With dedication, persistence, and vision, the young musicians in the VYO are challenging everything you thought a youth orchestra could be. You’ll hear classics like An American in Paris and Carmen brought to life with fresh perspective. You’ll hear a brand-new commission written especially for the Vermont Youth Orchestra and a work by Vermont teacher, conductor, and musician Dr. Yutaka Kono. You’ll hear history revived through a military march from the 1800s and music restored after the California wildfires. The Vermont Youth Orchestra is challenging every assumption about what a youth orchestra can sound like. If you think you’ve heard it before, listen again.
Flynn Music Series
Hummel • Gershwin • Schoenberg
An American in Paris
October 18, 2026 at 3:00 pm
At the heart of this program that celebrates 250 years of the American experiment, the VYO takes on the incredible energy and musical mastery of Gershwin’s beloved An American in Paris—a thrilling celebration of the influences, ideas, and sounds that have shaped American music.
Hummel | Fantasy for viola and orchestra
Arlo Bolles, Viola, Senior Soloist
Korngold | The Sea Hawk
Schoenberg | Theme and Variations for Orchestra, Op.43b
Montgomeries March
Gershwin | An American in Paris
OrchestraPalooza: Unexpected
VYS • VYP • VYO
December 13, 2026 at 4:00 pm
Typical holiday concert? Not at VYOA! Vermont’s young musicians are pushing the boundaries of holiday concerts and celebrating the sense of community that brings us to The Flynn, year after year. Join us this December to celebrate nearly 200 musicians, three ensembles, three senior speakers, and one drum kit – played by senior soloist Maven Renshaw. Don’t miss this winter tradition – complete with an all-VYOA performance of Sleigh Ride!
Yotsov | Concerto for Drum Set, Mvt. 3
Maven Renshaw, Drum Set, Senior Soloist
Shostakovich • Tchaikovsky • Martin
World Premiere Commission
January 31, 2027 at 3:00 pm
New music. More musicians. One unforgettable celebration. VYOA is composing our own tomorrow with the world premiere of a new work by Theresa Martin, commissioned especially for the young musicians of the VYO.
Tchaikovsky | Violin Concerto, Mvt. 1
Madeleine Messier, Violin, Senior Soloist
Shostakovich | Festive Overture
Featuring VYP Winds/Brass
Arthur Honegger | Pacific 231
Theresa Martin | World Premiere Commission
Bizet | Carmen Suite No. 2
Holst • Kono • Smyth
Legends in the Making
May 2, 2027 at 3:00 pm
Every legend starts with a story—and this season finale is full of them. VYO celebrates its own Dr. Yutaka Kono with a performance of Amaterasu, his powerful work inspired by the legendary Japanese sun goddess. Experience an unforgettable afternoon of legendary music performed by some remarkable legends in the making.
Ethel Smyth | The Boatswain’s Mate Overture
Holst | Japanese Suite
Yutaka Kono | Amaterasu
George Chadwick | Symphonic Sketches
Elley-Long Music Series
Don’t miss our Fall and Spring concerts at Elley-Long Music Center!
Elley-Long Music Series: Fall Concert
Vermont Youth Philharmonia
October 17, 2026 at 5:30 pm
With strings, winds, and brass playing together, young musicians go beyond the expected—discovering new sounds, tackling new challenges, and experiencing the thrill of performing as a full symphony orchestra. Under the direction of Dr. Yutaka Kono, they explore music that pushes beyond traditional orchestral boundaries, from works by contemporary, diverse composers to exciting selections from movies and other media. It’s more than a concert. It’s a chance to hear what happens when young musicians are challenged to go further.
Elley-Long Music Series: Spring Concert
Vermont Youth Philharmonia & Vermont Youth Strings
April 11, 2027 at 5:00 pm
Big sound. Bold music. Boundless enthusiasm. Vermont Youth Strings and Vermont Youth Philharmonia bring their season to a triumphant close with a program that reflects months of hard work and musical growth. These young musicians embrace challenging repertoire with confidence, creativity, and contagious excitement, delivering a concert that is every bit as rewarding for the audience as it has been for the performers.
