The 90 member Oklahoma Youth Orchestra is participating in the world premiere of Lowak Shoppala (Fire and Light), with music by Jerod Tate, narration by Linda Hogan, costumes and stage design by Margaret Roach Wheeler, and choreography by Cara Crawford.  The premiere performances are Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 7:00 pm, and Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 2:00 pm; both are at the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center on the campus of East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.
 
Under the direction of Dr. John Clinton, the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra is an auditioned ensemble of the most advanced high school musicians, and is the premier youth orchestra in Oklahoma.  It is the flagship orchestra of the Guy Fraser Harrison Academy, which sponsors nine instrumental ensembles with a total enrollment of 400 students.  Dr. Clinton is Dean of the College of Arts, Media and Design at the University of Central Oklahoma, and has served as the conductor since 1992. 
 
Commissioned by the American Composers Forum Continental Harmony Project, the work is in seven scenes, featuring orchestra, narration, traditional Chickasaw dancers, vocal soloists, storyteller, children’s chorus, and modern dancers.  Each scene depicts a part of Chickasaw culture and history.
 
Tickets are free but seating is limited.  For more information or to reserve tickets, contact the Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities at 580-272-5520 or email performance@chickasaw.net. Please specify which performance and the number of seats preferred.
 
The Oklahoma Youth Orchestra’s participation is partially funded through a grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, and the Kirkpatrick Foundation.  The Harrison Academy is a member agency of Allied Arts.  For further information, please call the Harrison Academy office at 232-1199, or e-mail the Academy at info@harrisonacademy.org.

Categories: Concerts & Shows