For anyone growing up in Philadelphia, inspiration is always within reach. From one child channeling Rocky Balboa’s determination atop the Art Museum steps to another igniting a passion for science at The Franklin Institute, the city fuels big dreams. For young music enthusiasts, there’s the PYO Music Institute, serving as a nurturing ground where musical ambition flourishes into a lifelong commitment.

The Institute is celebrating its 85th anniversary as one of the oldest and most respected youth orchestra programs in the country. Maestro Louis Scaglione, CEO and Music Director of the Institute, and Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO) conductor, reflects on its profound impact and legacy. Under his leadership, PYO has evolved from a single, volunteer-based orchestral program into a vital institution for young musicians throughout the tri-state area, providing essential spaces for both artistic and personal growth.

This season, with a record number of student concerts and expanded ensemble programs, Scaglione is proud of the Institute’s growth and its lasting impact on young musicians and the broader community. “Music is one of the great unifiers. It bridges race, creed, and cultural backgrounds, bringing people together harmoniously,” he says. In a time when unity can feel elusive, PYO Music Institute’s commitment to fostering community through music is more crucial than ever.

Supporting students at every stage, the Institute offers a range of educational and performance opportunities, not only in Center City, but throughout Greater Philadelphia. “Students work toward realizing their potential here, whether that is through the string orchestra programs, the progression of our symphony orchestras, or wind, brass, and jazz ensembles, or Tune Up Philly. If you want to be a part of a community of musical excellence, there is a place for you here,” said Scaglione.

Orchestral citizens in the making

PYO Music Institute’s exceptional musical training is bolstered by a distinguished faculty of renowned musicians, teachers, and conductors. “You won’t find a better class of professionals in this region teaching students,” said Scaglione. “Music is a great vehicle to keep them on a positive path, and here, we’re training tomorrow’s leaders.”

With experienced mentors and a diverse array of programs, PYO Music Institute draws from the expertise of some of the most respected professionals in the field, creating a unique environment for artistic growth. Scholarships and financial aid further ensure that this world-class instruction is accessible to all qualifying students, regardless of their financial background.

For Scaglione, the Institute’s musicians are not only honing their craft, they’re becoming orchestral citizens. “They all contribute to the success of the community, no matter where they are in their orchestras,” he said. “It’s about doing your best for the betterment of the entire group.” This sense of responsibility honors the support provided by families, teachers, and mentors, fostering a strong foundation of pride and dedication.

The Institute’s legacy is evident in its alumni, whose achievements illustrate the program’s lasting impact. Scaglione proudly highlights graduates such as Justin Faulkner, drummer for the Branford Marsalis Quartet and the Institute’s jazz division director; and Francesca dePasquale, an internationally acclaimed violinist and teacher at Oberlin Conservatory and the Juilliard Pre-College Program. Eleven PYO Music Institute alumni currently perform with The Philadelphia Orchestra, while many others hold positions in major orchestras worldwide. Additionally, numerous alumni have pursued careers in medicine, law, and science, carrying the discipline and values instilled at the Institute into diverse fields beyond music.

Celebrating music’s unifying power

Marking this milestone, PYO presented its 85th Anniversary Season Opening Concert at Marian Anderson Hall in the Kimmel Center with record-breaking ticket sales and an unforgettable evening that laid the groundwork for exciting events in the future. 

Led by Maestro Scaglione, the season-opening concert showcased the talents of young musicians in a program celebrating the Institute’s rich legacy, including Barber’s Overture to The School for Scandal, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with pianist Peter Dugan, Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, and the world premiere of Paul Frucht’s In Tsyet, with Grammy and Emmy award-winning double bass soloist Ranaan Meyer.

Maestro Scaglione’s vision for the future is to continue celebrating the power of American music, “It was an exciting program for me because it featured American music, showcasing all American composers — both living and long past,” said Scaglione. He emphasized that Bernstein, one of the great geniuses of the 20th century, “believed wholeheartedly, exuberantly, in the power of music to unify and heal,” highlighting its ability to bind together the human experience and to lift, console, and heal through artistry — an experience PYO Music Institute hopes patrons will carry with them.

For a complete listing of the Institute’s student concerts and free events, and to learn more about the programs offered, visit pyomusic.org.