ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Vladimir Feltsman

Internationally known as one of the greatest pianists of his generation, Vladimir Feltsman was born in Soviet Russia in 1952. Recognized for his spectacular talent at an early age, Feltsman made his debut with the Moscow Philharmonic when he was just 11 years old. He grew to become one of the most popular performers in Russia, touring extensively throughout Europe and Asia after winning the Grand Prix at the Marguerite Long International Piano Competition in Paris, in 1971.

In 1979, after requesting an exit visa to pursue his career abroad, Feltsman became a prominent "refusenik," when USSR officials denied him the right to emigrate. For the next eight years he was banned from performing in public, but the Soviet government ultimately relented to international pressure, permitting Feltsman and his family to relocate to the US.

Over the last three decades, Feltsman has appeared with every major American orchestra, and on the most prestigious musical stages and festivals worldwide. He is celebrated both as an artist of extraordinary skill, and a symbol of triumph over oppression.

Join AYS and Vladimir Feltsman on March 25th

Alumni Spotlight

Former AYS Concertmaster Philip Marten (2015/16 season) has won the Assistant Concertmaster chair at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. 


Alumna Catherine Baker, former principal flute (2016/17 season) and current Orchestra Management Fellow, just won First Place at the Philadelphia Flute Society Young Artist Competition.


Alumna Anna Lenhert (AYS horn section 2015-2017) has just been named Assistant Principal Horn of the Hawaii Symphony.


Simone Porter, AYS alumna (violin section 2011/12 season) and past soloist, will perform a recital at the Broad Stage on March 10th, for this month's KUSC Classic Event.

Congratulations to all of our talented and hard working alumni, we are so proud of your success!

CBS Sunday Morning Features
The Newman Family

Last weekend, CBS Sunday Morning featured a segment celebrating the contributions of the Newman Family to the art of Film Music. 

David Newman is certainly familiar to AYS audiences as the driving force behind our "Hollywood Project" film concert series, which he started ten years ago and has frequently guest-conducted. David is also an AYS alumnus, and he and his wife Krystyna have been active AYS Board Members for many years! 

Check out this great interview with David, and famous family members Randy, Thomas, and more!
 

"There may not be any musical saga quite like the Newmans!"
     - film score historian Jon Burlingame

Coming up: AYS Gala Honoring Edna Weiss

Saturday, April 21, UCLA's Royce Hall
4:30 pm Q&A, 5:00 pm Concert

Carlos Izcaray: conductor 

IZCARAY: Strike Fugaz
REVUELTAS: Homenaje a Federico García Lorca 
COPLAND: Lincoln Portrait
BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”

Tickets: Free   /  Reserve Now

This year’s gala concert features repertoire celebrating the triumph of the human spirit in a first-time collaboration with Human Rights Watch, with works by Revueltas, Copland and Beethoven. We are also thrilled to present the world premiere of an original composition by Music Director Carlos Izcaray. Concert preceded by Q&A with music historians and human rights advocates, exploring the use of music as a tool for social change.

Presented in Partnership with Human Rights Watch

Gala Dinner 7:30pm

Join AYS friends and orchestra members for our annual Gala Dinner, celebrating the continuing success of the American Youth Symphony, and honoring the centennial birthday of loyal AYS supporter and life-long philanthropist Edna Weiss. 

Individual Dinner & Concert Packages start at $500. Tables for ten start at $5,000.

This event is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, The Kaman Foundation, and the Flora L. Thornton Foundation

UCLA's Parking Structure 5 will be under construction for the next two years. Please see our updated parking instructions for Royce Hall.

Parking instructions and more (such as ticketing procedures, audience attire, etc.) can be found in our newly-added "know before you go" feature.