A Message from the Music Director

Welcome to the 43rd season of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras! Each new concert season brings a renewed level of excitement and expectations and we look forward to fulfilling those with another year of outstanding performances.  This season’s roster of guest artists includes some of the most extraordinary performers from around the globe.  Kicking off our season is China’s premier international artist, Xiaohui Ma, who brings the music and spirit of her native land to us in a musical and cultural exchange with the AYP.   In February, an All-American music program features the dynamic pianist, Burnett Thompson, whose work abroad in China, Europe, and the Americas has helped put American music on the world stage.  In April, the AYP is graced with the accomplished, refined, and elegant Elisabeth Adkins of the National Symphony Orchestra as she tackles Saint-Saens’ beloved Violin Concerto No. 3.  I am also delighted to make a guest appearance as soloist this season with Maestro Carl J. Bianchi and the American Youth Symphonic Orchestra in December.

Our line-up of guest artists and programming this year illustrates one of the most important lessons we teach our young musicians:  though music has many ethnic mediums of expression, it is truly a universal language and helps us to communicate our shared humanity on a level that connects us spiritually.  This experience is one of the most positive of all and we hope our performances this season reflect these values.  I look forward to seeing you at our concerts!