Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Presented by: Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania

Music lovers are invited to celebrate 20 years of youth music education at “PYCO PLATINUM,” a special performance by the Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestras (PYCO) on Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 5–7 p.m. at Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts in downtown Pittsburgh. This free concert at one of the city’s premier venues will showcase the talents of over 300 PYCO student musicians and Pittsburgh-area choirs and singers. The concert takes place on Mother’s Day, offering a unique opportunity for families to celebrate together. The event will be emceed by Anna Singer of WQED Pittsburgh. 

Young musicians from PYCO’s ensembles will perform a varied program of classical works, jazz selections, and pops favorites. Highlights include William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini and Symphony No. 6 (third movement) by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The centerpiece of the concert will be excerpts from Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, performed by the PYCO Symphony Orchestra and a large festival chorus comprising members of community choral groups as well as high school and children’s choirs.

The grand finale will feature a combined orchestra and choir of over 300 musicians performing “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. 

“This concert celebrates not only PYCO’s 20th anniversary but also the dedication and artistry of gifted, up-and-coming musicians in our region,” said Pablo Ardiles, Artistic Director of PYCO. “Performing on the stage at Heinz Hall will be an unforgettable experience for them, and we’re excited to share that moment with families, friends, and new audiences.” 

In addition to Ardiles, conductors for the concert include PYCO ensemble directors Stephen Ehrlich (Junior Strings), Younga Reitz (Chamber Strings), Laura Lynn Crytzer (Junior Wind Symphony), Sean Radermacher (Symphony Strings), Nolan Petote (Wind Symphony), and Timothy Heavner (Jazz & Choir). 

The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets or advance registration are required; seating is first come, first served. A suggested donation of $15 per adult will support PYCO’s youth music education programs. 

Repertoire includes:

Selections from Carmina Burana, Orff
Overture to William Tell, Rossini
Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, “Pathétique” Mvt. III, Tchaikovsky
and performances by all PYCO Ensembles
 

Conductors:

Pablo Ardiles, PYCO Symphony Orchestra
Sean Radermacher, PYCO Symphony Strings
Nolan Petote, PYCO Wind Symphony
Younga Reitz, Chamber String Orchestra
Stephen Ehrlich, Junior String Orchestra
Laura Lynn Crytzer, Junior Wind Symphony
Tim Heavner, Jazz Ensemble and Carmina Burana Choir

About the Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestras:

Founded in 2006, the Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestras (PYCO) inspires young musicians through high-quality ensemble performance and music education. PYCO provides orchestral and jazz ensemble opportunities for string, woodwind, brass, percussion, piano, and harp players ages 8–20. Students come from over 40 public and private schools throughout the Pittsburgh region and rehearse on Sundays at the PYCO School of Music in Wexford (pycosom.com). PYCO also offers summer music camps and international performance opportunities. For more information, visit pyco.org.