Portland Youth Philharmonic

MusiciansUnited States11-50 Employees

Founded in 1924, by visionary violin teacher Mary V. Dodge, Portland Youth Philharmonic provides young musicians in Portland, Oregon, with a challenging opportunity to explore their creativity while receiving the highest quality music education. The nation’s first youth orchestra, PYP has produced consistently inspiring performances and upheld a tradition of excellence since its first public concert in February 1925.

Today, the organization comprises four large and two smaller ensembles, open by audition to young players, ages 9-23. Ensembles include: Portland Youth Philharmonic conducted by Musical Director David Hattner; Portland Youth Conservatory Orchestra led by Lawrence Johnson; Portland Youth Wind Ensemble directed by Giancarlo Castro D’Addona; Portland Youth String Ensemble conducted by Inés Voglar Belgique; Camerata PYP chamber orchestra conducted by David Hattner; and Portland Youth Percussion Ensemble coached by Gordon Rencher. All PYP musicians receive regular coaching from Oregon Symphony musicians and weekly music theory lessons led by local composer, violist, and PYP alumnus Kenji Bunch. Need-based tuition assistance is available to every musician who passes an audition.

Officially founded in 1924, PYP was the first established youth orchestra in the country and became a model for youth orchestras that would follow in other cities decades later. PYP has had only 5 Music Directors in 100 years. The orchestra has toured internationally eight times, performed in Carnegie Hall, represented U. S. Youth Orchestras in the Banff International Music Festival and broadcast performances overseas. The League of American Orchestras has awarded PYP the ASCAP Award for Adventuresome Programming of Contemporary Music” three times. Innovative programs include the renowned Peer Mentor program, providing low-cost private music lessons taught by members of the orchestra for beginning music students in the community.

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