Charity concert featuring young musicians hopes to inspire donations for after-school program

Source: Facebook/Winspear Centre

An annual charity concert featuring young musicians will return to the Winspear Centre for a night of music on June 4.

The Youth Orchestra of Northern Alberta (YONA) and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) will unite in a “powerful performance showcasing over a decade of impact,” ESO wrote in a press release.

YONA, now in its 12th year, is a free after-school program that works with local schools, like the Kiphotakâw Education Centre at Alexander First Nation, to provide students with the opportunity to learn music, build self-confidence and engage in a safe environment.

“From a humble beginning of 20 students to now over 200, YONA has been a beacon of hope and transformation for countless young lives,” said YONA site manager Olivia Menard in a press release.

“As we continue this incredible journey, we eagerly anticipate reaching and enriching the lives of thousands more in the years to come.”

The program plans to expand its partnership from its foundation with Edmonton Catholic Schools and add a new site in Edmonton Public Schools within the next year.

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This year’s concert is titled Road to Joy and seats can be reserved online or by calling the Winspear Box Office at 780-428-1414.

Tickets are free, but organizers welcome donations to help support the youth program.