The American Youth Philharmonic (AYP) and Music Director Daniel Spalding begin the new year with "The Human Spirit" on Sunday, January 22, 3:00 p.m. at George Mason University's Center for the Arts in Fairfax, Virginia. The concert is free for ages 18 and under as part of the Comps for Kids program, generously sponsored by Target, with tickets available at the door (no reservations necessary). To enhance the educational experience, AYPO will host an instrument petting zoo immediately following the concert, sponsored by

Dotian Levalier, harp

Foxes Music Company. Children will have an opportunity to play and learn about the different orchestral instruments.

AYP welcomes to the stage Dotian Levalier, Principal Harpist of the National Symphony Orchestra, performing Mark Adamo's Four Angels, Concerto for Harp and Orchestra.

"I couldn't be happier that American Youth Philharmonic is performing Four Angels with the soloist who first brought it into being," said composer Mark Adamo. "Dotian Levalier is an unforgettable artist and I know that the young players of AYP will bring it to blazing life."

"I have been looking forward to this concert for a long time," said Music Director Daniel Spalding. "The Adamo Four Angels has been a joy to learn and it's the kind of contemporary score that deserves to be played again and again. It's unique, beautiful, and moving, and having Dotian as harp soloist (who the work was written for) just adds to the excitement."

AYP will also be performing The Giant Guitar by Miguel del Aguila and Symphony No. 1 in E minor by Jean Sibelius.

"I'm very excited about this performance of my Giant Guitar by AYP," said composer Miguel del Aguila. "As they've done in the past, these talented young musicians, led by Maestro Spalding, will make the score come alive with emotional intensity, vitality and enthusiasm."

"The Giant Guitar is another work on the program that I'm sure no one has heard before," said Spalding, "[and] it's basically a giant crescendo that will knock your socks off. Topping all that off with the romantic Sibelius Symphony No. 1 is certainly a challenging program for a young orchestra - but they are up to the task."

Tickets are $14 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $10 for college students (including college with ID), free for ages 18 and under, and free for music teachers. Tickets available online or at the door. [Concert Details]

About the Guest Artist: Dotian Levalier, Principal Harpist of the National Symphony Orchestra, is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music where she studied with Carlos Salzedo and Marilyn Costello. Before joining the National Symphony in 1969, she was the Principal Harpist of the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra, the Pennsylvania Ballet, the Philadelphia Grand Opera and the Philadelphia Lyric Opera Company. Ms. Levalier has made numerous recital and radio appearances as well as guest artist appearances with orchestras other than her own. [Complete Biography]

The Intern will be responsible for two main projects during his/her placement with AYPO: assisting the General Manager by supporting the organization's annual audition process, and assisting the Executive Director with development projects. The Intern will also contribute to the upcoming concert season, including planning for a major tour in June 2013, and will participate in other projects based on his/her personal interests. An introduction to graphic design, website maintenance, and HTML coding will also be provided if the applicant is interested. [Details]  

Send resume and cover letter by April 1, 2012 to: manager@aypo.org or 4026 Hummer Rd, Annandale, VA 22003.