Concert

Approximately 4,000 excited fourth-graders attended this year’s annual Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts Youth Concert. For many, this was their first experience seeing a concert with a live orchestra.

Youth Concert was available for the last two years in a streaming format; but February 1, 2023 marked the glorious return of Youth Concert to the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Presented by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, this year’s production was Igor Stravinsky’s 1919 version of the Firebird Suite, based on a classic Russian folktale. The performance, which tells the story of a handsome prince, his beautiful princess and the magical bird that saves them from evil, was conducted by Dudamel Conducting Fellow Rodolfo Barraez and set to dance.

As in prior years, the children were in awe of the performance, experiencing the joy of music. Nearly 250,000 students have participated in Pasadena Showcase Youth Concert since it began in 1953. For most it’s an unforgettable experience that impacts them in a profound and positive way.

Youth Concert is funded by proceeds from the Pasadena Showcase House of Design with a generous grant from The Green Foundation.

Helen Gipson

Youth Concert Chair