Tiny string instruments played by young performers created big and beautiful Christmas music.

On Monday, December 9 at the Village at Orchard Ridge, the Shenandoah Valley Chamber Orchestra (SVCO), strings students from the Winchester and surrounding areas who study at the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy, presented a splendid classical Christmas concert to a full house.

The concert, Christmas-themed, presented an ambitious program of serious classical repertoire. The program included  Sleigh Ride by Mozart, movements from Handel’s Water Music, Brandenburg Concerto No 3 in G by J.S. Bach, and Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 8 by Corelli. The musical scores were authentic scores, not simplified.

The young performers impressed and delighted the audience with their enthusiasm, passion, and professionalism.  The Brandenburg Concerto’s energy and tempo were well presented. As young performers, part of the learning process is coping with and overcoming stressful situations. Every musician stepped up to their responsibilities with utmost professionalism.

The students range in age from eight to late teens. Each performer played an instrument that is scaled for their size. Some violins were 1/10 size and one cello, played by Saul Saucedo was smaller than ¼.  “The SVCO provides students the opportunity to learn the traditional repertoire and practices of a chamber orchestra,” said Artistic Director  Dr. Alan Saucedo. He continued, “Students are immersed in a program that is structured in a professional orchestra format that will serve them as a bridge into the professional music world. The format includes exposure to a variety of musical genres, masterclasses with distinguished artists, collaboration with guest artists and composers, and the involvement in the community through performances.

Dr. Alan Saucedo is a distinguished award-winning cellist. He has performed and presented masterclasses in the United States, Europe, and Latin and South America. He (along with Co-artistic Director Cynthia Saucedo), bring their vast experience of chamber orchestra performance to SVCO, enriching the students’ learning opportunities.

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At the conclusion of the program, guest, Dick Gladden, sought out and congratulated the young cellist, Saul Saucedo. He told him, “Your fingering was remarkable. You knew exactly where you were going with the music and you never took your eyes off the conductor. You are a very impressive young musician. You are the next YoYo Ma.”  Saul Saucedo is nine years old. He is small and his cello is proportionately small. His chair is also scaled for his size. To see him by himself with his cello one could believe that he was already a professional. Seeing him in relation to the older students shows his diminutive stature.

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The concert brought great news! Classical music is alive and well among young people and it will endure future generations.