A Message from the Music Director

It is a pleasure to welcome you to my 25th Anniversary Season as Music Director of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras. At the request of the Board of Directors, this season I am excited to present various aspects of my musical self through programming that displays who I am as a violinist, conductor, and educator.  Joining me in my musical journey is the nationally and internationally recognized conductor (and AYP alumnus) James Fellenbaum; my own private student, the prodigious Concertmistress Marina Aikawa; world-renown pianist and dear friend of the AYP, Orlando Alonso; and one of the newest members of our artistic staff, virtuoso Thomas Cupples of the National Symphony Orchestra.  Our line-up of guest artists this year highlights the past, celebrates the present, and embraces this outstanding institution’s future.

The past 25 years with the AYPO have been the greatest and most fulfilling musical experience of my artistic life.  I look forward to celebrating the entire season with you as AYPO continues its tradition of excellence, fostering the artistic, musical, and cultural development of our promising American youth.

Luis Haza