The American Youth Symphonic Orchestra (AYSO) and Conductor Carl J. Bianchi welcome to the stage violist Tsuna Sakamoto of the National Symphony Orchestra, performing two concerts of "Symphonic Serenade" and featuring Bartók's Concerto for Viola and Orchestra. The first concert takes place on Sunday February 24, 8:00 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center of George Mason University in Manassas, Virginia. The second concert is free admission and takes place Monday, February 25, 7:00 p.m. at Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, Virginia. Additional repertoire includes Alla Marcia from Karelia Suite, Op. 11 and Symphony No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 82 by Sibelius.

"Under the brilliant leadership of Maestro Bianchi, the Symphonic Orchestra is up to the challenge of Bartók's viola concerto," said Music Director Daniel Spalding. "Soloist Tsuna Sakamoto is an incredible violist and an inspiration to all of our musicians."

This is Ms. Sakamoto's fourth season on the artistic staff as Assistant to the Conductor for AYSO. She works closely with the string section of AYSO on a weekly basis, within rehearsals and as individual sections.

"It's such an honor to showcase Ms. Sakamoto's talents with the orchestra," said Maestro Bianchi. "This monumental and virtuosic work will fill the Hylton Performing Arts Center with the intensity warranted by a concerto written for the unique qualities of the viola."

Tickets for the February 24th concert are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $10 for students (including college with ID), and free for music teachers. Tickets are available online or at the venue box office. The February 25th concert is free admission for everyone.

About the Guest Artists: Tsuna Sakamoto, section violist of the National Symphony Orchestra since 1998, was born in Tokyo, Japan. Before her arrival in Washington, D.C., she was a member of the violin section of the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra. She has also served as Principal second violinist with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra of Indiana, Associate Concertmaster with the Mansfield Symphony, Assistant Principal violist with the Aspen Chamber Orchestra and, in the 2002-2003 season, she served as Principal violist with the Kansas City Symphony. In addition to her duties with the National Symphony Orchestra, Ms. Sakamoto is Co-Principal violist of the Eclipse Chamber Orchestra. She recently was featured with the Eclipse Chamber Orchestra in Tom Myron's viola concerto, written for her and dedicated to her. She is also a member of the Potomac String Quartet. They have released all eleven string quartets of David Diamond on the Albany Records label, and have also recorded all nine Quincy Porter String Quartets, to be released this year. Ms. Sakamoto maintains a private teaching studio, and also teaches in the NSO Youth Fellowship program. She is a coach for the American Youth Symphonic Orchestra, and is an adjunct faculty at The Catholic University of America. She has given master classes at universities and high schools throughout the United States and Japan. Ms. Sakamoto studied at the Toho Academy School of Music, Cincinnati Conservatory, and Ohio State University. Her teachers include Edward Adelson, Allyson Dawkins, Heidi Castleman, Masumi Ogawa, Kenji Kobayashi, Naoko Tanaka, Kurt Sassmannshaus, Dorothy DeLay, Larry Shapiro, and Michael Davis. [Complete Biography].

About AYPO: The mission of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (AYPO) is to provide the highest quality musical experience that allows our students to grow as musicians and individuals, who then contribute to our nation's cultural landscape, as they become future artistic and community leaders. Recognized as one of the leading orchestral training programs in the nation, AYPO provides competitive world-class training and performance opportunities for young musicians up to 21 years of age. With a nationally recognized artistic staff led by Music Director Daniel Spalding, a dedicated professional staff, and a host of volunteers, AYPO annually selects and trains over 400 of the most talented young musicians. For 48 years, AYPO has delivered programs of the highest caliber to young musicians and audiences throughout the Washington metropolitan region, earning an unrivaled reputation for excellence and distinction.