Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute Launches $4.9 Million Capital Campaign Following a Transformational $1.5 Million Gift from the Walter R. Garrison Foundation

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The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute (PYOMI) proudly announces the launch of the public phase of its $4.9 million capital campaign to renovate and restore its historic home at Saint Patrick Hall, following a transformational $1.5 million leading gift from the Walter R. Garrison Foundation.  

This milestone investment, followed by additional leadership support from the William Penn Foundation and the Presser Foundation for the Preservation of Music, has made possible the advancement of a comprehensive project that will transform Saint Patrick Hall to host the Walter R. Garrison Center at the PYO Music Institute, a fully accessible, modernized, and preserved community performing arts hub in Center City Philadelphia.  

Currently, the building serves 860+ students and the community with over 700 events annually, half of which are hosted by over 20 community partner organizations. In 2025, PYOMI provided over 1,550 hours of programming at Saint Patrick Hall and served the City’s goals for generational upward economic mobility by helping over 70 high school seniors build the requisite skills to attain admission to 40 Ivy League Schools, Conservatories, and top Colleges & Universities. The $4.9 million capital project will address critical interior renovations and exterior restorations to ensure the building’s long-term sustainability while expanding access and instructional capacity for future generations.  

“This extraordinary gift from the Walter R. Garrison Foundation represents a defining moment for PYO Music Institute,” said Louis Scaglione, President, CEO, and Music Director. “Together with early leadership support from the William Penn Foundation and the Presser Foundation, we are now positioned to bring this vision to the full community. The Walter R. Garrison Center will stand as a lasting investment in arts education, historic preservation, and accessibility for Philadelphia.”  

Project Highlights Include:  

• Installation of a building-wide elevator, a new ADA-compliant exterior entrance, and ADA-compliant restrooms  

• Significant upgrades to rehearsal halls, classrooms, and performance spaces  

• Modernization of key infrastructure, including HVAC, electrical, fire safety, and acoustics  

• Restoration of the historic brick façade, roof, windows, and doors  

• Architectural lighting and security enhancements to elevate both safety and streetscape presence  

Collectively, these improvements will allow PYOMI to expand its impact, serving more than 1,000 students annually, while preserving a vital cultural landmark and strengthening Philadelphia’s arts ecosystem.  

To date, the campaign has secured $1.77 million in leadership commitments, including:  

• $1,500,000 — Walter R. Garrison Foundation  

• $195,000 — William Penn Foundation  

• $75,000 — Presser Foundation for the Preservation of Music  

With the launch of the public phase, PYOMI now invites the broader community, individuals, foundations, and corporations, to participate in completing this essential investment in music education infrastructure.  

The announcement coincided with PYOMI’s 2026 Annual Gala, celebrating PYOMI’s launch of the Revitalization of Saint Patrick Hall, excellence in music, and the future of arts education in Philadelphia, this new arts hub will provide.  

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