AYP
American Youth Philharmonic
Dr. Timothy Dixon, Conductor
Our most advanced orchestra, AYP is a musical training ground for the most accomplished young musicians in the area, many of whom go on to have successful music careers. Under the skilled baton of Dr. Timothy Dixon, AYP performs a series of demanding orchestral literature spanning from classical to contemporary and commissioned works.
AYP has had the honor of performing in these notable performance venues:
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington, D.C.)
The National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.)
Carnegie Hall (New York City, NY)
Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (Baltimore, MD)
The Music Center at Strathmore (Bethesda, MD)
DAR Constitution Hall (Washington, D.C.)
George Mason University's Center for the Arts (Fairfax, VA)
George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium (Washington, D.C.)
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center (Alexandria, VA)
AYP has participated in numerous domestic and international festivals:
Aberdeen International Youth Festival (Scotland)
British Festival of Youth Orchestras
Spoleto Festival (South Carolina)
International Rachmaninoff Festival (Russia)
National Orchestral Institute (University of Maryland)
Festival of Youth Orchestras (Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C.)
Partnership with American Initiative for Italian Culture
AYP has collaborated with the following musical groups:
The Choral Arts Society of Washington
Cathedral Choral Society
The Washington Chorus (Oratorio Society of Washington)
Washington Master Chorale
Fairfax Choral Society
Reston Chorale
Virginia Ballet Company
Washington Performing Arts
BalletNova Center for Dance
Renowned soloists include pianist Horacio Gutierrez, trumpet virtuoso Arturo Sandoval, guitarist Manuel Barrueco, pianist Sara Wolfensohn, clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera, the Ahn Trio and guest conductor Leonard Slatkin.
AYP musicians are not only considered leaders within the AYPO organization but also throughout the metropolitan area. AYP musicians participate in advanced summer programs, the NSO Youth Fellowship Program, and consistently rank in the top positions in All-Virginia Band and Orchestra.
Questions about AYP can be directed to Alex Stenseth at astenseth@aypo.org.