Since 1924, PYP has inspired and trained young musicians throughout the Pacific Northwest. Founded by Mary V. Dodge, a pioneer violin teacher, the Portland Junior Symphony, America’s first youth orchestra, captured the hearts of radio listeners all across the country.
Renamed the Portland Youth Philharmonic in 1978, PYP is known for fearless artistry, adventurous programming, and astonishing performances at affordable prices.
Thank you for posting this video. I was a member of the Westchester (NY) Youth Symphony founded by Norman Leyden (1957) and joined in 1958 (I was 12 years old at that time) and was Principal Horn from 1960 to 1964 when I graduated from high school. I served as orchestra manager under Mr. Leyden until he left for Portland OR in 1968. We played the Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Music from Act III many times (has a great Horn part). Sitting to my left, back then, was Principal Trumpet Mark Gould who went on to become the Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Our Principal Clarinet was Frank (Franklin) Cohen who was longtime Principal Clarinet of the Cleveland Orchestra. Mr. Leyden trained female conductors, unique for that time; Nancy Buckingham was featured. Many of us went on to successful professional musician careers in orchestras, freelancers, colleges, teachers and therapists. I was a freelancer throughout college, medical school, residency and even into my active attending physician career as a Pathologist. At age 78, I still perform as Principal Horn of the West Islip (NY) Symphony Orchestra. I hope that many of the performers, now 35 years later, have gone on to excellent musical careers or continue to perform avocationally. This video serves as testimony of Norman F. Leyden’s contribution to the youth of America, Portland, and to the World and History of Music. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to post this comment.
Thank you for sharing. Norman may have been at this performance. He definitely attended concerts during this season. I remember seeing him after the Bartok Concerto for Orchestra which concluded this season. He was an amazing man much beloved by all in Portland. I have known many of the PYP alumni who played for him during his season with orchestra in the 1960s and they enjoyed their time with him as well. We played his Serenade for Strings in his memory two years after this Wagner performance. Both that and the Bartok can be seen elsewhere on RU-vid.
Yes ! I've subscribed... I wouldn't want to miss one performance of this wonderful Orchestra ! KUDOS to Maestro Hatten ! Nice to see your progress through the years with the Portland Youth Philharmonic... makes me want grab my Horn and come up to play along ! All the Best !
There have been some who think English music doesn't survive beyond the shores of Britannia. Well here we are in Portland Oregon where young Americans have rendered a majestic and impassioned performance of a piece of music which could only be English and it was and will only be radiantly beautiful. A celebration of Life with its joys and sorrows. Bravo to all you lovely people !
Ohs - this is a fabulous version of Rhapsody in Blue with 4 Hands and Orchestra - Congratulations to Portland Youth Orchestra and staff - More Videos to upload please!
A lot of orchestral/classical (and light-classical) instrumental music has been used as background cover for TV and radio commercials. It tarnishes the quality of great instrumental music. The producers of the commercial advertisements generally can "get away" with the practice because the music is Public Domain (there are no royalties to pay). Still ... ( in my humble opinion) It is tacky!
