PYO Music Institute Celebrates 85 Years of Harmony with New Programs and Unforgettable Events - PYO Music Institute

Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute (PYOMI), one of the nation’s oldest and most respected youth orchestra organizations, proudly announces its 85th anniversary season. This landmark year will feature a series of exciting events and innovative programs designed to enrich the lives of young musicians in the greater Philadelphia region.

Committed to providing a diverse student population with transformative music education, PYOMI continues to grow by introducing two new ensembles: Prysm Strings – New Jersey and the Philadelphia Youth Concert Band (PYCB). Now offering 11 unique ensembles, including symphony and string orchestras, wind and brass ensembles, a jazz orchestra, and the Tune Up Philly-Orchestral Pathways Program, PYOMI presents 26 captivating student performances, seven of which will take place at the prestigious Kimmel Center. With over 700 students participating across its divisions, PYOMI remains dedicated to shaping tomorrow’s leaders through world-class performance experiences. From November through May, audiences will be captivated by dynamic student performances, including premieres, classical repertoire, and jazz favorites.

Patrick Bailey, Director of Program Development, emphasized the profound impact broadening youth music education has on our community’s youth. He states, “The transformative experiences music provides are now available at PYOMI to even more young musicians. Students work towards realizing their potential here, whether that is through the string orchestra programs, the progression of our symphony orchestras, or wind, brass, and jazz ensembles. By expanding our program offerings, PYOMI is uniquely positioned to support students who are passionate about music. If you want to be a part of a community of musical excellence, there is a place for you here.”

This milestone season will showcase unforgettable performances, including:

  • A world premiere by Peter Frucht, In Tsyet, featuring acclaimed double bass soloist Ranaan Meyer, and a dazzling rendition of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with pianist Peter Dugan, host of From the Top.
  • The season culminates in May with Philadelphia Orchestra Concertmaster David Kim joining PYO to perform Mozart’s Fourth Violin Concerto, followed by Mahler’s monumental Fifth Symphony.
  • Additional season highlights include the 12th Annual Ovation Award, honoring outstanding music educators;
  • The 11th Annual PYAO Young Artists Solo Competition, providing young artists with invaluable audition and performance experience;
  • And diverse repertoire spanning classical favorites, cult-classic TV and movie soundtracks, and jazz standards by Duke Ellington and Count Basie.

Louis Scaglione, President and Music Director, remarked, “Our 85th anniversary season is an extraordinary celebration of musical excellence and community engagement. This year’s repertoire features thrilling premieres and timeless classics that will not only captivate our audiences but also elevate the caliber of our performers. We believe that these exceptional experiences will invigorate our arts community and leave a lasting impression on our young musicians for years to come. Together, we are nurturing a vibrant environment where creativity flourishes and the transformative power of music resonates deeply.”

As we embark on this 85th year, PYOMI remains steadfast in its mission to provide exceptional educational experiences, mentorship, and performance opportunities.

Join Us!
For more information to purchase tickets to our upcoming events, please visit www.pyomusic.org/events.