 The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra welcomed a very special guest on the Bemidji High School Auditorium stage yesterday. The crowd was left in awe during the performance of opera singer Jay Warren Mitchell. The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra performed works from composers and the orchestra had only five rehearsals before the big day and had only practiced with Warren a few days before the concert. I got to hear Jay Warren sing here in Bemidji a couple of years ago and immediately after hearing him ask if we could communicate about a potential concert and so he's just an amazing artist but also such a warm human being and that makes all the difference when you can put those two together. Warren and the orchestra received multiple standing ovations during the show and when asked about advice to young musicians he says it's important to not let others talk you out of following your dreams. Favorite singer is an African-American soprano named Lansing Price and one of her favorite sayings was always sing on your interests and not on your capital so my advice to young singers is if you're getting into music so you can be rich and get fame and fortune that's what other people give you but what you can give to yourself is the satisfaction of knowing that you found something that you were passionate about and you pursued that with all your heart and soul. The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra's next performance is December 12th at Bemidji High School if you'd like to join the orchestra you can contact the symphony office as they always need new people especially in their string section. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.