SB’s Youth Symphonie Jeunesse going on tour with ‘American Idol’ finalist
Michel Nolan, Staff Writer Posted 09 December 2011

Any “American Idol” runner-up will tell you -- if you want a stunning performance, a good orchestra is what you need.

Especially when that orchestra is comprised of ultra talented string musicians as youthful as the overnight singing sensation himself.

David Archuleta, a finalist in “Idol’s” seventh season, considered several orchestral choices before he made plans for his nationwide Christmas tour.

His decision? Our own Youth Symphonie Jeunesse of San Bernardino, conducted by teacher and symphony cellist Michele Tacchia.

Youth Symphonie Jeunesse Orchestra will accompany David, now 20, for the Los Angeles portion of the tour, which runs from Dec. 14 through 17.

David’s tour is called “My Kind of Christmas” and we will be his orchestra of choice on that leg of his tour, according to Michele, who founded the ensemble.

“My orchestra kids are absolutely over-the-moon with excitement for this opportuniy,” she said.

“This is a very big deal for our community. Any youth orchestra from L.A. could have been chosen, but WE were.”

Michele will conduct 27 of her young musicians for three performances: 7 p.m. Wednesday at Club Nokia, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles; 8 p.m. Friday at the Majestic Ventura Theatre, 26 S. Chesnut St., Ventura; and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at The Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim.

Each of these theaters seats between 2,000 and 3,000 people and his concerts always sell out,

The program will include “Ave Maria,” “O Holy Night,” “Pat-A-Pan,” “What Child Is This” and “Silent Night.”

Michele, in the spring of 2008, met with Dr. Ernie Garcia and the San Bernardino Valley Concert Association to propose a youth orchestra in the community.

Symphonie Jeunesse was established through a generous grant from the Frank Plash Endowment, under the auspices of SBVCA.

Students range in age from 12 to 19 and represent the communities of San Bernardino, Rialto and Redlands.

Symphonie Jeunesse operates on donations, which provide scholarships to young musicians, allowing them to participate without paying tuition, as well as providing funds to purchase music and supplies.

Source: http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_19512452

Just added a slideshow of gah-some pix to our Westbury Tour Page thanks to maureen