Hillsboro Violinist Leo Trajano Wins the 2025 PYP Concerto Competition
Posted on October 9, 2025
Seventeen-year-old violinist Leo Trajano from Hillsboro, Oregon, has been named the winner of the 2025 Portland Youth Philharmonic Concerto Competition. As the top prize winner, Leo will perform as soloist with PYP at the March 7, 2026 concert at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
For Leo, preparing for the competition was all about focus, rest, and positive energy. “This was obviously an opportunity that I wanted a lot,” he said. “The week prior, I practiced the piece a lot, but two days beforehand I made sure to get 11 hours of sleep, catch up on rest, and just try to relax, and channel positive energy and really nail my performance.”
Leo says he felt proud of his playing that day. “I feel like I did the best I could, and I knew it was really competitive because there are so many great players in this orchestra. It felt like an honor to be selected, and I’m just really excited to have this opportunity to play with an orchestra like PYP.”
Leo’s love for violin began nine years ago, after an entire year of convincing his parents to let him play. “I was begging my parents for a year straight just because I loved the sound. It’s like a singer,” he said. “They finally let me play, and I never really lost that love for the instrument.” He began through the Suzuki method and quickly discovered a passion for playing in orchestras. After starting in MYS, Leo joined PYP and found the experience transformative.
“Well, it’s a privilege just being in this orchestra,” he shared. “It’s really one of the great American youth orchestras. I just love the sound as a whole. Mr. Hattner really gets us to play to the highest level we possibly can. The amount of technical accomplishment from each individual musician, combined into one giant orchestra, is a really spectacular experience. I always look forward to it every week.”
When he’s not performing with PYP, Leo stays active musically through his high school choir. “Besides PYP, I also enjoy being in my high school choir. The enthusiasm and passion that all of my friends bring every day to school is very inspiring,” he said.
Leo also finds inspiration in professional violinists like María Dueñas, whose energy and lyricism deeply influence his approach. “I had the privilege of seeing her play the Gabriela Ortiz Violin Concerto with the LA Phil, and I absolutely adore her playing,” Leo said. “She’s so energetic and always brings so much lyricism to her playing. I always try to replicate the energy she has.”
Asked what advice he would give to others learning an instrument, Leo offered a thoughtful perspective: “You should only take it as seriously as you want. There are so many different ways to play your instrument, and being open-minded is important. Taking it too seriously can take the life out of it, so keep it enjoyable.”
Audiences can hear Leo perform live with the Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Tickets and season subscriptions are available now at
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.
0 Comments :
Alumni Spotlight: Jason McComb From First Symphony to a Life in Music
Posted on August 12, 2025
When Jason McComb took his seat in the cello section of PYP’s Prep Orchestra in the fall of 1981, he was about to experience a first that would shape the rest of his life.
“The first symphony I ever played was Schubert’s Unfinished,” Jason recalls. “That feeling of being part of something so much bigger, surrounded by other musicians just as excited as I was. It was intoxicating. I always wanted music to be part of my life.”
Building a Musical Foundation
Jason’s PYP years were full of formative experiences, from weekly rehearsals under the high expectations of conductor Jacob Avshalomov to the camaraderie of sectionals and the thrill of challenging repertoire.
“Rehearsals were demanding but supportive. My peers were dedicated, and the atmosphere was truly nurturing,” he says. “Many of the works I play professionally today—Sibelius 2, Shostakovich 5, Beethoven 5—I first played at PYP. Every time I perform them now, I’m transported back.”
His time in PYP also offered unique opportunities beyond the concert stage. Through a scholarship partnership with the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Jason spent the summer of 1985 studying with peers from across the country. “It made me realize how exceptional PYP was—the preparation, the musicality—it stood out.”
A Tour to Remember
One of Jason’s most treasured memories is the 1984 international tour to New York, Austria, and the former Yugoslavia.
“We performed with Leonard Bernstein conducting Romeo and Juliet. That’s an experience you don’t forget,” he says. “And then, a year later, I had the surreal experience of working with him again at Tanglewood.”
From Portland to Richmond
After graduating from PYP, Jason went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at Juilliard and a master’s degree in chamber music from the San Francisco Conservatory. His career took him from Toronto to Manitoba, where he taught at Brandon University, before settling in Richmond, Virginia, over 20 years ago.
Today, Jason serves as Associate Principal Cellist of the Richmond Symphony, teaches at the University of Richmond, performs chamber music with the Atlantic Chamber Ensemble, and maintains a busy private teaching studio.
“No two days are the same,” he says. “It keeps things fresh and exciting.”
Advice for the Next Generation
For current PYP students considering a career in music, Jason’s advice is simple but powerful:
“Be consistent in your practice. Take breaks to avoid injury. And stay curious—explore all kinds of music. The dedication, teamwork, and passion you develop in PYP will serve you for the rest of your life.”
If he could send a message to his younger self sitting in a PYP rehearsal, Jason knows exactly what he would say:
“Try to remember everything. These moments, this music, these people…you’ll carry them with you forever.”
Watch the full interview with Jason McComb on YouTube!:
0 Comments :
Season 102 Round 2 Auditions Are Open! Find Your Place at PYP
Posted on August 7, 2025
What does it mean to be part of Portland Youth Philharmonic? For many young musicians, it’s more than just playing in an orchestra. It’s a space where passion meets purpose. Where technical growth, real-world collaboration, and lifelong friendships are all part of the experience.
PYP is proud to be the first youth orchestra established in the United States, blazing a trail since 1924 with a mission to prepare young people for success through musical excellence. But what we offer goes far beyond music education. Through rigorous training and a commitment to growth, we empower young people not just for college, but for life beyond the concert hall.
Season 102 promises another year of ambitious programming, creative exploration, and the kind of teamwork that only happens when everyone’s working toward a shared goal. Whether you’ve been playing for years or you’re stepping into a larger ensemble for the first time, PYP offers a supportive, high-level environment to push yourself and grow.
We’re currently holding auditions for the 2025–26 season, with openings in the following instruments:
Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass.
If you missed our June auditions, we’ve added two more opportunities in August:
• August 27 for Winds and Brass
• August 28 for Strings
Please note: new woodwind and brass students entering 9th grade or younger in Fall 2025 will submit a video recording instead of auditioning in person. All string players will audition in person. Additional dates may be available — contact Jaren Hillard with questions about scheduling.
PYP is committed to accessibility. Financial aid is available, and no one is turned away because of inability to pay.
If you’re ready to take your musicianship seriously and join a community of peers who are just as motivated as you are, now’s the time. PYP isn’t just preparing musicians, it’s preparing future leaders, creators, and collaborators.
Apply now and find out what’s possible when you’re part of something bigger.
0 Comments :
Portland Youth Philharmonic Named “Best Band/Musical Group” – Join Us for Season 102!
Posted on July 24, 2025
We are proud to share that Portland Youth Philharmonic has been named Best Band/Musical Group in Willamette Week’s Best of Portland 2025.
This recognition means so much to our entire community. It celebrates the incredible young musicians who bring every performance to life with dedication and artistry. It reflects the commitment of their families, the support of our teaching artists, and the loyalty of audience members who believe in the power of youth and the importance of music education. Most of all, it speaks to the strength of a community that rallies around young talent and invests in the future of music.
For over 100 years, PYP has been a place where young musicians grow as artists and individuals. Our students do more than rehearse and perform; they collaborate, lead, and inspire. The level of musicianship on our stage rivals that of professional ensembles, and every concert is a reminder of what is possible when young people are given the space and support to thrive.
To everyone who voted for us, shared our work, or encouraged a young musician along the way, thank you. This honor belongs to all of you.
As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking ahead to what promises to be another extraordinary year. Season 102 is just around the corner, and we would love for you to be a part of it!
Our 2025–2026 Schnitzer Series features four unique concerts filled with bold ideas, emotional storytelling, and world-class repertoire. You will hear works by composers such as Aaron Copland, Gabriela Ortiz, Ludwig van Beethoven, and John Williams, performed by the next generation of Portland’s musical leaders.
The season includes the following performances:
Rising Winds | November 8, 2025
Concert-at-Christmas: A Popcorn Solstice | December 26, 2025
Flames of Transformation | March 7, 2026
Firebird Finale | May 3, 2026
Subscribers to the full series save 30 percent off single-ticket prices. We also offer flexible pricing for students, seniors, and families. Your subscription is more than a ticket to great music. It is an investment in a century-strong tradition of excellence and a show of support for Portland’s young artists.
If you have never attended a PYP concert, this season is the perfect time to experience the passion, precision, and power of our musicians. And if you have been with us before, we invite you to return and celebrate this exciting new chapter together.
We look forward to seeing you this fall. Come discover what makes Portland Youth Philharmonic a favorite in this city—both onstage and beyond!
0 Comments :
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 Philharmonic, we believe in using music to tell stories that matter. In honor of Juneteenth, we’re sharing a recent performance of Symphony No. 2 in G Minor, “Song of a New Race” by William Grant Still, a towering yet often overlooked figure in American music.
Often called the “Dean of African American Composers,” Still was the first Black composer to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra, the first to conduct a major orchestra in the U.S., and the first to have an opera produced by a major company. Yet despite his trailblazing achievements, Still’s work has too often been left out of the mainstream classical canon.
“Song of a New Race” is a sweeping, lyrical, and emotionally resonant piece—Still’s musical portrait of a hopeful future shaped by a new, multiracial American identity. Composed in 1937, the symphony draws from his earlier work, Afro-American Symphony, but goes further: not just asserting the presence and dignity of Black Americans, but envisioning their role in reshaping the very soul of the nation.
Still wrote, “The American Negro is progressing. He is coming to think and feel in new ways… and is becoming assimilated into the American life.” His second symphony captures this evolution—its melodies sing of sorrow and struggle, but also of joy, pride, and transcendence.
Performed live by Portland Youth Philharmonic at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall under the direction of Music Director David Hattner, this rendition brings Still’s vision to life with clarity, energy, and heart. In the hands of our young musicians, the work takes on new meaning—bridging generations and reaffirming our belief that the voices of the past can help guide the future.
As we honor Juneteenth, we are reminded that the story of America is incomplete without the contributions of Black artists, musicians, thinkers, and leaders. Music by composers like William Grant Still gives us the opportunity not only to reflect on history but to imagine what a more inclusive and compassionate future might sound like.
Watch the full performance:
0 Comments :
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, and inspire. From concert halls to community centers, our ensembles bring powerful, expressive music to audiences across the Portland metro area. This nomination is a reflection not only of the talent and hard work of our young musicians, but also the incredible support we’ve received from families, alumni, and music lovers throughout the region.
Voting is open now and runs through mid-June. It only takes a minute, and every vote counts! If you’ve ever been moved by a PYP performance — whether at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, a Camerata chamber event, or a school outreach performance — we’d be so grateful for your support in helping us win.
Vote here:
https://bop.wweek.com/art-and-entertainment/best-band-musical-group
Being nominated alongside some of Portland’s most beloved musical acts is a thrill in itself, but winning would be a huge boost for the visibility of youth music education in our city. It shows that orchestral music — and the young people who make it — deserve a spot at the center of our cultural conversation.
Thank you for cheering us on. Let’s bring this one home for the next generation of Portland musicians!
0 Comments :
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 Persian instruments such as the santoor, tombak, and kamancheh.
These concerts offer a rare and immersive experience at the intersection of contemporary composition and cultural storytelling. With both established and emerging voices sharing the spotlight, the evening promises to be as heartfelt as it is innovative.
At the heart of the program are three new commissions that reflect themes of memory, mythology, and identity—performed by guest soloists deeply rooted in Persian musical traditions. Delaram Amiri on tombak, Mahtab Nadalian on santoor, and Hossein Salehi, a santoor master and founder of ArtMax Academy, are joined by composer and multi-instrumentalist Bobak Salehi, who will perform on kamancheh.
These artists bring to life:
Farhad Poupel’s “Dance of the Blossoms”, a colorful blend of Persian folk rhythms and orchestral texture featuring the santoor.
Kamyar Mohajer’s “Lights Away”, which evokes the bustle and emotional nuance of Iranian urban life through lyrical writing.
Bobak Salehi’s “Rostam Suite”, a sweeping, cinematic narrative inspired by Persian mythology and written for multiple Persian instruments and string orchestra.
“This collaboration is a true joy,” said Nadalian. “It shows how music can transcend borders and connect cultures through shared emotional language.”
“It has been a true honor to work with the Portland Youth Philharmonic and Maestro Hattner,” said Hossein Salehi. “This concert is a celebration of both Eastern and Western musical heritage—and the beauty that happens when they meet.”
Hattner echoed the sentiment: “We’ve worked with the Salehi family for over 15 years. Their artistry is a gift to Portland’s music scene, and this collaboration feels like a natural evolution. It’s a thrill to premiere new works from composers we deeply admire.”
To enrich the cultural experience, Blu Olive Mediterranean Bistro will provide complimentary Middle Eastern refreshments during intermission.
Whether you are a lover of string orchestra, world music, or new compositions, this concert is a rare and powerful event that invites you to hear music in new ways.
PROGRAM
Dinah Bianchi – Isolation
Eric Simonson – Short Variations for String Orchestra
Polina Nazaykinskaya – Symphony No. 2 for String Orchestra (2023)
Commissioned by Portland Youth Philharmonic
Intermission
Farhad Poupel – Dance of the Blossoms for Santoor and String Orchestra Commissioned by Portland Youth Philharmonic (World Premiere)
Kamyar Mohajer – Lights Away for String Orchestra
Commissioned by Portland Youth Philharmonic (World Premiere)
Bobak Salehi – Rostam Suite for Persian Instruments and String Orchestra Commissioned by Portland Youth Philharmonic (World Premiere)
Join us for a stirring and imaginative close to Season 101, and witness how Portland’s brightest young musicians bring together past and present, East and West, in a celebration of sound without borders.
0 Comments :
0 Comments :