The New York Philharmonic is approaching the 100th anniversary of the annual Young People’s Concerts, a series of programming on Saturday afternoons geared towards children and families. The series aims to inspire music appreciation through interactive displays and performances of timeless classics and world premieres.
This season, the Philharmonic will present four YPCs highlighting the program’s history, modern themes, and future developments. All of the events are directed and designed by Doug Fitch, and take place in the Wu Tsai Theater at David Geffen Hall at 2PM.
The first event, titled Time Capsule, will take place on November 18. Conducted and hosted by Thomas Wilkins, the show takes inspiration from previous Young People’s Concerts, featuring works by Rossini, Elgar, Jessie Montgomery, and Leonard Bernstein. The show will see the world premiere of Bunmi Afariogun (age 11), alongside Fiona Khuong-Huu (age 16) in her NY Philharmonic debut.
Fantasy and Imagination will take place on January 20, conducted by Jerry Hou and hosted by NY Phil Teaching Artist Justin Jay Hines. The show will celebrate imagination and the power of music, featuring Musorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, and new works by Very Young Composers participants.
Next, Composing Inclusion will debut on April 20. Conducted and hosted by Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, in his NY Phil debut, the show will present a collaboration between the NY Phil, American Composers Forum, and The Juilliard School’s Preparatory Division. With selections from William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, the NY Phil will be joined by students from Juilliard’s Preparatory Division and Pre-College Orchestra.
Finally, Celebration will be conducted and hosted by Kwamé Ryan in his NY Phil debut on May 4. Accompanied by Sheku Kanneh-Mason as a soloist, the show closes out the YPC centennial by exploring humor in music throughout history.
Alongside the Young People’s Concerts, the NY Phil presents YPC Overtures, where children can try out instruments, listen to music by Very Young Composers participants, and participate in interactive workshops. YPC Overtures begin at 1PM on the day of the concert.
More information and tickets for New York Philharmonic Young People’s Concerts, visit nyphil.org/calendar.
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