YOLA Institute Concert Orchestra and Youth Symphony

The Concert Orchestra and Youth Symphony explore the power, color, and dramatic storytelling of the symphonic tradition through works by some of the most influential composers in classical music. Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Marche militaire française,” arranged by Merle Isaac, brings brilliance, elegance, and celebratory energy through bold rhythms and vibrant orchestral textures. Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter” from The Planets is one of the most beloved works in orchestral repertoire and known for its sweeping melodies, joyful spirit, and sense of grandeur and optimism. “Death of Tybalt” from Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet rounds out the orchestral repertoire, as a piece filled with intensity, powerful rhythms, and cinematic orchestral color.

The Concert Orchestra and Youth Symphony also proudly keep up with the tradition of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in performing new works. Soon Hee Newbold’s Angel City, commissioned by the LA Phil under Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, pays tribute to the original Spanish name and history of Los Angeles as “The City of Angels.” This composition is one of three commissions for the LA Phil’s YOLA orchestras and honors the city’s beginnings as well as its Spanish and Mexican heritage. The exploration of Latin American music continues with multi-Grammy-winning Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz’s vibrant orchestral work Antrópolis, a piece inspired by the energy, movement, and sonic landscape of Mexico City nightlife. The piece blends driving rhythms, contemporary orchestral textures, and musical influences rooted in Latin American popular culture and marks the first time YOLA performs the music of Ortiz—one of the most celebrated and influential voices in contemporary classical music today. Antrópolis is complemented by Serenata Mexicana, bringing together mariachi, choir, orchestra, and student soloists. Throughout this journey, the Concert Orchestra and Youth Symphony bridge geographical borders and historical eras, revealing music’s power to connect us across differences while honoring distinct cultural voices.

YOLA Institute Youth Symphony Chamber Orchestra & Concert Orchestra Wind, String, and Percussion Ensembles

The String Concert Orchestra performs Jeffrey Solares’ arrangement of Kruhay by Enny Castillon. Rooted in Filipino musical traditions, the work radiates energy, warmth, and a strong sense of community through driving rhythms and vibrant melodic gestures. The arrangement highlights the expressive range and collaborative spirit of the string orchestra while inviting the musicians to explore musical traditions from different parts of the world. The Youth Symphony Chamber Orchestra explores the elegance, wit, and rhythmic brilliance of Igor Stravinsky through selected movements from Pulcinella Suite. Originally inspired by the Italian commedia dell’arte character, Pulcinella, a clever and humorous figure known for playful tricks and comic situations. The ballet tells a lighthearted story of romance, confusion, and comedy. Stravinsky reimagined music from the 18th century through his own modern musical language, blending classical elegance with unexpected harmonies, rhythmic vitality, and colorful orchestration. Pulcinella remains one of Stravinsky’s most celebrated works, showcasing the balance between tradition and innovation while offering young musicians the opportunity to explore precision, style, and expressive chamber ensemble playing.

Concert Orchestra Wind Ensemble takes center stage with two of Frank Ticheli’s Four Shaker Songs, a beloved work inspired by the simplicity, warmth, and spiritual depth of traditional Shaker melodies. Ticheli transforms these historic tunes into vibrant and expressive musical landscapes, blending energetic rhythms with lyrical beauty while showcasing the ensemble’s rich sonorities and dynamic range. The Youth Symphony Wind Ensemble performs Eric Whitacre’s The Seal Lullaby, a deeply lyrical and atmospheric work inspired by a poem from Rudyard Kipling’s The White Seal. Known for his lush harmonies and cinematic textures, Whitacre creates a peaceful musical world filled with warmth, tenderness, and melodic flowing lines, inviting both performers and listeners into a moment of calm reflection and imagination.

The Percussion Ensembles bring energy, rhythm, and excitement to today’s program through works that celebrate both Latin American and jazz traditions. “El Mariachi Loco” by Germán Lizárraga, arranged by Omar Palomares Arreola, transforms the beloved mariachi classic into a vibrant percussion showcase filled with driving rhythms and festive character. Older students also perform Encore in Jazz by Vic Firth, a spirited work that explores jazz-inspired grooves, syncopation, and dynamic interplay while highlighting the versatility and musicality of the percussion ensemble.

YOLA Institute Cultural Ensembles: Big Band, Choir, and Mariachi

The YOLA Institute Big Band repertoire includes “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane, one of the most influential and technically groundbreaking works in jazz history. First released in 1960, the piece is celebrated for its fast-moving harmonic progressions, often referred to as the “Coltrane Changes,” which continue to challenge and inspire generations of jazz musicians. The ensemble also performs “Little Sunflower” by Freddie Hubbard, a lyrical and expressive jazz standard that blends warmth, groove, and melodic beauty. The work reflects the soulful side of jazz while offering space for communication, sensitivity, and individual artistry within the ensemble.

The YOLA Institute Mariachi Ensemble performs “Una Vez Más” by the legendary Juan Gabriel, whose extraordinary legacy transformed Mexican and Latin American music and culture, arranged by our YOLA teaching artist Noel Ayala-Loera. Revered for his emotional songwriting, unforgettable melodies, and deep connection with audiences, Gabriel remains one of the most influential composers and singers in Mexico and throughout the Americas.

The YOLA Institute Choir performs “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper, one of the most beloved songs of contemporary popular music. Since its release in 1983, the song has become an enduring anthem of loyalty, vulnerability, and emotional connection, resonating across generations through its timeless melody and message.

The YOLA Institute Mariachi Ensemble and Choir also come together alongside the YOLA Institute Youth Symphony Orchestra for Serenata Mexicana, arranged by Los Angeles-based composer Alejandro Briceño, a collaborative celebration of Mexican musical traditions that includes “La Fiesta del Mariachi” by Hermilio Hernández, the traditional folk song “La Llorona,” and “Guadalajara” by Pepe Guízar. This special performance brings together mariachi, choir, orchestra, and student soloists, uniting these artistic forms in a shared musical experience rooted in culture, storytelling, and community. Through these works, young musicians between the ages of 8 and 18 connect with the richness of their cultural heritage while sharing it proudly with audiences.