September 28, 2025 [Davidson, North Carolina] – The North Carolina Youth Orchestra (NCYO) proudly opened its 2025–26 season with a faculty recital on Sunday, September 28 at Davidson College Presbyterian Church. The concert showcased NCYO’s exceptional artistic faculty, offering audiences a wide-ranging program of masterworks and contemporary selections for winds, strings, brass, and piano.
Performers included NCYO artistic faculty members Alex Wilborn, Andrew Fierova, Samuel Sparrow, Nick Ritter, Jen Bassett, Tom Burge, Eric Boruff and guest pianist Erik Lawrence.
The afternoon opened with Eino Tamberg’s Trumpet Concerto, Op. 42, performed by Wilborn and Lawrence, followed by selections ranging from John Williams’ With Malice Towards None to James Naigus’ Solstice, and Camille Saint-Saëns’ Clarinet Sonata, Op. 167. The program also featured Melvin Solomon’s whimsical Études to Spring for solo bassoon, a stirring duet from Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers, Fritz Kreisler’s beloved Liebesfreud, and Beethoven’s monumental “Archduke” Piano Trio. The concert concluded with a bold performance of Lauren Bernofsky’s Trio for Brass.
“This recital highlighted the artistry of our NCYO faculty, who not only teach and inspire our young musicians but also perform at the highest professional level,” said NCYO Director Eric Boruff. “We are thrilled to share this music with the community as we begin an exciting season ahead.”
The event drew audiences from across the Charlotte region and served as a celebration of both faculty excellence and the NCYO’s mission to foster accessibility, mentorship, and inspiration for the next generation of orchestral musicians.
For more information on NCYO’s upcoming season and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ncyo.
