Youth symphony concert will pay tribute to late CSUSB professor Saylor

The Symphonie Jeunesse Youth Orchestra will present a concert and tribute to the late CSUSB professor Richard Saylor on Saturday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Recital Hall.

Orchestra director and CSUSB alumni Michéle Tacchia has envisioned Symphonie Jeunesse for many years. "One summer, while mentoring a young high school violin student, she posed this question: 'Mrs. T, would you ever consider starting a youth orchestra for kids like me?' Those inspired words prompted me to pursue this vision."

In spring of 2007, Tacchia met with Dr. Ernie Garcia and the San Bernardino
Valley Concert Association (SBVCA) to propose a youth orchestra for
strings in the community. Symphonie Jeunesse was established through a
generous grant from the Frank Plash Endowment, under the auspices of SBVCA.

Frank Plash was an ardent supporter of classical music and fine arts in
the area. He lectured at symphony concerts, promoted live music, and
could be seen in attendance at concerts. Taccia adds, "To commemorate his memory and
his wish that live arts continue to flourish, I have adopted this motto
for the Symphonie Jeunesse orchestra: Preserving Live Arts Symphonic Heritage."

For more information on the concert, contact Jessica Isaac in the music department at (909) 537-7516.

Date: 4/13/2010