Music has always been one of the most important forms of art. According to scripture, it was a gift held by the angels even before the creation of man. As a boy, David used it to soothe the raging heart of Saul, Israel’s first king. Throughout the ages of Wolfgang Mozart, Duke Ellington and John Williams, it has served as a relevant barometer to reflect the zeitgeist of an era. Now, it returns to Methodist University with an invitation for all.Join the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Sunday, March 9, at 4 p.m. as it hosts this year’s Youth Concert. Held at the Huff Concert Hall (formerly known as Reeve’s Auditorium) on the beautiful campus of Methodist University, this performance is sponsored by the Arts Council and other Cumberland County community fundraisers. It is free of charge and will be an enchanting time for those in attendance. The concert includes many great classical pieces including two from winners of the Harlan Duenow Young Artist Concerto Competition. Performing Franz Liszt’s “Piano Concerto #1” is the 2012-2013 winner, Hannah Wang. From Charlotte, this 16-year-old is talented beyond her years and shows great promise with her instrument. The 2013-2014 winner, Mary Catherine Cox, will perform Peter Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto.” The 21-year-old virtuoso was also the winner of the East Carolina University Concerto Competition.Also in the concert will be an original piece arranged and performed by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Maestro Fouad Fakhouri, the orchestra will perform “Carolina Folk Dream” along with “Overture to Nabucco” by the great Giuseppe Verdi. Featured with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, the Cumberland County Youth Orchestra will be conducted by Kristin Stiteler. Performing the patriotic pieces “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” are students of the Music Makers Program conducted by Susan Grzesnikowski and Amalia Hutchinson.Julia Atkins, Orchestra Personnel and Marketing Manager of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, is very happy to be a part of this concert. She said, “My expectations are fabulous. I hope that the students have a great experience.” Atkins plays an integral part in making the event a success each year.Founded in 1956, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra enjoys a prestigious history of enriching the minds and culture of the Fayetteville and surrounding areas. It is the goal of the FSO to inspire and educate the citizens of the greater Fayetteville are — and they do just that each time they perform. For more information, call Julia Atkins at 910.433.4690.

Photo: Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Maestro Fouad Fakhouri.