American Youth Symphony Returns to ESMoA for Second Series of One-on-One Concerts

(January 5, 2021, Los Angeles, CA) – American Youth Symphony (AYS) and ESMoA have partnered once again to keep live music alive with its second installment of intimate one-on-one concerts on Saturday, December 12th, between 5:00-7:00pm.

Held at ESMoA in the SPECIFIC GALLERY? one musician will perform for one audience member. There will be a succession of four one-on-one performances, each 15 minutes long played by AYS bassist Moses Aubrey, and AYS violist Sarah Wilksinson. Both Moses and Sarah recently went through AYS’ virtual audition process, and are two of 21 musicians that have joined this orchestra this fall. 

NUMBER of spots are available and tickets will be awarded using a lottery system. Please visit https://www.aysymphony.org/1on1/ for more information. 

“During our first series of one-on-one concerts at ESMoA, it quickly became clear that people miss the live music experience considerably, and need it now more than ever, ” said Tara Aesquivel, AYS Executive Director. “We are grateful for our partnership with ESMoA, which allows us to continue providing the safe opportunity for connection and joy through music.”

This project is inspired by Marina Abramovic’s “The Artist is Present” 2010 performance at MoMA and the Stuttgart State Opera and the SWR Symphony Orchestra’s 1:1 performances at the Stuttgart Airport in Germany this May. AYS and ESMoA are committed to reimagining concert experiences during the pandemic period, to foster connection and healing during this isolating time. 

AYS and ESMoA are taking health and safety seriously and following CDC and LA County recommendations for in-person events. Guests, staff, and musicians will follow COVID-19 safety regulations as part of AYS’ event guidelines. 

About the Artists

Moses Aubrey, Bass

Moses Aubrey started his musical career with Harmony Project/YOLA. Two “El Sistema” inspired organizations in Los Angeles. While in these programs Moses had the opportunity to Collaborate with El Sistema Japan, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Simon Bolivar Orchestra among others. He was selected to be in the Orchestra of the Future which played at the Nobel Prize Concert (2017) under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel. In the summer of 2019, Moses toured Mexico with the Orchestra of the Americas. Recently, Moses graduated from UCLA and will start his artist diploma at the Glen Gould School Fall of 2021.

In his spare time, Moses can be found outside photographing any wildlife from jumping spiders to great blue herons and everything in between.

Sarah Wilkinson, viola

Sarah Wilkinson is a violist from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is a member of American Youth Symphony and Thornton Symphony Orchestra, and has played with Pueblo Symphony, Aspen Festival Orchestra, Lamont Symphony Orchestra, and the Albuquerque Youth Symphony. She has performed in masterclasses with Paul Neubauer, Sibbi Bernhardsson, Carol Rodland, Jutta Puchammer, Matt Haimovitz, and Ivo Van Der Werff. In the past summers, Sarah has enjoyed participating in The Aspen Music Festival and School, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Marrowstone Music Festival, and InterHarmony International Music Festival in Italy. She is currently working towards her Master of Music degree in Viola performance at the University of Southern California, studying under Karen Dreyfus. Sarah received her Bachelor of Music degree in Viola Performance from the University of Denver, where she studied with Basil Vendryes and graduated Cum Laude in 2019.

About American Youth Symphony

Founded in 1964 by renowned conductor Mehli Mehta, the American Youth Symphony inspires the future of classical music by training the next generation of professional musicians and building new audiences for orchestral music. AYS presents ambitious seasons that feature thoughtful programming of exceptionally high quality, covering a breadth of symphonic music, including beloved classics, film scores, chamber works, and contemporary pieces.  AYS is committed to reflecting the diversity of Los Angeles in its programming, representing artists and composers of all genders, generations, and ethnicities. AYS is also committed to equity within the orchestra, by holding blind, free auditions, and by paying musicians instead of charging tuition. AYS concerts are presented for free or low cost, at world-class concert halls and local community venues alike, with the goal of welcoming anyone who is interested to enjoy this beautiful art form. https://aysymphony.org/   

About ESMoA

ESMoA is an art laboratory located in El Segundo, California and it is run by artlab21 Foundation. Our mission is to Spread the Spark of Creativity through the display and education of visual arts. ESMoA functions as a catalyst for creative thinking offering unique Experiences. The Experiences – our word for exhibition/exhibit – present a variety of media, including sculpture, painting, works on paper, performances, and photography. https://esmoa.org/