YOUNGSTOWN, OH (May 2, 2025) – Youngstown State University’s Cliffe College of Creative Arts is proud to present a concert by the Youngstown State University Youth Orchestra Sunday, May 4, at 4:00 PM at Stambaugh Auditorium.

Open to all area students ages 13-18 by audition only, the Youth Orchestra is directed by Dr. Michael S. Butler and assistant directed by Richard Smrek. The orchestra consists of two groups: the Symphony Orchestra, which features woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments, and the Symphonettes, which is a string-only group primarily designed for middle school-aged students. The Youth Orchestra presents two concerts annually. 

The concert will feature a variety of musical pieces to showcase the diverse talent of the orchestra’s students. Beginning with Carl Nielsen’s Aladdin Suite, the concert will continue with John William’s The Imperial March and Édouard Lalós Symphonie Espaganole before concluding with Ludwig Göransson’s Selections from Black Panther and Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s March Slave, Op. 31. 

William Boyd, a senior at Ursuline High School, will be the evening’s featured soloist. Boyd began playing the violin at age three and joined the Youth Orchestra seven years ago. Having served as a member of The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, he has received a combined 16 superior ratings across concerto and solo competitions as part of the National Federation of Music Clubs. 

Entry to this event is free and open to the public. Parking is available on-site.

For more information, contact Katie Merrill, Cliffe College Coordinator of Community Engagement and Events, at 330-941-2307 or [email protected].