The American Youth Philharmonic (AYP) and the American Youth Symphonic Orchestra (AYSO) take the stage for the"Grand Finale" of the season on Sunday, June 3, 3:00 p.m. at the Center for the Arts of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Pianist AnnaMaria Mottola joins AYSO and Maestro Carl J. Bianchi performing the popular Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin.

AnnaMaria Mottola, piano

"I have truly enjoyed working with the talented musicians of the AYSO," said Mottola. "They demonstrate command of their instruments and a deep understanding of the repertoire."

AnnaMaria Mottola is a pianist with the "President's Own" U.S. Marine Band. As a featured soloist with the band, she has performed the Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3 and Gershwin's Concerto in F and Rhapsody in Blue. Additionally, she has performed in a non-military capacity at Blues Alley in Washington, D.C. and at other jazz venues in Maryland and Virginia [complete biography].

"Rhapsody in Blue is a unique piece, in that it features several soloists throughout, so there is a need for demonstrative playing from the orchestra and from individuals," said Mottola. "Each section [of AYSO] steps up and is showcased beautifully throughout the piece. I am delighted to be sharing the stage with Maestro Bianchi and the talented young artists of AYSO!"

AYSO will also perform the Overture to The Abduction from the Seraglio by Mozart and Symphonic Metamorphosis by Hindemith. According to Maestro Bianchi, the repertoire was chosen for their "contrast in form", which is the overall structure or plan for a piece of music.

The second half of the concert will feature the flagship American Youth Philharmonic, with Music Director and Conductor Daniel Spalding, performing Stokowski's arrangement of Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor by Bach and "Dance of the Seven Veils" from Salome by Strauss.

"Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor is the perfect piece to showcase the orchestra's rich and sonorous sound, and the 'Dance of the Seven Veils' is incredibly engaging and exciting," said Maestro Spalding. "These difficult works are rarely performed by professional symphony orchestras, partly because they require a large number of musicians in order to obtain the ultimate effect. The American Youth Philharmonic will amaze the audience!"

Tickets are $14 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $10 for students (including college with ID), free for ages 5 and under, and free for music teachers. Tickets available online or at the door. Please join us in honoring our graduating seniors at a reception immediately following the concert!