The initiative of the Lord of the Mountains Concert Series to provide unique musical experiences to audiences of Summit County and neighboring communities was realized by the memorable Nov. 7 “Dance with Me” concert performed by the Colorado Young Sinfonia. This ensemble, composed of 24 young musicians from Denver and surrounding communities, ranging from 13-30 years of age (the elder being “young at heart”), gave a peak performance that could have been held on any musical stage in the country or abroad. The robust conducting by Basil Vendrydes, founder of the Sinfonia and principal violist of the Colorado Symphony, used heart-warming facial expressions, gentle robotics, and exacting downbeats of tempo, to elicit from players in each section of the orchestra the full expression of their individual depth of musical talent. The dance-like rhythms of the musical selections, both from classical composers, Purcell, Debussy, and Dvorak, to more contemporary works of Parry and Alberto Williams, left those in the audience with renewed spirits of harmony that goes well beyond and appreciation of the music itself.

Each of the members of this ensemble is to be commended for leaving with us such a feeling that all is well with the world. The harp solo, performed by Ann Marie Liss, a widely toured performer and faculty member of Colorado College, was particularly engrossing.

The next concert in the Lord of the Mountains Concert Series will be on Sunday, December 12, when the Sanctuary Choir performs Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols,” under the direction of Leonard Rhodes, choir director, organist, and composer.