The Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra (PYCO) is pleased to announce its 2021 Virtual Spring Gala, The Show Must Go On, on June 26th, from 7-8:30 pm. The 2021 Gala gathers together families, musicians, community members, and supporters for our most significant fundraiser of the year. We hope you will join us online for an evening full of musical performances, and a celebration of our students’ success. Your support makes a difference in our young musicians’ lives, not only musically, but intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

This year’s gala theme celebrates the accomplishments of PYCO students and staff in a year with many unusual challenges. COVID-19 protocols have both substantially increased expenses and harmed our opportunities to raise funds. Our students have been unable to perform live for an audience since February 2020. The inability to hold concerts has drastically reduced revenues from ticket sales, merchandise and other donations, while costs from implementing necessary safety procedures have placed a strain on finances.

Despite the immensely challenging circumstances, PYCO was able to continue to offer rewarding and fulfilling opportunities. Our students were able to participate in PYCO ensembles live or online, and came together in person and virtually to create performance videos in lieu of live concerts.

Please join us in support of the Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra. Our gala fundraising goal this year is $8,000, which will help support students in financial need, and provide much needed funding for the operation of our many ensembles.