Join us for an inspiring afternoon of music beginning with the shimmering sounds of the Harp Ensemble, followed by performances from the Concert and Symphonic Orchestra.

The AYCO presents a lively and engaging program featuring Morning, Noon & Night in Vienna and Russian Sailor’s Dance, alongside Antonín Dvořák’s spirited Slavonic Dance No. 8 and Benjamin Britten’s charming Matinées Musicales, Op. 24.

The AYSO performs a dynamic and wide-ranging program highlighted by RETRO-SCOPE by Clarice Assad, a co-commission with multiple orchestras across the United States, featuring soprano Ariadne Greif. The AYSO also presents George Gershwin’s vibrant Cuban Overture and the timeless Appalachian Spring. 

Melissa Dvorak, Harp Ensemble Director
Doug Martin, AYCO Conductor
Glenn Quader, AYSO Conductor

Our youngest musicians in Prelude Strings take the stage for an afternoon of energy and joy. Their program features arrangements of Tchaikovsky’s Finale from Serenade for Strings and Beethoven’s Finale from Symphony No. 5, along with Doug Spata’s Metallurgy and Susan H. Day’s Rainbow’s End.

The concert opens with an exciting performance by the Flute Ensemble, presenting a wide-ranging and colorful program that includes Alan Menken’s Colors of the Wind, Gareth McLearnon’s So Many Themes, So Little Time, Dmitri Shostakovich’s Second Waltz from Jazz Suite No. 2, Michael Giacchino’s The Glory Days from The Incredibles and Symphonic Suite from Star Trek, and John Powell’s How to Train Your Dragon.

Dr. Laura Kaufman Mowry, Flute Ensemble Director
Kristin Gomez, AYPS Conductor

Join us for an evening of lively strings and cinematic favorites with the Debut Orchestra and String Ensemble. 

The AYDO brings Celtic magic with Gaelic Castle, Irish Party in Third Class from Titanic, Carrickfergus, and Music from Brave.

The AYSE continues the program with spirited selections including Toss the Feathers, Gustav Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite, Op. 29, No. 2, and Brook Green Suite, showcasing the ensemble’s energy, precision, and expressive range.

Laura Wallace, AYDO & AYSE Conductor

The AYS presents a rich and energetic program including Felix Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No. 1 in C Major and Edward Elgar’s Sospiri. The ensemble also performs Paul Creston’s Fugue and Alberto Ginastera’s thrilling Danza Final from Estancia, adding rhythmic drive and bold color to the evening.

The AYP showcases an exciting and expansive repertoire, highlighted by the World Premiere of Symphony No. 1 by Philip Tappan. The program also includes Joan Tower’s powerful Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No. 1, James Lee III’s Niiji Memories for Flute and Orchestra featuring AYP alumna and soloist Julietta Curenton, and Four Dance Episodes from Aaron Copland’s Rodeo.

Adrienne Caravan, AYS Conductor
Dr. Timothy Dixon, AYP Conductor

Tsuna Sakamoto, Senior Chamber Ensemble Director

Tsuna Sakamoto, Senior Chamber Ensemble Director
Adrienne Caravan, Junior Chamber Ensemble Director

Experience the delicate beauty of strings and the enchanting sound of the harp as these talented ensembles bring music to life. Prelude Strings, featuring our youngest musicians in elementary school, showcase the joy and promise of early musical discovery, while the Harp Ensemble fills the hall with graceful melodies and uplifting harmonies. Together, they promise an afternoon of charm, inspiration, and elegance for all music lovers.

Melissa Dvorak, Harp Ensemble Director
Kristin Gomez, AYPS Conductor

Celebrate the United States’ semiquincentennial year with an evening of music that tells our story. The String Ensemble opens with the soaring America the Beautiful, journeys through the cinematic Red Pony, sparkles in Visions of the Sky, and evokes history in Point Lookout (A Fantasy on Civil War Songs). The Debut Orchestra continues with American Landscape, the haunting Ashokan Farewell, the colorful Colors of Home, and the lively Sally Goodin. A musical tribute to our nation’s past, present, and dreams for the future.

Laura Wallace, AYDO & AYSE Conductor

Celebrate the United States’ semiquincentennial year with an evening of stirring music. The Flute Ensemble opens with sparkling melodies, followed by the Concert Orchestra performing Morton Gould’s triumphant American Salute. The Symphonic Orchestra offers William Grant Still’s moving In Memoriam – The Colored Soldiers Who Died for Democracy and Shostakovich’s intense October, Op. 131. The program also features dazzling performances by the winners of the annual AYPO Concerto Competition, showcasing the talent and passion of our young musicians.

Dr. Laura Kaufman Mowry, Flute Ensemble Director
Doug Martin, AYCO Conductor
Glenn Quader, AYSO Conductor

Celebrate the grand finale of the 2025–26 season with an evening of thrilling and heartfelt music! The Sinfonietta opens with Victor Herbert’s elegant Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 12 and Gershwin’s tender Lullaby. The American Youth Philharmonic follows with the bold and energetic Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No. 1 by Joan Tower, a performance by the AYPO Concerto Competition winner, and culminates in Rachmaninoff’s lush and sweeping Symphony No. 2, Op. 27. Don’t miss this spectacular close to an extraordinary season!

Adrienne Caravan, AYS Conductor
Dr. Timothy Dixon, AYP Conductor

Our Percussion Ensemble takes the stage with an afternoon of rhythm, energy, and excitement. From the thunder of drums to the shimmer of cymbals and the surprising colors of mallet instruments, these musicians showcase the full range of the percussion world. Don’t miss this dynamic performance that highlights both precision and creativity—sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Doug Wallace, Percussion Ensemble Director