Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts Collaborates with LA Phil for Youth Concert

Approximately 4,500 students from over 100 local elementary schools were at the Youth Concert on Feb. 27, an event that the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts holds every year at the Walt Disney Concert Hall as part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Symphonies for Schools program.

Since 2003, the Youth Concert series has been blending music with storytelling, humor, and theatrical elements to create an engaging educational experience. The program is a first introduction to classical music and live performance for many students, and has featured works from composers like Ravel, Berlioz, and Saint-Saens in past years.

This year’s concert featured a modern adaptation of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” with selected pieces performed to introduce young audiences to classical music.

“We are so fortunate to be able to partner with such a world-class symphony,” Suzanne Hart, president of Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, said. “Music can have such an impact on young children, which is why our organization is so passionate about introducing 3rd, 4th and 5th graders to this magnificent art form. Our relationship has grown and flourished with the LA Phil, and we both share a mission of extending access to music and the arts throughout Southern California.”

“The students were absolutely enthralled,” Stephanie Johnson, chair of this year’s Youth Concert, said. “The reward for overseeing this wonderful program is the opportunity to witness these youngsters’ enthusiasm and awe as they watch the performance. It truly is priceless.”

Funding for the Youth Concert comes from the proceeds of the Pasadena Showcase House of Design and donations from supporters like the Green Foundation. The upcoming 2024 Pasadena Showcase House of Design will feature the Potter Daniels Manor from April 21 to May 19.

A volunteer-based 501©(3) organization, the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts has been a significant contributor to local music and arts programs since 1948. Aside from producing the annual Pasadena Showcase House of Design, the group runs various initiatives, including the Music Mobile, Instrumental Competition, and Youth Concert, in support of the LA Philharmonic, and has provided musical education to young people in the region. To date, Pasadena Showcase has donated over $25 million to support these causes.

For more information, visit https://pasadenashowcase.org/.