunday, May 13, at 3:30 p.m. at Sexson Auditorium on the campus of Pasadena City College (PCC).
“I played Petrouchka at a music festival when I was in high school, and I have never forgotten the excitement and feeling of accomplishment I felt then,” says Stoup, a professional flutist who will retire from leading PYMO after this performance. “I would love to leave my students with this same feeling.”
Yet there is a reason Stoup waited until the end of her tenure to program the work. “I played Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring with the Utah Symphony and the Firebird with the Las Vegas Symphony,” she explains. “I never had the chance, however, to play Petrouchka again. So, I thought, why not conduct it? But I always chickened out. It’s a super difficult piece. The meters change from measure to measure, and everybody has to stay on their toes every second. Stravinsky himself rearranged it from his original 1911 publication in 1947.”
Also on the program are the Concerto in b minor for Four Violins and Orchestra by Antonio Vivaldi and the Concerto for Trombone and Military Band by Rimsky-Korsakov, featuring trombone soloist Jonathan Sie, a senior at Glendale High School.
“I really enjoy playing the Rimsky-Korsakov trombone concerto,” says Sie, who will attend USC's Thornton School of Music as a trombone major in the fall. “There's always a lot that I can experiment with as far as how I want to articulate certain phrases or how loud I play certain sections. Also, the final movement is a march that is challenging technically as it requires perfect rhythm and really gives the soloist the opportunity to show off his or her technical abilities. With the help of my teacher Noah Gladstone, this concerto has been integral in my transition into a better musician.”
Sie is also grateful for the “incredible experience” of being part of PYMO.
“From the challenging repertoire of the ensemble to the weekend retreat where you meet tons of new friends, this orchestra has become a valuable part of my high school career,” he explains. “ Jo Stoup really works hard to make sure all of the members are dedicated to what they do, which is one of the reasons why I look forward to coming every week. I'll definitely miss this orchestra once the season ends in May.”
And the orchestra will miss Stoup, adds Board President Lisa Gladstone.
“Jo implemented our Musical Leadership program, utilizing local young professional musicians to coach our members,” says Gladstone. “We have seen the repertoire expand in difficulty and the musical ability of our students soar. It is so fitting that Jo’s final concert with PYMO takes place on Mother’s Day because she has truly been the lifeblood, the heart, the ‘mother’ of the orchestra – nurturing us and guiding us. For her years of service, artistry and contributions to the community, we extend our heartfelt thanks.”
But, according to Stoup, it is she who benefited most from her tenure at PYMO. “It's been the singular high point of my teaching career to have been the conductor of the Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra,” says Stoup, whose association with PYMO began in 1995, with a yearly ‘gig’ as guest conductor. “The young musicians have been an inspiration to me, as have my coaching staff and the PYMO board, led by the incredible President, Lisa Gladstone.”
She is also leaving the orchestra in more than capable hands artistically, Stoup adds. “Maestro Fung Ho is a fabulous conductor and musician and is very excited about the prospect of taking over next season,” explains Stoup, who will remain involved with PYMO in an advisory capacity and return to guest conduct. “I am sure the orchestra will continue to grow and succeed for years to come.”
Tickets for “Petrouchka” may be purchased at the door for the suggested donation price of $7 for adults and $5 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
Auditions for the orchestra will be held May 19 and 20. An audition form and audition requirements can be downloaded from PYMO’s website.
Pasadena City College is located at 1570 East Colorado Blvd in Pasadena, with parking available at any PCC student lot for $2.
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