Honoring Juneteenth Through Music: William Grant Still’s Vision of a New America

Posted on June 18, 2025

June 19 marks Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, freedom did not reach enslaved African Americans in Texas until June 19, 1865—over two years later. Juneteenth has since become a day of remembrance, reflection, and celebration of Black culture, resilience, and achievement.

At Portland Youth... Read More ›

PYP Nominated for Willamette Week’s 2025 Best of Portland!

Posted on June 2, 2025

We’re excited to share some big news!

Portland Youth Philharmonic has been nominated for Best Band/Musical Group in Willamette Week’s 2025 Best of Portland Readers’ Poll! This annual poll highlights the people, places, and organizations that make our city shine — and we’re honored to be among them.

For over a century, PYP has been a home for exceptional young musicians to grow, perform,... Read More ›

A Cross-Cultural Celebration of Sound: Camerata PYP Closes Season 101 with World Premieres and Persian Traditions

Posted on May 9, 2025

Portland Youth Philharmonic’s Camerata Series comes to a dynamic close this May with two performances that bring together the expressive richness of Western string orchestra and the vibrant traditions of Persian classical music. On Wednesday, May 14 and Saturday, May 17, Camerata PYP presents a bold, genre-crossing program featuring three world premieres by Iranian and Iranian-American composers, along with traditional... Read More ›

Celebrating Latin American Voices: Revueltas’ Sensemayá and the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo

Posted on May 5, 2025

As May arrives and communities across the country celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Portland Youth Philharmonic contributes a powerful musical perspective with its performance of Sensemayá by Mexican composer Silvestre Revueltas. Featured in the opening concert of PYP’s 101st season, this piece is more than a timely gesture, it’s a tribute to Mexico’s rich artistic legacy and a reflection of PYP’s commitment to... Read More ›

Celebrate PYP’s Season 101 Finale – and Catch a Sneak Peek!

Posted on April 29, 2025

Portland Youth Philharmonic’s unforgettable 101st season is coming to a close — and we invite you to join us for our grand finale concert, The Search for Beauty, on Saturday, May 4, 2025, at 4:00 PM at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

This dynamic season-ending program features Hansen Berrett, winner of the 2023 PPI Concerto Competition, performing Shostakovich’s vibrant and deeply personal... Read More ›

Notes Newsletter Student Spotlight: Kevin He

Posted on April 10, 2025

As we approach the end of the year, we like to seek wisdom from members that have been in the organization for a while. Kevin joined us all the way back in season 98! Now, he is just finishing up his first year at Portland State University.

How has PYP affected your life?

I think PYP affected my life in two different... Read More ›