The Show Must Go On! - PYCO 2021 Virtual Gala

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.

Gala Features

This evening will include the premiere of recorded performances by the PYCO Orchestra Strings, PYCO Wind Symphony, Chamber Strings, Chamber Woodwinds, Junior Strings & Junior Wind Ensemble. The directors of these ensembles will share a few words about this past season, and reflect on the hard work everyone has put in.

A live performance from Pablo Ardiles, violin & Lauren Corcoran-Emrich, soprano will honor the contributions of the late Rose Wachter, beloved volunteer greeter for PYCO and mother of our operations manager, Kim McShea.

This evening is all about celebrating the successes of this past year, and with that we will have our Senior

Recognition ceremony. The leadership of our high school seniors was vital this year, and we are so proud of what they have all accomplished!

Donate Now!

Tier 1: Patron

$50.00

Patron donations will help us fund the purchase of sheet music, music stands & other necessary equipment.

Tier 2: Principal

$100.00

Principal donations will help PYCO provide exciting performance opportunities, like performing at the Carnegie Music Hall.

Tier 3: Maestro

$200.00

Maestro donations will help us provide direct financial aid to our students, which is more important than ever after the effects of COVID-19.

Silent Auction

Organized by

Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra

The Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra (PYCO) educates and trains young musicians to pursue excellence in performance of both chamber music and symphonic repertoire. PYCO was founded in 2006 by current Artistic Director, Pablo Ardiles. Formerly the Pittsburgh Youth Chamber Orchestra, PYCO began as a chamber orchestra comprised of 18 students and has since expanded to a full symphonic orchestra with additional ensembles and programs, serving 200 young musicians and their families. The Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra offers opportunities for string, woodwind, brass, percussion and harp players in grades 4 to 12. Our core values are a love of learning, the pursuit of excellence, and the joy of musical performance.

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