The Case for an Independent Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra

Support Dr. pereira continue to be our conductor from Olivia yang’s Family

Dr. Pereira' s prowess and passion as a youth conductor is undeniable, incontrovertibly manifested in CSYO's performances and achievements. He clearly is highly invested in his involvement with CSYO, and any unjust removal of him from its helm would rob a fine vessel of its captain.

Bring Ernest Pereria back!!

If you are sincere in the stated mission to nurture a passion for orchestral music in our community, you would never consider the replacement of Dr. Pereira who is the living portrait of the love of music, dedicated to spreading the countless rewards of having a musical education, and demonstrated ability to reach each young musician in a meaningful manner.

I was appalled by the recent announcement by CSO to remove Dr. Pereira as the music director. I hope CSYO will move forward to an even brighter future.

8 years ago Featured

As the former Principal violist of the Charlotte Symphony, colleague of Ernest and mother of a former Youth Symphony musician, I'm utterly appalled at this decision and the way it's been handled by the current CEO!

I strongly support this decision.

Played for Ernest Pereria when he first arrived (in 1987?) through my graduation from high school in 1991. I have watched with great interest the continued growth and success over the years of the CSYO under Dr Pereira’s leadership. He, and the CSYO, deserve all the best.

8 years ago Featured

I am thankful for the rich knowledge and swift effectiveness of those that executed this petition. The CSYOPA is taking the higher ground and I'm proud to be on the board.

Played for Ernest Pereria when he first arrived (in 1987?) through my graduation from high school in 1991. I have watched with great interest the continued growth and success over the years of the CSYO under Dr Pereira’s leadership. He, and the CSYO, deserve all the best.

Best of luck to all!! Music is important in these kids lives! Keep it going!

Think of how wonderful it will be for these students to work with a career conductor like the assistant conductor of the CSO! Dr Pereira has certainly done an excellent job for 30 years, but how long does anyone seriously expect him to continue “conducting.” I absolutely do not support this petition and think that the students are far better off working with a career conductor. I’m excited for the future.

Removing Dr Pereira from his role in this way will be the death of the high quality Youth Orchestras that we have come to love. We are trying to keep our music kids interested in classical music not become disgusted with the politics of it. They are the future of classical music.

As a former member of the CSYO, I am appalled at this decision, and fully support the petition. I studied with Dr Pereira for several years and worked with him as concertmaster of the orchestra during high school. As the concertmaster of Austin Opera, I can confidently say that I learned more about orchestral excellence and musicianship from Dr Pereira than any other music educator I have ever worked with. He has trained countless young musicians over the years, many of whom have gone on to become professional musicians. He has brought the level of the orchestra to a quality unmatched by many collegiate-level groups. There can be no possible justification for this kind of decision, and runs with the long history of the CSO making horrible public relation choices. Dr. Pereira is well-liked and qualified on every level, and losing him would be a travesty.

from another friend of the CYSO...

S.O.S. Save Our (CSYO)Symphony... PLEASE!!!

so enjoyed the CYOS at the kennedy center millenium stage and there last visit to D.C...was amazed at how professional these young student musicians performed...this was under the leadership of conductor DR. ERNEST PEREIRA... to use an old cliche..."if it ain't broke...why fix it???" i was so in hope HE would again bring HIS CSYO to D.C. again...

I cannot fathom how someone could think Dr. Periera is not fully qualified to lead the youth orchestras. My late stepfather, Commander Allen Beck (former conductor of the US Navy Band ), considered Dr. Periera to be an exemplary conductor. As the parent of a former student, I know the enthusiasm and dedication to excellence that he cultivated in the young musicians is unmatched. As a member of the Parents' Association board, I know first hand of his professionalism and leadership. Needless to say, I fully support this petition and will do whatever I can to assist the orchestras going forward.

I strongly support the action of this petition ! I have just resigned from the CSO after 46 years of service as co-Principal bass. In that long tenure I have had the good fortune of knowing and working with Dr. Pereira. His expertise, integrity and devotion to students in the CSYO was unequivocal, and his musical development of the ensemble was evident over decades of performances for all to see. The CSO management's claim that the removal of DR. Pereira is to " improve musical quality " rings hollow in the face of the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The sudden and unexpected termination of Dr. Pereira from his position needs to be thoroughly explored and explained to his many supporters.

8 years ago Featured

Past performances and former students' careers speak for themselves. Dr. Pereira's vision, leadership and talent have created something very special for the youth, and the city, of Charlotte.