Congratulations are in order to the Calgary Youth Orchestra who received a rave review for their concert in Granada as they toured and participated in the Celebration of Music in Spain.

La Opinion de Granada — Sunday, December 31, 2006
Critica. Centro Cultural Manuel de Falla

The Calgary Youth Orchestra (Canada) originates from the Mount Royal College Conservatory and, from what we heard here, it justifies the claim that it is one of the most prestigious youth orchestras in Canada. The young musicians, under the skilful baton of Edmond Agopian, entertained with a diverse repertoire and provided some moments in which the music was elevated to an unexpected level from musicians of this age. They started with Hebrides Overture by Mendelssohn, a piece with enigmatic spirit. Then they performed Frivolités canadiennes, Calma by the Canadian composer Godfrey Ridout, a piece with harmonious dynamics and a cosmopolitan tune. The bond between Agopian and the CYO reached its best moment in the exciting piece, The Portuguese Inn by Cherubini. The connection between the movements, the emphasis, the dynamic control of impeccable resolution, and the precise rhythmic beat, flavoured with a good dramatic tempo, made this piece a pleasure. The Hungarian and Slavonic Dances by Brahms and Dvorak, respectively, were played with such sincere enthusiasm that it generated a rush felt by all. The same kind of emotion occurred with Le Cid Ballet Suite by Jules Massenet. This authentic French piece in Spanish fashion gave us the occasion to musically stroll through Spain and to perceive that sublime rhythmic beat that the French composer was able to grasp, and that Agopian, with the CYO, was able to interpret in a vigorous and exciting version with a Spanish flavour that left the audience delighted. As an encore, with the essence of real Spanish music: Andalucia by the Cuban composer, Ernesto Lecuona, confirmed their success.