Kevin Zakresky conducts PGSO at Fort George Park. Photos 250 News.

Prince George, B.C. – The rain held off right until the completion of the final number in the Prince George Symphony Orchestra’s Classic in the Park performance at Fort George Park Sunday.

The PGSO marks the end of summer each year with a free concert and this year brought us classical music’s ten greatest hits. It turned out to be a performance which was well-received by a sizeable crowd. The orchestra, most wearing the colours of the Prince George Cougars who sponsor the event, performed such popular pieces as the Overture from the Barber of Seville, Mozart’s 40^th symphony, first movement, Clair de Lune and other favourites of classical music fans.

And Musical Director Kevin Zakresky had a special treat for the younger members of the audience. He invited all would-be maestros to the foot of the bandshell stage and had several of the youngsters join him in conducting the orchestra. Then he announced that “because this is the third year of maestro school, you have completed Maestro 101 and are now officially Maestros!”

New Maestros pick up pointers for future reference.

As the PGSO played “Pomp and Circumstance”, the young musical conductors walked out on stage to received their “diplomas”. And Maestro Zakresky asked rhetorically, what does maestro mean? It means you are the most important guy in the room.”