The following description comes from the event organizer.

Established in 1924, Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP), is the United States' longest running youth orchestra! In its historic 99^th season, PYP is excited to present beloved classic masterworks alongside many new compositions that are sure to awe and inspire audience members from all walks of life.

Patrons will experience music from around the world, like Balada Mexicana by Mexican composer Manuel Ponce, Symphonic Variations by Czech composer Antonín Dvořák, the U.S. premier of Symphony No. 3 by British composer Ruth Gipps, and world premieres by local favorite Kenji Bunch, Jeff Scott, Bruce Stark, and UK-based Iranian composer Farhad Poupel.

Award-winning pianist Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner returns to Portland to make his debut with the Philharmonic Orchestra in performances of Ponce's Balada Mexicana and Stark's Variations for Piano and Strings. Llewellyn is known for his "mesmerizing artistry and
extraordinary ability to communicate" (The Post-Standard), as well as his "masterful technique
and a veritable deluge of sonorities" (La Presse Montreal). Don't miss your chance to see him
perform live!

PYP will conclude the season with Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in collaboration with the Portland Symphonic Choir and featuring Vanessa Isiguen (soprano), Hannah Penn (mezzo-soprano), Anthony Kalil (tenor), and Zachary Lenox (bass baritone) as vocal soloists.

"This year, the Portland Youth Philharmonic is introducing many pieces never before heard in our community, including multiple world premieres," noted PYP's Musical Director David Hattner. "We'll also present PYP's first-ever performance of the Ninth Symphony by Beethoven, a momentous occasion and our first collaboration with the Portland Symphonic Choir. Our season, like our entire history, is a crescendo that leads to the 100^th anniversary season next year!"

Coined as "perhaps the most exciting orchestra in Oregon" by Oregon ArtsWatch in 2022, PYP hopes to uphold that praise in Season 99 by commissioning and showcasing a wide array of new works by talented composers from around the world. One such composer is Jeff Scott whose work was commissioned by PYP in 2021. Scott served as French hornist of Imani Winds for more than 20 years and has written many works for ensembles of all kinds. This will be PYP's second commission of Scott's work.

"More than ever, the future of classical music is in need of new voices, influences and a lean towards creative autonomy between musicians and presenting organizations," stated Jeff Scott. "For this reason, it was an honor to collaborate with David Hattner and the Portland Youth Philharmonic, who in my opinion are the face of our musical future."

PYP believes in providing excellent music education to all young musicians, which lends itself to a wonderful musical experience for all to enjoy. With thoughtful training and challenging and rewarding compositions, the Philharmonic Orchestra performs at a level that rivals many of their professional counterparts. PYP hopes you will hear for yourself at their season opening concert on November 12, 2022 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.