WINTER VARIATIONS will support the programs of the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra, including the Charles Ives MUsic Festival.
Friday, January 23, 2026 – 7:30 PM
Lounsbury House
(316 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT)
PURCHASE TICKETS – CLICK HERE
Tickets: $75 per person
If you cannot attend the event, but would like to make a donation or sponsor the WCYO, click HERE.
WINTER VARIATIONS will feature a performance by EMPIRE WILD!
Empire Wild is a genre-bending crossover ensemble founded by Mitchell Lyon, CIMF artist-faculty member, and Ken Kubota, two Juilliard-trained cellists dedicated to exploring musical frontiers and pushing their instruments to the limit. Their program will feature a mix of fresh takes on classical pieces, inventive covers, and original music which fuses pop, folk, jazz, and more into their innovative compositions. Mitch and Ken will be joined by pianist Will Kjeer for this engaging and fun performance.
The event will also feature a special performance of Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins by WCYO Symphony Orchestra musicians.
The Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra (WCYO) is a non-profit organization with the mission to educate and inspire young musicians through the study and performance of classical and contemporary musical works, participation in enrichment activities, and engagement in the community. Our program provides an opportunity to develop artistry and technique, as well as a profound understanding and appreciation of instrumental music. Our members are challenged not only to perform at the highest level, but also to build character, creativity and self-esteem, with music as their guide.