A Bay Area youth orchestra marks America’s 250th anniversary with a festival of American music.
May 2, 2026 | 7:00 PM
First Church Berkeley | Berkeley, CA
Celebration of American Music Featuring Chamber and Orchestral Works
Featuring music by Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, John Adams, Jessie Montgomery, George Walker, Kenji Bunch, and Irving Berlin
The Young People’s Symphony Orchestra (YPSO), California’s oldest youth orchestra, presents the America 250 Festival: Celebration of American Music on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM at First Church Berkeley. The special festival concert commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States with an evening of chamber and orchestral works by American composers spanning more than a century of musical history. The concert also serves as YPSO’s annual Spring Concert—the third concert in its 2025–2026 subscription series.
As part of nationwide celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the festival explores the musical traditions that have shaped the American orchestral landscape while highlighting the role of young musicians in carrying that legacy forward.
Presented in an expanded festival format, the event features a first half of chamber music performed by YPSO musicians, followed by a full orchestral program. The festival highlights the diversity and creativity of American composers, from iconic figures such as Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein to influential contemporary voices including Jessie Montgomery, George Walker, and Kenji Bunch.
The first half of the festival showcases chamber music performed by YPSO musicians in a variety of ensembles, including strings, brass, winds, and percussion. These smaller ensembles offer audiences an intimate musical experience while allowing students to collaborate closely and explore a wide range of styles and traditions.
“Chamber music encompasses important musical techniques of listening, blending, and playing together like no other musical genre,” said Julie Kim, YPSO’s Chamber Music Director. “At the America 250 Festival, we will feature several combinations of ensembles to showcase American composers at their best.”
The festival program reflects more than a century of American musical creativity, featuring composers who have shaped the nation’s musical identity—from early twentieth-century pioneers to leading voices of today.
PROGRAM
First Half — Chamber Music
Aaron Copland — Fanfare for the Common Violists (Viola Ensemble)
Robert Hughes — Three Cowboy Songs, No. 3: Whistling Tune (Wind and Brass Ensemble) Kenji Bunch — String Circle for Viola Quintet, I (String Quintet)
George Walker — Lyric for Strings (String Ensemble)
Irving Berlin — Puttin’ on the Ritz (Brass Quintet)
David K. Bakker — Five Guys and Some Fries (Percussion Ensemble)
Jessie Montgomery — Strum (String Quartet)
INTERMISSION
Second Half — Orchestra
Jessie Montgomery — Starburst
John Adams — Tromba Lontana
Aaron Copland — Buckaroo Holiday from Rodeo
Samuel Barber — Essay No. 2 for Orchestra, Op. 17
Leonard Bernstein — Symphonic Dances from West Side Story (suite selection)
The second half of the program brings the full orchestra to the stage with a selection of works that highlight the breadth and evolution of American orchestral music across generations.
“This America 250 Festival program represents a range of American voices in classical music, both chamber and symphonic, from the 20th and 21st centuries,” said Music Director David Ramadanoff. “We combine two important contemporary voices—Jessie Montgomery and John Adams—with three iconic composers of the 20th century: Aaron Copland, representing the American frontier; Samuel Barber, reflecting American romanticism; and Leonard Bernstein, bringing Broadway to the concert hall.”
In addition to the performances, the America 250 Festival includes educational elements that engage students in researching composers, preparing program notes, and sharing insights with audiences about the historical and cultural context of the music.
This project is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Tickets & Information
DETAILS
- $20 General Admission
- Students Free (registration required)
- Box Office & Concert Info: www.ypsomusic.org/events
- Approximate program length: 120 minutes, including intermission.
About YPSO and Maestro David Ramadanoff
Now in its 89th season, the Young People’s Symphony Orchestra brings together talented young musicians ages 11–18 from across the Bay Area. Music Director David Ramadanoff has led YPSO for more than three decades, inspiring generations of young performers while presenting innovative orchestral programs.
Founded in 1936 in Berkeley, YPSO is California’s oldest youth orchestra and the first independent youth orchestra in the nation. Its mission is to encourage young people to become exemplary musicians and young musicians to become exemplary people. The orchestra presents four concerts annually and engages with the community through educational initiatives, outreach programs, and partnerships with local arts organizations.
