Portland Youth Philharmonic

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—Portland Youth Philharmonic
America’s First Youth Orchestra

Founded in 1924, the Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP) was established to carry the standard of excellence for youth who play symphonic music. Over the years, several thousand young musicians have played in PYP. The artistic impact on their lives and on the community is long lasting.

The Portland Youth Philharmonic provides pre-professional musical education and training for nearly 300 young musicians each year in four ensembles: the Philharmonic Orchestra, Conservatory Orchestra, Young String Ensemble, and Wind Ensemble. Entrance into PYP is based on a rigorous audition process. PYP supports the education of the “whole” musician and recognizes the need for understanding of technical, theoretical, and artistic learning in order to attain the best results with each student. Each PYP musician receives 125 hours of conservatory style music training annually.

Musicians range in age from 7-23 and come from over 90 schools located in communities across northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. They participate in their school music programs, play sports and excel academically. Each season up to 40% of the musicians in the orchestra graduate and move on to the next phase of their life. One hundred percent of our graduates attend college. Many go on to professional careers in orchestras – including the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, National Symphony, Juilliard and American String Quartets and (in large numbers) the Oregon Symphony, Portland Opera and Oregon Ballet Theater Orchestras.

The Portland Youth Philharmonic presents a subscription series at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, chamber music concerts, and performances featuring the Conservatory Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Young String Ensemble. PYP produces 11 ticketed events and 12-15 free community concerts annually. Concerts provide reasonably priced (or free), professional level performances serving nearly 30,000 area residents annually including Children's Concerts and Community Concerts. PYP annually hosts 10,000 children grades 3-8 at four free concerts at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. This program creates access to the arts through learning about symphonic music and the instruments of the orchestra. Children attending the concerts receive a certificate “Family Pass” to return for an evening PYP concert. PYP also supports local music programs by providing in-school performances.

PYP’s 5th Music Director, David Hattner began his tenure in August 2008. Previous conductors are Mei-Ann Chen (2002-2007), Huw Edwards (1995-2002), Jacob Avshalomov (1954-1995) and Jacques Gershkovitch (1924-1954).

For 86 years PYP has provided the highest quality music education in the region. Our program nurtures talent, inspires children, and provides compelling classical music performances for the community.

For more information, please visit our website at www.portlandyouthphil.org.