Kennedy Center to Present the DC Youth Orchestra in the Concert Hall

Washington (September 27, 2017) In an unexpected turn of events, the Kennedy Center has invited the DC Youth Orchestra (DCYO) to perform a free concert in the prestigious Concert Hall this Tuesday. Originally, DCYO was to perform reopening of the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater on this date, but last minute renovation details have delayed the opening. On October 3rd at 6 pm, 65 of the region’s most talented high school students will perform a free concert in the 2400-seat Concert Hall open to the entire DC community as part of the Millennium Stage Series. The concert will also be streamed live on the Kennedy Center’s website.

As DCYO was the first youth orchestra to perform at the Kennedy Center, this concert marks its triumphant return. “It has been proven that young people who participate in music and art programs are more likely to stay in and thrive in school. We are so grateful to the D.C. Youth Orchestra for their contribution to our community, and their dedication to cultivating these talented young artists.” – Garth Ross, Vice President of Community Engagement at the Kennedy Center.

Maestro Mariano Vales will start the evening with music by Beethoven and Rimsky-Korsakov. The performance will also feature Sydney Ebersohl, DCYO’s 2017 concerto competition winner. Performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto Ms. Ebersohl shares her personal attachment to this piece: “There were some difficult moments that occurred in my life when I was learning this piece, so I have connected deep emotions to it. I love his melodies, especially in the very tender, tranquillo sections…the piece is technically challenging, but to mix together the technical and emotional qualities to create its overall persona is what makes this piece special.” Ms. Ebhersol, 18, returns to the Washington region from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music where she is currently a freshman.“At the DC Youth Orchestra Program, we are proud to be an inclusive organization that celebrates the great diversity of this city. We believe that playing music is transformational; that it unfetters the soul and empowers the mind in all other types of learning. It is an honor to share this with the local community on October 3rd, and we are grateful for our longstanding partnership with the Kennedy Center” – Elizabeth Schurgin, Executive Director of the DC Youth Orchestra Program.

Founded in 1960 at the request of the DC Public Schools, the DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) has been an integral part of the Washington community fostering the musical development of more than 50,000 youth. The first youth orchestra to perform at the Kennedy Center, DCYOP has toured 22 countries, played for US presidents and diplomats, and worked with esteemed musicians such as Copland, Maazel, Rostropovich, and most recently, Gustavo Dudamel and Yo-Yo Ma. The program has received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award (formerly Coming Up Taller) and the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Arts Education. Today DCYOP provides group lessons and ensemble opportunities to youth ages 4-18. DCYOP is proud to be an inclusive program and welcomes all students with a desire to learn, regardless of background, socioeconomic status or ability. Our 600 students represent 200 different schools and 100 unique zip codes. For more information visit www.dcyop.org.