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Philadelphia, PA – The PYO Music Institute (PYOMI) proudly celebrates its 85th Anniversary with a spectacular Gala on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 6:30 PM at The Union League of Philadelphia, bringing together music, art, and community in an unforgettable evening. This year’s theme, “A Community in Harmony Inspiring the Future,” honors PYOMI’s legacy of excellence in youth music education while looking ahead to a bold and ambitious future.
The evening will begin with an art show by Studio Incamminati, featuring stunning works by emerging and established artists. The celebration continues with powerful performances by Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO) featuring special guest Ranaan Meyer of Chery Hill, NJ, Grammy and Emmy award-winning double bassist and PYO alumnus, and Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra (PYJO). Ranaan Meyer states, “I am beyond thrilled to join PYOMI for their 85th Anniversary Gala and proudly support the next generation of musicians. Through my own journey, I’ve seen the power of music to inspire, and I believe these young artists are on a path to make a lasting impact they may one day pay forward to their own communities. That’s what makes this event special, and ’m honored to be part of it.”
Since its founding 85 years ago as a single volunteer-led orchestra, PYOMI has grown into a thriving institution serving over 600 of our region’s young musicians annually. Under the leadership of Maestro Louis Scaglione, PYOMI continues to expand its reach, ensuring that students of all backgrounds have access to world-class music education.
Join Us for This Unforgettable Celebration!
The PYOMI 85th Anniversary Gala supports PYOMI’s scholarship and financial aid programs, ensuring that music remains accessible to all. Tickets and sponsorships are available now. For more information or to reserve your spot, visit pyomusic.org.
Friday, March 28, 2025
Union League of Philadelphia, 140 S Broad St, Philadelphia 19102
6:30PM: Reception and art show and sale by Studio Incamminati
7:30PM: Seated dinner featuring a concert by Philadelphia Youth Orchestra
8:30PM: Dessert and dancing with a special performance by Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra
Organization quotes
Reflecting on PYOMI’s profound impact, longtime supporter Candy Kean shares:
“Maestro Scaglione and the devoted community of faculty, students, and families of the PYO Music Institute have made an immeasurable impact across the community. They honor the past 85 years of PYOMI with their unwavering commitment to youth music education across the region.”
Bob Pick, Chairman of the Board, and his wife Heather have championed PYOMI’s mission for years, stating:
“Heather and I have selected PYO Music Institute as a focus for our giving for three specific reasons: 1) the breadth of impact of the programs, ranging from world-class orchestras to after-school programs for elementary school-aged first-time musicians; 2) the strong administrative leadership and minimalist organization that directs wherewithal to the programs; 3) the clarity of mission which specifically addresses what we see as increasing deficiencies in music and arts education and experiences in the Philadelphia region.”
This year’s Gala also welcomes Empower Data Solutions as a new sponsor, furthering PYOMI’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality music education to Philadelphia’s youth. Raghu Nandan, CEO of Empower Data Solutions, shares:
“Empower Data Solutions is proud to partner with PYO Music Institute in supporting their mission to deliver exceptional music education to underserved communities across Philadelphia. By empowering the next generation of musicians, we’re helping create lasting opportunities for youth, fostering creativity, discipline, and teamwork. Together, we’re making a powerful impact, ensuring that every student has the chance to discover their potential through the transformative power of music. At Empower Data Solutions, we believe in investing in our community and championing the future of young talent.”
PYO Music Institute Mission Statement:
The PYO Music Institute uses extraordinary music education through the pursuit of music excellence to inspire a strong sense of character, discipline, commitment, and community for our diverse student population.
The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute is the tri-state region’s premier youth orchestra organization for gifted, young, classical musicians, and one of the oldest and most highly regarded youth orchestra organizations in the United States. For 85 years, the PYO Music Institute has been providing professional-caliber musical experiences to young instrumentalists, while thrilling audiences in the Greater Philadelphia region and across the globe.
The organization now has eleven programs: Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO), Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra (PYAO), Bravo Brass, Prysm Strings – Main Line, Tune Up Philly – Orchestral Pathways Program, Young Musicians Debut Orchestra (YMDO), Pizzicato Players, Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra (PYJO), Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band (PYSB), Prysm Strings – New Jersey, and Philadelphia Youth Concert Band (PYCB). Ranging in age from 5 to 21 years, the musicians of the PYO Music Institute come from a 70-mile radius of Philadelphia encompassing nearly 20 counties within Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Through advanced orchestra repertoire, students are challenged to perform at professional levels, to strive for advanced musicianship, and to achieve superior technical, musical, and personal application. Former PYOMI musicians currently hold chairs in most of the top 20 professional orchestras in the United States, with 10 PYO alumni currently serving in The Philadelphia Orchestra.
