Welcome

from Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, PhD

Music is the international human language that fuels our inspiration to reach a deeper understanding of ourselves; it forms part of every stage of our lives, and provides us with a sense of belonging that no other art form can provide. Its artistry defies the ordinary, reaches deep into our soul, and connects us to the greater meaning of our lives and to each other.

Hence why music is so important to our youth: The love of music that FOOSA instills in them enables them to visualize a world full of potential, in collaboration with each other.

FOOSA is critical to our region because the majority of the students enrolled are from the Central Valley. Indeed, one of the most important aspects of FOOSA, for the community, is that we include all interested local students, regardless of ability to pay. Young musicians from the Central Valley are exposed to the highest possible musicianship, working with faculty from great music schools and conservatories—right in their own backyard. Imagine how our children feel after playing side-by-side with some of the most gifted orchestral musicians in the field. There is no value that can quantify this transformative experience. FOOSA also draws excellent young musicians from around the world to Fresno State. The festival, therefore, builds the local talent of our youth, while it raises the profile of the University and Fresno internationally.

FOOSA’s influence in the future of our Valley is comprehensive: While some of our students will become leading musicians, most of our youth have dreams of becoming engineers, mathematicians, architects, medical doctors, teachers, lawyers, etc. The gift of music, therefore, teaches them to collaborate and be disciplined—this while they learn how to create an art form that nurtures their creativity and analytic skills.

Our deepest gratitude goes to our distinguished and internationally renowned music guests—you give of your time and artistry to our youth because you believe that music is the answer to so many of the world’s challenges. Having such amazing artists at Fresno State here is meaningful beyond words, and your words, interpretative style, and love of music will forge our youth into invested leaders that will empower our communities.

And on this 10th anniversary of FOOSA, I want to commend Dr. Thomas Loewenheim for his unmatched energy, vision, and passion. We’re all very thankful to have such a gifted artist in our community.

To those in the audience: Let’s enjoy the sublime music and show our appreciation for FOOSA through your financial support for its worthy and noble mission.

from Dr. Honora Chapman, Dean, College of Arts & Humanities

Fresno State is very pleased to be collaborating with the Youth Orchestras of Fresno on this 2022 FOOSA Festival. Since its founding in 1911, Fresno State has promoted the study of music as a central part of the liberal arts tradition of fostering students’ artistic and intellectual growth. We hope that FOOSA’s high school participants will consider applying to Fresno State to work with our marvelous faculty, including Dr. Thomas Loewenheim, who as FOOSA’s Artistic Director has planned tirelessly towards reviving it after a two-year hiatus.

We are grateful to the FOOSA faculty who came from afar to join our Fresno State Music Department faculty and staff to make this immersive musical experience a success. FOOSA students are truly transformed by this experience of working with such stellar musicians. Finally, we appreciate the family and friends who have encouraged these FOOSA students to pursue their passion for music, since you are helping to make our world a more beautiful place.

from Dan Schwartz, Interim Executive Director, Youth Orchestras of Fresno

Each summer, we talk about “FOOSA Magic.” The Magic is what you will hear tonight from the stage - a world-class orchestra of musicians young and old, student and professional, performing at the highest level possible.

There’s much more to the Magic, though. Mounting an international summer music festival is no small feat, and it takes a broad community of dedicated people to pull it off. Countless hours are volunteered by Youth Orchestra parents. board members, and friends to manage everything from greeting musicians at the airport, hosting faculty in private homes, helping out-of-town musicians with their needs in this new-to-them locale, planning meals and dessert receptions for the orchestras, and so much more. Also adding to the FOOSA Magic are the many community organizations and businesses that assisted us in promoting this very special event, and of course the donors and underwriters who support the student musicians with scholarships and allow us to make all of our concerts completely free to the public.

Please continue to be a part of FOOSA Magic. We would be happy to speak with you about the many ways in which one can volunteer, donate, promote, or otherwise help this great community event in any capacity. You can find us at www.foosamusic.org. Thank you for being here and enjoy the concert!