New to Classical Music?
Welcome! PYP’s exceptional musicians and Musical Director David Hattner invite audiences of all ages to experience live symphonic music like never before.
“This season we hope to see faces in the audience who have never attended an orchestral concert before,” says Hattner. “We welcome local residents, especially those who are not sure they are ‘invited,’ to get to know this unique orchestra made up of members of our community, performers who were born and raised in the Pacific Northwest.”
- What do I wear?
PYP wants you to come as you are! There is no wrong way to dress at one of our concerts. Whether that be jeans or evening dress, we want you to be comfortable and be yourself. You’ll find people dressed in all kinds of clothing, so no matter what you choose to wear, you certainly won’t be the only one! Don’t worry about dressing as anything but yourself.
- How long will the concert last?
PYP performs full-length symphony concerts, which usually last between 1.5 and 2 hours.
- When do I clap?
One of our biggest goals as a performing ensemble is to help make the music mean something to you. We are doing away with the “standard” clapping practices (i.e. exclusively at the end of a piece) and encourage you to applaud whenever you feel compelled. Whether that be at the end of a solo, at a climax, or, yes, even between movements, if you feel that the music moves you enough, please don’t be afraid to express yourself!
- What kind of music do you play?
Generally speaking, we play Western classical music—that is to say, classical music from Europe and North America—but also play orchestral music by South American composers, from the Middle East, or elsewhere in the world. Musical Director David Hattner strives to program and commission new music in support of American composers, who are often left behind by modern symphony orchestras in favor of the largely European “classics.” Rest assured that when you come to a PYP concert, you’ll be delighted by a mix of old and new orchestral music.
- Where can I park?
Street parking is available around the Arlene Schnitzer Concert hall (metered until 7:00 PM). Additionally, there are pay surface lots and parking garages nearby.
Click here for Smart Park locations.
Or, skip the parking and take Tri-Met to Pioneer Square, or an inbound bus to the Downtown Transit Mall. Visit Tri-Met’s website or call them for more information at 503-238-RIDE.
There is a drop off zone on Broadway right in front of the theater under the iconic Portland sign for easy access.