The Lone Star Youth Orchestra continues its season on March 3 with a concert titled “HAYDN & THE HEN”. The star piece is Symphony No. 83 in G minor by Joseph Haydn (“The Hen”). works by William Grant Still (“Cumbia y Congo” by Panama Danzas) and Edward German (“Torch Dance” from Incidental Music to Henry VIII) complete the one-hour program.

Haydn was known as “the father of the symphony”. The nickname for this piece comes from a theme played by violins in the first movement that evokes a clucking sound – which reminded 19th century listeners of the jerky movement of a walking hen’s head – and a pattern of accompaniment by the oboe which looks like a scratching hen. All this poses the musical question. . . Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

William Grant Still was one of the most important African-American composers of the 20th century, so much so that he was nicknamed “The dean of African-American composers”. LSYO is proud to explore the world of music in order to present composers old and new, across civilizations and cultures.

Single tickets are available by visiting IrvingArtsCenter.com, calling (972) 252-2787, or purchasing them at the door. Ticket prices are $ 6.50 per student and $ 13.50 for adults. Safety protocols in effect this season require assigned seats to ensure physical distancing. Masks are mandatory and must be worn all the time members of the public are inside the room. No cash payment will be accepted. Print-at-home ticketing is available. Call and walk-in tickets will be printed on arrival.

“HAYDN & THE HEN” will take place on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at Carpenter Hall at the Irving Arts Center. The address of the Arts Center is 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75062.

The Lone Star Youth Orchestra is the only tuition-free youth orchestra in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is one of the most crucial pre-college experiences for talented high school instrumentalists. Membership of the Lone Star Youth Orchestra is open to all middle and high school string, woodwind, brass and percussion players. LSYO offers rolling auditions throughout the season for interested student musicians. Additional information regarding the auditions can be found at www.lascolinassymphony.org/lsyo or by calling (972) 252-4800.

Now in his sixth year as conductor of the Lone Star Youth Orchestra, Dr. Kevin Pearce brings a unique combination of world-class musical experience and an endless commitment to education. Pearce was named a finalist for the 2020 American Conducting Award, Youth Orchestras Division. He currently teaches orchestra at Rockwall ISD, where he was nominated for the 2020-21 Teacher of the Year at Cain Middle School. Prior to his move to North Texas, Pearce served from 2008 to 2013 as the first orchestral director at Cypress Lakes High School in the western suburbs of Houston. While in Texas, the orchestras under his direction won several UIL competition awards and top honors at local and national festivals.

For more information on the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra or the Lone Star Youth Orchestra, please visit LasColinasSymphony.org.