Allied Arts

Name and Title: Robert Cooper, Executive Director
Organization Name: Guy Fraser Harrison Academy for the Performing Arts/Oklahoma Youth Orchestras
Phone Number and Web Site: 232-1199; www.harrisonacademy.org (Our website is in the process of being totally revamped)
 
Give us the gist of your organization, Twitter-style (that means 140 characters or less).
The mission of the Harrison Academy/Oklahoma Youth Orchestras is to provide advanced instruction and performance opportunities for talented young musicians.
 
What does your organization bring to Central Oklahoma?
Oklahoma Youth Orchestras has 400 students in nine ensembles performing both string and wind instruments in Central and Western Oklahoma. Students range from older elementary students through the most advanced high school musicians. Our program has grown to be one of the larger youth orchestra programs in the United States.
 
List a few things that your organization is looking forward to in the coming year.
We performed the world premiere of Fire and Light, by Chickasaw composer Jerod Tate, this past weekend. 

In March, the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra will present the Oklahoma premiere of Chasing Light...by Joseph Schwantner, as a part of the Ford Made in America project. We are one of only five youth orchestras participating in this project.

In July, we will be touring and performing in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
 
How can people get involved with your organization?
Come to our concerts!  We have several during the year in various locations throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area; call 232-1199 for a schedule.
 
Name your favorite piece of art or art performance.
It is difficult to name one particular piece, given that my interests range from orchestral to liturgical music, but one of my favorite pieces is the Requiem by Spanish Renaissance composer Tomas Luis de Victoria. Very few pieces can compare to its message and beauty.
 
Which artist would you most like to meet?
I would love to have the opportunity to meet and talk with Gustavo Dudamel, the new conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Imagine being named the music director of a major American orchestra at the age of 26!