PYP Presents Tchaikovsky's 4th, a Portland Premiere by Lev Zhurbin, and a Rhythmic Marimba Concertino

It's not just a youth orchestra, it's PYP! Portland's locally-grown ensemble since 1924 will follow-up its moving Voices of Light performance on Saturday, March 3, 2018, with a Tchaikovsky classic, a Portland premiere, and a captivating marimba concerto. Portland Youth Philharmonic's exceptional musicians invite you to experience live symphonic music like never before, performed by the orchestra the Chicago Tribune called "brilliant in all departments!"

"This season, we are performing some of the most beloved and popular pieces in the history of symphony orchestras," says Musical Director David Hattner. "Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony has been an exciting challenge for the musicians of the Portland Youth Philharmonic since it was first performed by this orchestra in 1962. It utilizes all the resources of a full orchestra, contains beautiful melodies and interesting harmonies and offers some of Tchaikovsky's most exciting climaxes."

Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony is a rich, wintry masterpiece that takes its inspiration from Beethoven's 5th Symphony, performed in November 2017 by this same orchestra. Tchaikovsky's 4th dives even deeper to clutch at the heart as only Tchaikovsky can. The concert will also include the Portland premiere of Current, by the young Russian-American rising star Lev Zhurbin, a work commissioned for last year's Britt Music & Arts Festival in Jacksonville, OR. To cap the program, Nathan Coffman, winner of PYP's 2017-18 Concerto Competition, will astound the audience with Paul Creston's exciting Concertino for Marimba and Orchestra.

"Nathan has been one of PYP's great inspirations," shared Hattner. "He came to our percussion class several years ago and has worked his way through all of our ensembles, finally becoming principal percussionist of PYP this year."

Tchaikovsky's 4th tickets range from $5 to $60, and are on sale now on the PYP website. Students of any age may attend any PYP performance for just $5.

PYP's astonishing new season of concerts proudly celebrates 94 years of fearless artistry, adventurous programming, and excellent performances. Visit www.portlandyouthphil.org to purchase tickets or obtain more details.