Orchestra to World Premiere Lennon Leppert's 'Die Himmel im Tag'

LOS ANGELES (Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra/ www.cinemediapromotions.com) - Lennon Leppert will guest conduct the world premiere of his composition "Die Himmel im Tag" (The Heavens Day) on January 28, 2005. The piece, the first movement of the seven movement suite "Die Himmel Zimmerflucht" (The Heavens Suite), will be performed by the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra (CVYO).

At only 17 years old, Leppert's compositions have been performed by several orchestras including the Pepperdine University Summer Strings Orchestra and the CVYO with the Los Robles Children's Choir. He composed cues for "Antietam Expedition Guide," a CD-Rom for the History Channel, and three Learning Channel programs. A member of BMI, Leppert is a trained vocalist, has studied piano, trumpet, cello, orchestral percussion and drums.

"Die Himmel Zimmerflucht" represents an entire 24-hour day. "The entire piece is conceived as a passage of time, with each movement representing another segment of the day," says Leppert. "The last movement is night going back into day, and can loop back into the first movement like a day would." "Die Himmel im Tag," the first movement, characterizes dawn through early afternoon.

The CVYO, currently under the direction of Bill Benson, has provided musical education opportunities for the Conejo Valley since 1961. The January 28th program, "Orchestras on Parade," features several pieces that signify movement on foot, like "March and Procession of Bacchus" (Delibes), "Dance Bacchanale" (Saint-Saens), "Jogging in the Park" (Siennicki), and "Skaters Waltz" (Waldteufel).

"Lennon is a rare talent with an exceptional sophistication and ability in both composing and orchestrating at such a young age," says Benson. "The CVYO is proud to help launch the careers of young talents such as Lennon Leppert."
After its premiere on January 28, the CVYO will adopt "Die Himmel im Tag" as its permanent theme song.

CVYO presents "Orchestras on Parade," featuring the world premiere of Lennon Leppert's "Die Himmel im Tag," 7PM on January 28 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Tickets, $15 adults, $12 students/seniors, can be purchased at the box office or by phone (805) 523-8045.
A limited number of complimentary tickets are available for educational groups by calling (805)241.6112.
CVYO is sponsored by Orchestra Alliance for the Arts, City of Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, and Macerich Corporation.