Youth orchestra to perform Dec. 2 at University of Redlands

REDLANDS, Calif. — Symphonie Jeunesse, a youth orchestra for strings, will present a holiday performance Dec. 2 as part of the Redlands branch of the American Association of University Women’s monthly meeting at the University of Redlands.

The program will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Casa Loma Room. The ensemble is directed by its founder and artistic director, Michèle Tacchia, an award-winning concert cellist who has performed across the United States, Mexico and Europe. Tacchia has been a longtime member of the San Bernardino Symphony and played with the Redlands Bowl Summer Festival Orchestra for 25 years.

Tacchia, who has taught music to children for more than three decades, has received numerous grants to create youth orchestras throughout the Inland Empire. She founded Symphonie Jeunesse in 2008 under a grant from the San Bernardino Valley Concert Association and the Frank Plash Endowment to establish a string orchestra for middle and high school students. She is now in her 17th season leading the group.

The performance will open with works by women composers, followed by seasonal songs and carols. Audience members will be invited to join in a holiday sing-along.

Community members may attend the meeting and performance for free, though seating is limited. Reservations are required to join the 5:30 p.m. social hour and dinner preceding the program. To reserve a meal, which costs $35, call 909-362-4955 or email AAUWrsvp@AAUWRedlands.org.

AAUW is a nonprofit organization that supports equity for women and girls through education, empowerment and advocacy. More information is available at AAUWRedlands.org.