Turning the Page: Season 102 Begins!

Posted on September 3, 2025

The start of a new season is always a time of renewal. As the summer heat begins to fade and the first hints of autumn arrive, the musicians of Portland Youth Philharmonic are preparing to gather once again. In just a few days, the rehearsal hall will be filled with the familiar sounds of tuning strings, the warmth of brass, and the rhythmic energy of percussion as we begin our 102nd season.

The first rehearsal is always a milestone. It is where strangers become section-mates, new friendships form, and returning members reunite with the people who have become their musical family. For some, it will be their very first rehearsal with PYP, the start of a journey that will challenge and inspire them in ways they cannot yet imagine. For others, it is a continuation, the next step in years of growth and dedication. Together, they will bring new music to life, measure by measure, until the notes on the page transform into the powerful sound of a full symphony orchestra.

Season 102 is filled with extraordinary music. From Grainger’s beloved Lincolnshire Posy to Beethoven’s radiant Emperor Concerto featuring pianist Lucy Joo, and Gabriela Ortiz’s vibrant La Calaca, the repertoire promises both challenge and reward for our musicians. Later this fall, we will bring the holidays to life with the world premiere of Bruce Stark’s Popcorn Fantasia alongside Bernstein’s cinematic On the Waterfront Suite. The season will conclude with a brilliant finale featuring Copland’s El Salón México, Montgomery’s Starburst, and Stravinsky’s dazzling Firebird Suite.

But before any of that can happen, it begins here in the rehearsal room. Each note rehearsed, each phrase refined, and each moment of collaboration builds toward the performances that our audiences will experience on stage. Behind every concert is the quiet work of dozens of rehearsals, where musicians learn not only the music but also the patience, resilience, and teamwork that will serve them for years to come.

There is still time to be part of this season! We are continuing to host auditions into the fall, and financial aid is available for all programs. No one is ever turned away from Portland Youth Philharmonic because of the inability to pay. If you or someone you know is interested in joining, we encourage you to take this step and become part of a community where music, growth, and opportunity go hand in hand.

As we turn the page into a new season, we look forward to sharing this journey with our community. The first rehearsal is less than a week away, and soon the hall will once again ring with the sound of PYP’s young musicians, ready to grow, create, and perform together.

Here is to Season 102, a year of inspiration, discovery, and unforgettable music.