United Youth Orchestra

06/09/2026

Dear all,

Ella is not available and there fore three soloists at the slot as in the programme below.

Ludwig van Beethoven — Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67: IV. Allegro
The famous four-note opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is transformed in the final movement into a triumphant C major. This powerful finale provides a dramatic and energetic opening to the concert.
Edvard Grieg — Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16: I. Allegro molto moderato
Grieg’s Piano Concerto combines the drama of the Romantic concerto with the distinctive colours and rhythms of Norwegian music. The first movement is particularly memorable for its opening piano flourish, lyrical themes and brilliant contrasts between soloist and orchestra. The featured soloist is the Orchestra Leader Raphael Wu.
Members’ Solo Performances
(Jessie Chan (piano), Lucas Han (violin), Angie Wang (piano))
Three short performances by members of the United Youth Orchestra provide an opportunity for our musicians to step forward as soloists and share their individual musical talents with the audience.
Edward Elgar — Chanson de Matin, Op. 15 No. 2
Written as a companion to Chanson de Nuit, Chanson de Matin is brighter and more animated. Its fresh, flowing melody creates a cheerful contrast and evokes the feeling of a new morning.
Jean Sibelius — Andante Festivo
Originally composed for strings, Andante Festivo is one of Sibelius’s most serene and deeply felt works. Its simple, hymn-like character and spacious harmonies create an atmosphere of quiet dignity and reflection.
Edward Elgar — Ni**od, from Enigma Variations, Op. 36
Ni**od is perhaps the most famous of Elgar’s Enigma Variations. With its gradually unfolding melody and restrained intensity, it has become one of the most moving expressions of friendship and remembrance in the orchestral repertoire.
Edvard Grieg — Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, Op. 65 No. 6
Written for piano and later orchestrated, Wedding Day at Troldhaugen captures the joy and celebration of a Norwegian wedding. Its lively rhythms, contrasting lyrical sections and brilliant ending make it a natural festive conclusion to the concert.
Please prepare the music in your BLACK folder in order and watch the YouTube sites provided below with your score to read.
On the concert day details were sent last week and read it carefully.
This Friday is extended and starts at 6:30pm at the bandroom.

See you all this Friday,

Yoshi

22/08/2026

Dear all,

Now only three rehearsals before the concert on Sun 13 Sept.
I am waiting reply from Hilda Ross retirement village for more details.
After that I will send you the details of the concert day.
By the way I changed my mind for the programme to reduce one piece (Chanson de Nuit) because of tight rehearsal.
Now this is the programme for next concert.

Ludwig van Beethoven — Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67: IV. Allegro
The famous four-note opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is transformed in the final movement into a triumphant C major. This powerful finale provides a dramatic and energetic opening to the concert.
Edvard Grieg — Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16: I. Allegro molto moderato
Grieg’s Piano Concerto combines the drama of the Romantic concerto with the distinctive colours and rhythms of Norwegian music. The first movement is particularly memorable for its opening piano flourish, lyrical themes and brilliant contrasts between soloist and orchestra.
Members’ Solo Performances
(Jessie Chan (piano), Lucas Han (violin), Angie Wang (piano))
Three short performances by members of the United Youth Orchestra provide an opportunity for our musicians to step forward as soloists and share their individual musical talents with the audience.
Edward Elgar — Chanson de Matin, Op. 15 No. 2
Written as a companion to Chanson de Nuit, Chanson de Matin is brighter and more animated. Its fresh, flowing melody creates a cheerful contrast and evokes the feeling of a new morning.
Jean Sibelius — Andante Festivo
Originally composed for strings, Andante Festivo is one of Sibelius’s most serene and deeply felt works. Its simple, hymn-like character and spacious harmonies create an atmosphere of quiet dignity and reflection.
Edward Elgar — Ni**od, from Enigma Variations, Op. 36
Ni**od is perhaps the most famous of Elgar’s Enigma Variations. With its gradually unfolding melody and restrained intensity, it has become one of the most moving expressions of friendship and remembrance in the orchestral repertoire.
Edvard Grieg — Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, Op. 65 No. 6
Written for piano and later orchestrated, Wedding Day at Troldhaugen captures the joy and celebration of a Norwegian wedding. Its lively rhythms, contrasting lyrical sections and brilliant ending make it a natural festive conclusion to the concert.
Please prepare the music in your BLACK folder in order and watch the YouTube sites provided below with your score to read.

See you all this Friday,

Yoshi

18/08/2026

Dear all,

Next concert is on Sun 13 Sept at Hilda Ross Retirement Village.
The tentative music order and programme notes are as below.
Please organise your black folder.
We need 3-4 soloists for the concert.
Please let me know.

See you all this Friday,

Yoshi

Ludwig van Beethoven — Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67: IV. Allegro
The famous four-note opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is transformed in the final movement into a triumphant C major. This powerful finale provides a dramatic and energetic opening to the concert.
Edvard Grieg — Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16: I. Allegro molto moderato
Grieg’s Piano Concerto combines the drama of the Romantic concerto with the distinctive colours and rhythms of Norwegian music. The first movement is particularly memorable for its opening piano flourish, lyrical themes and brilliant contrasts between soloist and orchestra.
Members’ Solo Performances
Three to Four short performances by members of the United Youth Orchestra provide an opportunity for our musicians to step forward as soloists and share their individual musical talents with the audience.
Edward Elgar — Chanson de Nuit, Op. 15 No. 1
Gentle and lyrical, Chanson de Nuit shows Elgar’s gift for creating warm, singing melodies with subtle orchestral colour. Its reflective character provides a graceful beginning to the final part of the concert.
Edward Elgar — Chanson de Matin, Op. 15 No. 2
Written as a companion to Chanson de Nuit, Chanson de Matin is brighter and more animated. Its fresh, flowing melody creates a cheerful contrast and evokes the feeling of a new morning.
Jean Sibelius — Andante Festivo
Originally composed for strings, Andante Festivo is one of Sibelius’s most serene and deeply felt works. Its simple, hymn-like character and spacious harmonies create an atmosphere of quiet dignity and reflection.
Edward Elgar — Ni**od, from Enigma Variations, Op. 36
Ni**od is perhaps the most famous of Elgar’s Enigma Variations. With its gradually unfolding melody and restrained intensity, it has become one of the most moving expressions of friendship and remembrance in the orchestral repertoire.
Edvard Grieg — Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, Op. 65 No. 6
Written for piano and later orchestrated, Wedding Day at Troldhaugen captures the joy and celebration of a Norwegian wedding. Its lively rhythms, contrasting lyrical sections and brilliant ending make it a natural festive conclusion to the concert.

12/08/2026

Dear all,

We have all music for next concerts, 5 from me and 2 from Tony.
Concerts are on Sun 13 Sept at Hilda Ross Retirement village and Sun 18 Oct at University hall.
Only five rehearsals before the Sept concert.
Please listen YouTube below with your score.

See you all this Friday,

Yoshi

25/07/2026

Dear all,

Rehearsals resumed last Friday with several new members.
Welcome to Nathaniel (1st violin), Grace (2nd violin), Jessie (3rd violin), Psalm (cello). Nathaniel & Grace are 2nd year student at univ of Waikato.
On the other hand we lost Timmy (Sax) & Taiyu (Clarinet) as their family shifted to UK, Henry (flute) officially, and Anna (cello) who did not come back for entire term2.
Now together there are 30 members.
We rehearsed several music toward two concerts on Sun 13 Sept at Hilda Ross Retirement Village and on Sun 18 Oct at Gallagher APA at Univ of Waikato.
The music is available at YouTube sites as below.
To 3rd violin, Clarinet, Alto sax:
Wedding Day at Troldhaugen - "To Coda" is missing on bar 55. After bar 55 jump to Coda at bar 107. Thanks.

Elgar: Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 9. Adagio "Ni**od" (5mins)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbfUl9Pxnas
Sibelius: Andante Festivo (original string orchestra, 6mins)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlaECb_-pAg
Lyric Pieces, Book 8, Op. 65, No. 6. Wedding-Day at Troldhaugen (different arrangement with shorter ending, 6mins)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A43Y2c92YM
Finale from Symphony No. 5 - Beethoven, arr. Vernon Leidig (5mins)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SOMXi4v240

See you all this Friday,

Yoshi

22/07/2026

Dear all,

Rehearsal will resume this Friday on 24th at the bandroom at 7pm.
I will bring all brand new music.
If your friend comes to the rehearsal, please let me know especially instrument.
I need to prepare.

See you all,

Yoshi

03/07/2026

Dear all,

Concert video and photos are uploaded at the home page.
Please visit,
https://www.unitedyouth.nz/music.html
Next rehearsal is on Friday 24th July with all new music.

Have a great break,

Yoshi

Explore featured performances and our video archive of concerts.

29/06/2026

Dear all,

Another Congratulations!
The Winter concert achieved one level up!
The concert went very well with many audience and your concentrations and behaviour.
I believe you enjoyed the concert especially new players in 2026.
In my observation Homage March and In a Persian Market are the most brilliant.
Thanks to all especially Orchestra Leader Raphael, Deputy and MC Kaidi, Soloists, Section Leaders, seniors, guests, parents and supporters.
This is the last event in term2 and we resume rehearsals on Fri 24 July.
I am preparing all new music for second half of the year.

Have a good break,

Yoshi

20/06/2026

Dear all,

Please read this notice for the concert.
This is last activity in term2.
After this next rehearsal will be on Friday 24 July in term3.
The homepage is updated with videos and some photos.
https://www.unitedyouth.nz/music.html

See you all this Friday at 6:30pm sharp,

Yoshi

Venue: St Matthew’s Anglican Church, 269 Thames St, Morrinsville (see map above)
Date: Sunday, 28th June 2026
Tentative Schedule:
1:00pm: All Players reporting at the Church, sound check and tuning
2:00pm –3:30pm: Concert
(no afternoon tea provided)
Programme:(Please put music in black folder in following order)
(UYO)
Gluck: Dance of Furies
Stolzel: Bist Du Bei Mir
Haydn; Symphony No.100, Finale
Grieg: Homage March
(Member’s solo stage)
Emerald Wang (violin), Tony Wu (piano)
Mumu Bai (piano)
Angie Wang (piano)
Sofia Chen (violin), Tony Wu (piano)
(UYO)
Barnes: Yorkshire Ballad
Ketelbey: In a Persian Market
Chambers: Byzantine Dances
Holst: I Vow to Thee, My Country
(encore) Thaikovsky: Russian Dance
Dress Code: Formal dress – UYO uniform OR black top, black dress/skirt/trousers,
black socks/stockings, black shoes (no sneakers).
PLESAE NOTE: Extended rehearsal 6:30pm – 9:00pm on Friday 26 June.
To Guest players, Please bring your own music stand, thanks.

Explore featured performances and our video archive of concerts.

15/06/2026

Next concert in Morrinsville. All welcome!