Experience an afternoon of passion and drama as the Sinfonietta opens the concert with bright, lyrical melodies, setting the tone for an unforgettable musical journey. Move through the intensity of Ernest Bloch’s Concerto Grosso No. 1 and the heartfelt lyricism of Grieg’s Two Elegiac Melodies. The program concludes with the Flute Ensemble, bringing the afternoon to a beautiful and uplifting close. From introspective moments to radiant ensemble colors, this concert promises an inspiring musical experience!

Adrienne Caravan, AYS Conductor

Dr. Laura Kaufman Mowry, Flute Ensemble Director

AYP’s holiday program brings together timeless seasonal favorites and vibrant celebrations of unity. Audiences will enjoy selections from The Nutcracker ballet, the festive sparkle of Sleigh Ride and A Christmas Festival, and a special Kwanzaa feature showcasing Umoja: Anthem of Unity by Valerie Coleman. Join us for an uplifting and joyful concert that highlights the spirit of the season in all its diversity.

Dr. Timothy Dixon, Conductor

Enjoy an inspiring afternoon of music, beginning with the shimmering sounds of the Harp Ensemble, followed by performances from the Concert and Symphonic Orchestras. The Concert Orchestra delights with Morning, Noon & Night in Vienna and Russian Sailor’s Dance, while the Symphonic Orchestra showcases the dynamic Retroscope by Clarice Assad and the timeless Appalachian Spring. Additional pieces will complete a program full of variety, energy, and youthful artistry.

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! The program includes arrangements of Tchaikovsky’s Finale from Serenade for Strings and Beethoven’s Finale from Symphony No. 5. as well as Doug Spata’s Metallurgy and Susan H. Day’s Rainbow’s End. The concert opens with a sparkling performance by our Flute Ensemble.

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

Join us for an evening of lively strings and cinematic favorites! The Debut Orchestra brings the magic of Ireland and the movies with Gaelic Castle, Irish Party in Third Class from Titanic, Carrickfergus, and Music from Brave. Then, our String Ensemble performs spirited selections including Toss the Feathers and St. Paul’s Suite, Op. 29, No. 2 by Holst.

Laura Wallace, AYDO & AYSE Conductor

Experience an evening of vibrant orchestral music as the American Youth Philharmonic performs Symphony No. 1 by Philip Tappan, followed by a featured performance of James Lee III’s Niiji Memories for Flute and Orchestra, and 4 Dance Episodes from Aaron Copland’s Rodeo. The Sinfonietta performs String Symphony No. 1 in C Major by Felix Mendelssohn and Sospiri by Edward Elgar.

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