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A Day for 250 Young Philadelphia Musicians at the Kimmel Center

Steven Krull Photography
A section of violinists pose for a photo at the Philadelphia Festival of Young Musicians

WRTI’s Meridee Duddleston looks at the third Philadelphia Festival of Young Musicians that took place on Feb. 16, 2015 at the Kimmel Center. Gathered together were 250 student instrumentalists and vocalists, from over 13 organizations in Philadelphia, who studied in sections during an intensive day of learning and socializing. The day ended with a grand performance on the Verizon Hall stage. Lio Kuokman, assistant conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra, led the instruments. MelissaMalvar-Keylock, associate conductor of the Princeton Girlchoir, led the singers.

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Part two of WRTI's Meridee Duddleston's report on the Philadelphia Festival of Young Musicians and a day spent learning and performing at the Kimmel Center.

The highlight of the collaboration among members of the Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth is the Philadelphia Festival of Young Musicians. It's a concept modeled after one in Chicago, a template for a local consortium of music organizations for the young.

Credit Steven Krull Photography
Singing at the Philadelphia Festival of Young Musicians at the Kimmel Center.

The Alliance is comprised of established and new programs focusing on music education. The day-long festival is held on President's Day, a day that many schools in the area are closed. Helen Eaton, executive director of Settlement Music School, says that the festival brings together third through sixth graders: those who wouldn't usually get an opportunity like this until high school. 

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Settlement Music School Executive Director Helen Eaton has been integral in starting the Festival.

After an initial two years at Philadelphia High School for Girls, the Festival in 2015 moved to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts this past President’s Day, with The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Kimmel Center joining as sponsors. Older students from Alliance member organizations were mentors, experienced teaching artists led sectionals in backstage and upstairs rooms, lunch was in the Kimmel lobby, and the free performance took place on the stage in Verizon Hall. 

Lio Kuokman, assistant conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra, led the instruments, and MelissaMalvar-Keylock, associate conductor of the Princeton Girlchoir, conducted the singers.  

Credit Steven Krull Photography
Philadelphia Orchestra Assistant Conductor Lio Kuokman on the podium during the Philadelphia Festival of Young Musicians at the Kimmel Center.

Credit Steven Krull Photography
Instructors and students playing together at the Philadelphia Festival of Young Musicians

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Daniela Pierson of Musicopia explains how the Festival is organized.

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Listen to Meridee's interview with Philadelphia Orchestra President and CEO, Alison Vulgamore.

2015 Philadelphia Festival of Young Musicians participating organizations:
Artistas y Musicas Latino Americanos (AMLA)
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Musicopia
Pennsylvania Girlchoir and Keystone State Boychoir
Philadelphia Boys Choir
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia Sinfonia Association
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra & Tune Up Philly
Play On, Philly!
School District of Philadelphia
Settlement Music School
Sister Cities Girlchoir
Temple University Music Preparatory Division