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The PYO Music Institute’s 83rd Anniversary Season was a remarkable one, filled with unforgettable performances and exciting milestones. From incredible guest artists to the launch of new ensembles, this season showcased the extraordinary talent and dedication of our young musicians. Keep reading to revisit some standout moments of the 2022-2023 concert season.
The season kickstarted with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra’s exciting return to Verizon Hall in November, the Institute’s first fall performance since the pandemic. A highlight of this performance was Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, featuring historian Dr. Allen C. Guelzo as Guest Narrator. This powerful piece, combined with Dr. Guelzo’s eloquent narration, left a lasting impression on the audience. It was a true testament to the young musicians of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra’s ability to honor the words and stories of U.S. history, especially the words of President Abraham Lincoln, through music.
Another standout moment was PYOMI Faculty member and cellist Gloria dePasquale’s performance of Elgar’s Cello Concerto. As a former member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, dePasquale brought her wealth of experience and musicality to the stage, creating a truly magical performance alongside the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra in Verizon Hall.
The Institute also celebrated the achievements of our alumni, with Grammy-Award winning bassist Ranaan Meyer performing with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra not once, but twice. Meyer’s virtuosity on the bass was showcased both at the Symphony of a Thousand Gala in March and at Verizon Hall in June, captivating audiences with his skill and passion. Meyer performed as soloist in his own composition, Concerto For My Family, featuring movements inspired by his family and community growing up in Cherry Hill, NJ. It was a proud moment for the PYO Music Institute to see one of our own alumni achieving such success.
The PYO Music Institute also premiered two alumni compositions, showcasing our dedication to nurturing young composers. Bravo Brass premiered Ehren Valme’s (PYO/Bravo Brass ’17) Legacy Rising, and the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra premiered Sheridan Seyfried’s Flourishes and Dreams.
In addition to presenting outstanding performances, the PYO Music Institute expanded its offerings by launching the Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra and Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band. Directed by PYOMI alumni Justin Faulkner and Patrick Bailey, respectively, these new ensembles provided young musicians with opportunities to explore different genres and develop their skills in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Prysm Strings also experienced growth and expansion with the addition of Prysm Prep led by Annie Barley Givler. This new division welcomed beginning string students and expanded Prysm Strings to a vibrant community of 115 young musicians. Under the leadership of Gloria dePasquale, Prysm Strings continues to flourish, fostering a love of music and nurturing young talent.
The PYO Music Institute’s commitment to fostering young talent was evident in its 9th Annual Young Artists Solo Competition. Under the direction of Maestra Rosalind Erwin, this year’s winner, violinist Noëlle Streuber-Eden, delivered a breathtaking performance of Wieniawski’s Second Violin Concerto accompanied by the Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra. It was a showcase of the incredible skill and potential of the young musicians involved with the institute.
In an effort to engage aspiring musicians in the Delaware Valley Region, the PYO Music Institute held its first-ever Open Rehearsals. These rehearsals provided unique opportunities for music students to participate in side-by-side music-making with current members, giving them an opportunity to see what it’s like to be a part of the PYO Music Institute.
Tune Up Philly had an incredible season serving students from the city of Philadelphia across seven Tune Up Philly partner sites. This year, Tune Up Philly (TUP) students had the opportunity to showcase their talents at the Temple Performing Arts Center twice, once in January and then again in May for their spectacular 13th Annual Festival Concert, which marked the conclusion of their season.
One of the highlights of this season was the introduction of our new Orchestra Access Pass, which allowed TUP students and other young concert-goers to participate in the 2023 Showcase Concert. This program invited young students to embark on a musical scavenger hunt throughout the performance. By actively engaging with the music, students deepened their understanding and appreciation of orchestral instruments. The instrument petting zoo further enriched their learning experience, providing hands-on opportunities to explore different instruments.
We are also thrilled to share that Tune Up Philly was awarded a generous grant of $30,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts. This prestigious grant will provide crucial support to continue our mission of creating impactful student pathways and empowering communities through intensive arts access in Philadelphia. We extend our sincerest gratitude to the NEA and all our supporters who make this important work possible.
As the season drew to a close, the PYO Music Institute took the time to honor and recognize the outstanding contributions of music educators in the Delaware Valley region. Noelle Casella Grand, a PYOMI Alumna and cellist, received the 10th Annual Ovation Award, a well-deserved recognition of her talent and dedication. Additionally, nine music educators were nominated as finalists for the award, highlighting the impact they have on the development of young musicians in our community.
During the final concert of the season, the Helen T. Carp Award, the PYO Music Institute’s Distinguished Service Award, was presented to two deserving students, Daniel Cheng and Holly Boggle. This award acknowledges their exceptional dedication and service to the Institute, showcasing their commitment to the musical community and their peers.
The PYO Music Institute’s 83rd Anniversary Season was truly one to remember. As we eagerly anticipate what the future holds for the PYO Music Institute and our students, we can’t help but be filled with excitement for the next incredible season.
