Notes Newsletter Student Spotlight: Alejandro Belgique

Posted on March 6, 2025

In this special edition of Student Spotlight, we are highlighting one of our student composers, Alejandro Belgique.  Alejandro is an 8th grade oboist in PYP and has been working very hard in composing a piece, Ostinato, for the Winter Cadenza Series Concert on March 9th.

What first brought you into music?

My parents are both musicians so they kind of made me do... Read More ›

Experience Andy Shin as Soloist with Portland Youth Philharmonic – March 1

Posted on February 24, 2025

As winter’s chill recedes, the Portland Youth Philharmonic invites you to embrace the warmth and renewal of the season with their upcoming concert, “Spring Sunrise.” Scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 7:30 PM, this event at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall promises an evening of inspiring and uplifting music.

The program opens with Lili Boulanger’s “D’un matin de printemps” (“Of a Spring Morning”), a piece that radiates the... Read More ›

Honoring the Spirit of the Columbia: A Musical Journey with Portland Youth Philharmonic

Posted on February 11, 2025

Music has an unparalleled ability to capture the essence of a place, its history, and the stories it holds. This is beautifully exemplified in “Spirit of the Columbia,” a remarkable composition by Portland’s own Nancy Ives. Commissioned by conductor Larry Johnson specifically for the Portland Youth Conservatory Orchestra (PYCO), this piece stands as a testament to the power of music to connect... Read More ›

Notes Newsletter Student Spotlight: Addison Kearbey

Posted on February 6, 2025

In this special edition of Student Spotlight, we are highlighting one of our student composers, Addison Kearbey.  Addison is a 7th grade violist in PYSE and has been working very hard in composing a piece, Ascent, for the Cushion Concert on March 15.

What first brought you into music? What attracted you to your instrument?

I started playing piano when I was five, and... Read More ›

The Sound of Justice: Classical Music Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.

Posted on January 20, 2025

As we reflect on the profound legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of how his message of equality, justice, and hope transcends disciplines and inspires countless art forms, including classical music. Music has long been a powerful tool for social change, and composers have drawn upon Dr. King’s vision to create works that celebrate his ideals and... Read More ›

Portland Youth Philharmonic Debuts New Symphonies!

Posted on January 15, 2025

Portland Youth Philharmonic has released FIRST SYMPHONIES – PREMIERE RECORDINGS, featuring the debut symphonies of acclaimed contemporary composers Lera Auerbach and Polina Nazaykinskaya. This new recording captures the essence of two unique musical voices, brought to life by the unparalleled talent of our young musicians.

Polina Nazaykinskaya’s April Song offers listeners a poignant journey through resilience and renewal. The symphony evokes the... Read More ›