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Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute (PYOMI) celebrates the conclusion of its 86th season! One thing is abundantly clear: this was a year that demonstrated what is possible when a community commits itself to the future of young people.
Entering the 2025–2026 season with an ambitious vision.
Across 35 student performances throughout the region, PYOMI students were challenged to perform repertoire of remarkable scale.
The season began with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra‘s all-Italian opening concert on November 23, where students shared the stage with distinguished soloists and Academy of Vocal Arts alumni in operatic favorites by Verdi, Puccini, and Bellini, before bringing Respighi’s Pines of Rome to life.
On March 1, violist Dillon Scott, PYO ’22, former PMAY Artist, and current student at the Curtis Institute of Music, returned to the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra on stage as soloist for Bartók’s deeply expressive Viola Concerto. Dillon’s homecoming represented the strength of Philadelphia’s artistic pipeline and served as an inspiring full-circle moment for current students. The program celebrated the interconnectedness of Philadelphia’s vibrant arts community and the impact of investing in young artists.
“I remember watching the soloists play when I was still a student in PYO. It was truly inspiring… I am so honored to be back again as a soloist playing a piece that is very special to me.” – Dillon Scott.
A standout moment of the Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra’s 31st Annual Festival Concert was the featured performance by Young Artists Solo Competition winner Catherine You, who performed the final movement of Edward Elgar’s powerful Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85. Performing alongside more than 100 of her fellow PYAO musicians, Catherine demonstrated remarkable poise.
Maestra Rosalind Erwin explains, “Catherine was an exemplary participant in this year’s Solo Competition. She stayed composed under pressure, handled an unexpected on-stage challenge with grace, and used it as an opportunity to grow. Throughout the experience, she remained present and professional, setting a wonderful example for her fellow PYAO musicians of how to lead, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.”
Experiences like Catherine’s reflect PYOMI’s belief that music education is ultimately about fostering character.
When Philadelphia plays together, it resonates further.
The collaborative Ready. Set. Band. concert united the Philadelphia Youth Concert Band, Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band, and the Philadelphia Wind Symphony in a powerful intergenerational performance experience centered around the music of Katahj Copley.
Tune Up Philly and Philadelphia Youth Concert Band participated as part of Music in the Museum Day at the Please Touch Museum. The day united the two organizations passionate about creating safe spaces for youth in Philadelphia to explore creativity through play and developing critical skills that will serve as a positive impact in their lives.
In partnership with the Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia Youth Concert Band brought “American Musical Masters: Reimagined and Retold” to the museum’s PECO Free First Sunday Family Day.
Philadelphia Youth Jazz hosted a jazz festival connecting young performers from the Jazz Bands of Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts and Central High School. They also celebrated the holidays at Please Touch Museum, and International Jazz Day by playing two sets at the iconic Chris’ Jazz Cafe.
Building the foundation for tomorrow.
This year represented a defining moment institutionally as PYOMI publicly launched its transformational capital campaign. During the PYO Music Institute Annual Gala, Building the Foundation for Tomorrow, held on March 27, 2026 at The Union League of Philadelphia, PYOMI officially announced its transformational capital campaign to revitalize Saint Patrick Hall into the music education hub, the Walter R. Garrison Center at PYO Music Institute.
The campaign seeks to revitalize PYOMI’s historic home through critical renovations, including ADA accessibility improvements and modernized learning spaces that will better serve current and future generations of students. For many young musicians, is a place of belonging. This campaign ensures that those opportunities remain accessible for decades to come.
“More than 300 guests, 150 student musicians… together in one place for what has become one of the top arts-business events in the City of Philadelphia… I am extraordinarily pleased and proud, and deeply appreciative of all the work that went into this.” – Robert Pick, Chairman.
A particularly meaningful highlight of the Gala was a visit from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, who spent time speaking directly with students and sharing words of encouragement. Her presence underscored the importance of arts education in shaping the next generation of leaders and creators in our city.
Catch up on everything you missed from the Gala in our 2026 Gala Highlights blog.
Save the Date! The 2027 PYO Music Institute Annual Gala, in celebration of Maestro Louis Scaglione’s 30th Anniversary with PYOMI, will be held on Friday, March 19, 2027, at The Union League of Philadelphia. Join our community of supporters for our extraordinary 2025/2026 Season and contribute to the narrative of the Philadelphia region’s most talented students and their futures.
A defining finale for a defining season.
The season culminated in a powerful finale concert on May 31 celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Joined by the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra performed Randall Thompson’s The Testament of Freedom, narrated by author, professor, and historian Dr. Allen C. Guelzo, and Copland’s Symphony No. 3 in a stirring tribute to the nation’s history and future.
Thanks to the Philadelphia City Fund’s 2026 Milestone Grant Fund, supported by PECO, PYO Music Institute was able to provide free tickets to families participating in our Tune Up Philly program, music educators, and arts partners.
During this concert, PYOMI proudly continued its tradition of recognizing extraordinary leadership and service through the Ovation Award, honoring Dr. Jay Fluellen for his longstanding commitment to arts education, mentorship, and community impact throughout Philadelphia. The award celebrated Jay’s dedication to creating opportunities for young people and his belief in the transformative power of the arts to uplift communities and open doors for future generations.
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra also celebrated Gloria dePasquale, recipient of the Betty Utter Community Impact Award!
The Betty Utter Community Impact Award, created by the League of American Orchestras, celebrates leaders whose dedication and service strengthen youth orchestras and their communities.
PYOMI proudly recognized three exceptional student leaders with the Helen T. Carp Distinguished Service Award, an honor celebrating musicians who exemplify extraordinary dedication, reliability, leadership, and service to others. This year’s recipients — principal cellist Samuel Cao, principal violist Livia Kam, and concertmaster Emilian Lipnevich — each demonstrated remarkable artistry alongside meaningful contributions to the broader PYOMI community.
Congratulations to our seniors.
We are delighted to share that out of the 74 graduating seniors who have submitted their plans, approximately 22% of them will attend Ivy League institutions. To the Class of 2026: Congratulations. We are honored to have been part of your journey and cannot wait to see what you accomplish next. As you begin this exciting new chapter, know that your PYOMI family will be cheering you on every step of the way. Read more online here.
