facebook
twitter
linkedin
The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute (PYOMI) marked its 85th Anniversary Season with a series of unforgettable performances, community celebrations, and the launch of exciting new programs. From the grandeur of Marian Anderson Hall to the vibrant energy of our newest ensembles, this milestone year showcased the transformative power of music education.
A Compelling Grand Opening
PYOMI’s 85th Anniversary Season opened with an unforgettable performance on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the Kimmel Center’s Marian Anderson Hall. This milestone concert featured the world premiere of In Tsyet by composer Paul Frucht, spotlighting Grammy and Emmy award-winning double bassist Ranaan Meyer. The program also included iconic American works such as Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, featuring renowned pianist Peter Dugan, host of NPR’s From the Top, and Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.
With a stage graced by extraordinary guest artists and the debut of a compelling new work, the concert was a dazzling reminder of the Institute’s commitment to nurturing artistic excellence in the next generation.
An Epic Moment of Growth
On Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra returned to Marian Anderson Hall with a program of epic proportions, performing Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 1 and Richard Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben.
This concert marked a profound moment of growth and achievement for the young musicians of PYO, who spent months in focused preparation. Under Louis Scaglione’s direction, they brought to life two of the most complex and emotionally charged works in the orchestral repertoire.
“Shostakovich’s First and Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben are monumental works that push even the most seasoned orchestras to their limits,” said Scaglione. “For our students, the process of bringing these pieces to life has been transformative.”
The performance also featured PYO Concertmaster and PMAY Artist Miro Raj, who masterfully handled Strauss’s demanding violin solos, an opportunity rarely encountered by high school musicians.
A Milestone Event: The Annual Showcase Concert
PYOMI’s 85th Annual Showcase Concert was a heartfelt celebration of the young musicians and families who make up our extraordinary community. Held at Marian Anderson Hall and hosted by CBS Philadelphia’s Howard Monroe, the event brought together nearly 600 students, ages 5 to 21, in a joyful display of commitment, growth, and shared purpose.
For many students, the Showcase represents a defining moment in their musical journey, a chance to stand on a world-class stage, surrounded by peers and mentors, and reflect on how far they’ve come. For families and supporters, it’s an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when young people are empowered to grow through music.
With the hall nearly full and the energy electric, this milestone evening captured the essence of PYOMI’s mission: to build a community in harmony, where music fosters confidence, creativity, and connection.
Annual Gala: A Community in Harmony
A major highlight of the season was undoubtedly the PYO Music Institute’s 85th Anniversary Gala: A Community in Harmony Inspiring the Future, held on Friday, March 28th at The Union League of Philadelphia. This event is the Institute’s largest fundraiser of the year and plays a crucial role in supporting its students and programs.
The Gala celebrated the achievements and milestones built through the cohesive efforts of our diverse community of students, families, faculty, patrons, and you, our symphony of supporters. This milestone celebration highlighted 85 years of harmonious growth for PYOMI and the incredible accomplishments of our students, the future of our community. The evening was hosted by WRTI 90.1 FM Classical Host, Meg Bragle, and featured performances by Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and, for the first time, Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra. Special performances were made by Tune Up Philly and renowned bassist and PYOMI alumnus Ranaan Meyer.
Thanks to the generous support of our guests, the Gala raised over $200,000 in support of Tune Up Philly students and our financial aid fund. This incredible success ensures that the future of hundreds of young musicians will continue to benefit from the transformative power of music education. See our A Community In Harmony Gala video to learn more.
Save the Date! The PYO Music Institute Annual Gala 2026 will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, 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.
Expanding the Legacy: Two New Programs Took the Stage
Philadelphia Youth Concert Band (PYCB) made its debut with an inaugural concert on January 18, 2025, in Bryn Mawr. The ensemble offers advanced instrumental music students opportunities for individualized training, access to leveled wind band literature, and performances at renowned venues, including the Kimmel Cultural Campus.
Prysm Strings expanded its reach with the introduction of Prysm Strings – New Jersey, providing string ensemble and instrumental sectional rehearsals at the Katz Jewish Community Center in Cherry Hill, NJ. Directed by Michael Ludwig, former Associate Concertmaster of The Philadelphia Orchestra, and managed by Rachael Ludwig, the program offers a unique introduction to large ensemble experience and concentrated preparation for string students.
Building Confidence: PYAO’s 11th Annual Young Artists Solo Competition
Ora Avila, winner of the 11th Annual PYAO Young Artists Solo Competition, took center stage at the 30th Annual Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra Festival Concert on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center. Her performance of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto was a defining moment in a celebratory program that also features Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade under the direction of Maestra Rosalind Erwin. The Young Artists Solo Competition was a journey that Ora embraced with exceptional artistry and dedication. Her solo appearance not only highlights her personal achievement but also exemplifies the purpose of the competition: to nurture emerging talent while offering the full orchestra invaluable experience collaborating with a soloist.
An Epic Finale: Mozart and Mahler
The PYO’s 85th Annual Festival Concert on Saturday, May 31 was a night to remember. Joined by internationally acclaimed violinist David Kim, Concertmaster of The Philadelphia Orchestra, this celebratory concert embodied the heart of PYOMI’s mission: excellence, education, and inspiration. As Kim performed Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Major and the orchestra rose to the extraordinary challenge of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 under the direction of Maestro Louis Scaglione, the performance not only made for a fitting conclusion to a historic season, but a powerful reminder of the incredible artistry these young musicians bring to the stage.
Honoring Excellence in Music Education
On the same day, the Institute proudly announced Priscilla Lee as the winner of the 12th Annual Ovation Award. This award, recognizing outstanding music educators, highlighted Priscilla’s remarkable impact on her students and the broader community. Her dedication to nurturing young musicians has left an indelible mark on the Philadelphia music education landscape, and she joins a prestigious group of Award recipients from years past.
Distinguished Service Awards
Kicking off the 85th Annual Festival Concert, three students were honored with the Helen T. Carp Distinguished Service Awards, honoring PYO musicians who demonstrate exceptional effort, reliability, assistance to others, positive attitude, and devotion to the ideals of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. Trumpet player Frederick Kercy, Bassoonist Jason Xi, and PYO Concertmaster Miro Raj were recognized for their exceptional commitment and leadership within the Institute. Their contributions over the past years have been invaluable to the PYOMI community.
The Launch of the Student Social Media Council
This year was the launch of the Student Social Media Council, a group of dedicated young musicians throughout the institute who helped shape and share our story from the student perspective. Their creativity and authenticity resonated far and wide and helped us grow our social media audience by 20%. Their efforts not only amplified the voices of our students but also deepened our connection with the broader community. We’re incredibly proud of their leadership and grateful for the impact they’ve made. Thank you to our founding council members, Lauren Wu, Suri Ahn, Lauren Kim, Livia Kam, Hanlin Ren, Tanav Gowda, Eileen Wang, Sydney Vance, Lola Huang, Son Nguyen, Alex Wu, Saige Kleyman, Anisa Kim, Natalie Tran, and Sophia Fontaine.
Building the Foundation for Tomorrow
As we look toward the near future on the momentum behind this incredible anniversary season, we focus our vision on laying the groundwork for the future of music education. Soon, we build new spaces, expand access, and ensure that every young musician has the opportunity to thrive here at Saint Patrick Hall. The 2025/2026 Season, we will grow our community arts hub and the ongoing programs that empower young artists across our region. Stay tuned!
