​ Youth Concert!

While most of you know WMPA provides concerts of the incredible Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic, and a free summer Sunday chamber music series at the Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria, another “secret gem” WMPA offers to the community happens to be our TWO youth orchestras.

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I would be remiss if all I didn’t share my enthusiasm about their upcoming concert. WMPA’s Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (WMYO) and the Washington Metropolitan Concert Orchestra (WMCO will perform a combined Spring concert on Sunday afternoon March 22, 2026.  It might be March Madness with the NCAA basketball, and we might have snow squalls, but why not take a break and support these young musicians?  They will amaze you. ​

This concert will feature two senior soloists: one a wonderful cellist, another a talented violinist. Both orchestras have been rehearsing on Tuesday nights throughout the school year in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County. Their early December concert was a success at the Bishop Ireton High School with nearly 200 audience members enthusiastically applauding.  The upcoming Spring concert will be at a different venue near Washington’s Mount Vernon, at the West Potomac HS. 
 
WMYO, under Music Director Alberto Rodrigeuz, generally is for talented high schoolers, while the WMCO, under Music Director Martin Garfield-Levine, is for middle-schoolers.  I can’t speak enough about how much I admire the enthusiasm and skill of our Music Directors.  Both are public school educators who believe strongly in gifting their young musicians with lifelong musical enjoyment and dedication. Perhaps you saw our announcement that Al had been awarded Yamaha’s prestigious “40 under 40” excellence in music educators?  40 Under 40 - 2026 - Yamaha Music   Another cool fun fact is that the WMYO Assistant Music Director, Robert Katz, himself is a “graduate” of the WMYO.

I invite you to read more about the ensembles on our website. Youth Orchestras - WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN PHILHARMONIC ASSOCIATION 
 
Furthermore, I hope to see you at the West Potomac High School at 4:00 pm on March 22nd.  (Alas, we had an unexpected late change in venue; as well as time change to accommodate this location.)  The correct address is 6500 Quander Road, Alexandria, VA 22307.

 Plan to enjoy listening to an inspired program