Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestras; KJSO

On February 2 and 3, 2024, Relic will give public concerts at Kalamazoo College and First Congregational Church, two accessible spaces within walking distance of many of our students. On the afternoon of February 3, Relic’s founders, who include a KJSO alumna, will give a presentation on historical performance and early music styles, discuss their journey as a self-made ensemble, and allow students to try historical instruments. After a snack break, they will lend students Baroque bows and engage with them in a side-by-side early music reading. KJSO hosts a diverse roster of over 200 gifted young musicians between six and 18 years of age, many of whom found their passion for music through the local El Sistema-based music program for underserved students. With historical performance skyrocketing to the forefront of classical music culture in recent years, the ability to understand and play in this style will be an immense advantage for our emerging musicians.