Concert to showcase young talents

Master of music composition student Kenji Kuriyama will showcase his original work titled “Guanacaste Fanfare, Concerto in D minor” today at the Musical Arts Youth Orchestra’s “Musical Legends II.”

Kuriyama’s piece was chosen by both IU faculty and MAYO members to be featured because of its upbeat and lively qualities.

MAYO’s mission is to provide musical training to students of all skill levels and backgrounds and to prepare students not just as musicians, but also community members.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at Bloomington North High School’s auditorium.

Admission is free but donations will be accepted.

A native of Costa Rica, Kuriyama has developed a style that calls upon both Asian melodies and Latin rhythm to produce a distinctive sound.

“I hear in my head gestures, vague ideas, shapes and colors, which in turn build into something worth pursuing,” Kuriyama said in a press release. “I often ignore my fingers and listen to pieces in my head. It is what I do, what I live for.”

Also set to perform today is the Junior Division MAYO Concerto Competition winner, Gabe Martins. Martins will present the Lalo Cello Concerto in D minor, and MAYO’s symphony will accompany him.

MAYO music director Jose Valencia said the missions of musical organizations should foster music written by young musicians and work hard to connect students with new music.

“I am blessed to be shaping in some small way the talents of many young people,” Valencia said. “I feel strongly that life is more colorful and exciting when music is woven into its fabric.”