“Flash! Bang!”: Centenary Youth Orchestra concert to feature surprises

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Talented young musicians will show off their skills during the Centenary Youth Orchestra (CYO) spring concert titled “Flash! Bang!”. The free concert takes place Monday, April 21, 2025 in Anderson Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

CYO conductor Dan Santelices says the theme refers to pieces using percussion instruments in splashy, unexpected ways and he promises the concert will be jam-packed with variety.

“For me, our concert theme also anticipates the audience reaction of ‘Wow!’ after hearing the skillful and expressive ability levels of each of these winners,” said Santelices. “In a way, they are ‘flashes.’ It’s such a privilege to have these young people in the orchestra and/or attending the college for a short time. Many of them go on, whether in music or not, to do great things.”

The concert will feature winners of the CYO Concerto Competition: Darick Harris (Haughton High School), Ivy Joseph (Caddo Magnet High School), and Parker Hoffman (Caddo Magnet High School). Centenary Soprano Nina Guerrero ’26 won the Hurley Vocal Competition and will sing George Frideric Handel’s aria “Lascia ch’io pianga” and George Gershwin’s “My Man’s Gone” from the opera, Porgy and Bess.

“The concert will include honoring all of our Centenary and senior high school members,” said Santelices. “It is the most emotional part for me to recognize their dedication and musical contributions to the CYO. We celebrate their impending graduations, moving on to the next chapter in their lives and thank them publicly.”

“The CYO provides college-level playing experiences for advanced instrumentalists ages 13 and above. CYO members perform repertoire for strings, woodwinds, and brass in both chamber and large-scale orchestral settings,” explained Kathryn Deville, Senior Director of Marketing and Communication. “The CYO founded its Concerto Competition in 2019 to further encourage CYO members in their pursuit of excellence in the field of music.”