After logging more than 1000 miles across four state lines and two international border crossings, the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in association with The Eastman Community Music School (ECMS) concludes its 2025 international tour with the concert “Truth to Power.”
The RPYO will perform side-by-side with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) Sunday, March 9, at 3:00 PM in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. General-admission tickets are “Pay What You Want,” with a suggested donation of $10 per seat, and available at RPO.org.
The program, conducted by RPYO Music Director and RPO Assistant Conductor Jherrard Hardeman, opens with the dynamic “Russian Sailors’ Dance” from Glière’s ballet The Red Poppy. The afternoon’s centerpiece is Shostakovich’s profound reflection on society, Symphony No. 11, The Year 1905.
The homecoming concert marks RPYO’s third public presentation of the same setlist, following last month’s performances in two other historic venues: Boston’s Symphony Hall and Montreal’s Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
“Most youth orchestras only perform a given program once,” explained Hardeman. “This tour enabled the RPYO to deepen their relationship with this music over the course of multiple performances, masterclasses, and by observing a world-class professional orchestra perform the same symphony. As a result, the students will be more than ready to occupy the leadership seats in their side-by-side performance with the fabulous Rochester Philharmonic, which has not performed this symphony since 1959.”
The tour was RPYO’s first since the announcement of its partnership with ECMS in spring 2023.
“We began with incredible excitement when ECMS and RPYO joined forces two years ago,” remarked Petar Kodzas, Associate Dean and Director of ECMS. “Throughout the last year the positive energy has filled every meeting and rehearsal. This tour is the culmination of goodwill and hard work done by the entire community – from participating students, their school music teachers and parents, and the incredible support of leadership from Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Eastman School of Music.”
February’s out-of-town itinerary marked the 22nd time RPYO musicians have taken their show on the road, with the first trip to Syracuse in 1975. Subsequent RPYO-tour destinations included Scotland (1983), Germany/Switzerland/Austria (1985), and France (2001). The last time the orchestra toured was 2020 (Washington, D.C., Kennedy Center).
“This tour is a prime example of the great experiences that result from the unique partnership between Eastman and the RPO,” states Kate Sheeran, Joan and Martin Messinger Dean at the Eastman School of Music, of the University of Rochester. “By working together, we can make unparalleled experiences for young musicians and audiences. I look forward to this partnership flourishing for years to come.”
According to RPO Vice President of Education Barbara Brown, who led the contingent of 80 students, 4 RPO staff members, and 10 parent chaperones, the tour created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
“This tour was a transformative experience for our RPYO musicians—pushing their artistic boundaries, strengthening their bonds, and showcasing the incredible impact of our partnership with ECMS,” said Brown. “Now, we return home with a deeper sense of musical purpose and excitement, ready to share this powerful program with our Rochester community.”
RPO MEDIA CONTACT: Mike Cidoni
Manager, PR & Communications | mcidoni@rpo.org | 323-434-8627
ESM MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Sageer
Assistant Director of PR & Digital Content | lsageer@esm.rochester.edu | 585-451-8492
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About the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra:
Under the direction of RPO Assistant Conductor Jherrard Hardeman, Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (RPYO) students rehearse and perform challenging repertoire in an environment that fosters artistic growth, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for orchestral music. Since its founding in 1970, more than 2,100 students have trained with the RPYO, with over 200 going on to perform in professional music ensembles, including major symphony orchestras.
About Eastman Community Music School:
The Eastman Community Music School (ECMS) in collaboration with members of the collegiate division faculty, strives to introduce students of all ages to the joy and discipline of music by providing a rich environment that supports each student’s musical participation and enjoyment, develops a solid foundation for the young musician aspiring to a professional career, presents opportunities for lifelong musical experiences, and offers ongoing development for teachers and other music professionals. ECMS believes that music is not only an essential part of quality education, but also a powerful contributor to quality of life. George Eastman created ECMS in 1921 for the enrichment of the residents of greater Rochester, with the expectation that this experience should be available to everyone, regardless of age, musical background, or ability to pay. More than 1,700 members of the Rochester community, from young children through senior citizens, are enrolled
About the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra:
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music since its origins in 1922. The RPO presents approximately 150 concerts and broadcasts a year, serving up to 170,000 through ticketed events, education and community engagement activities, and concerts in schools and community centers throughout the region. Andreas Delfs was named music director in 2021, following notable RPO music directors Erich Leinsdorf, David Zinman, Mark Elder, and Conductor Laureate Christopher Seaman. Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, now starting his 31st season, has earned a national reputation for excellence in pops programming during his tenure with the RPO.
About Eastman School of Music:
The Eastman School of Music was founded in 1921 by industrialist and philanthropist George Eastman (1854-1932), founder of Eastman Kodak Company. It was the first professional school of the University of Rochester. Mr. Eastman’s dream was that his school would provide a broad education in the liberal arts as well as superb musical training.
More than 900 students are enrolled in the Collegiate Division of the Eastman School of Music—about 500 undergraduates and 400 graduate students. They come from almost every state, and approximately 23 percent are from other countries. They are taught by a faculty comprising more than 170 highly regarded performers, composers, conductors, scholars and educators. They are Pulitzer Prize winners, GRAMMY winners, Emmy winners, Guggenheim fellows, ASCAP Award recipients, published authors, recording artists and acclaimed musicians who have performed in the world’s greatest concert halls. Each year, Eastman’s students, faculty members and guest artists present more than 900 concerts to the Rochester community. Additionally, more than 1,700 members of the Rochester community, from young children through senior citizens, are enrolled in the Eastman Community Music School.
About the University of Rochester:
The University of Rochester is one of the nation’s leading private research universities, one of only 62-member institutions in the Association of American Universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University gives undergraduates exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College, School of Arts and Sciences, and Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences are complemented by the Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, School of Nursing, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, and the Memorial Art Gallery.