Press Release: AYS & A Place Called Home Bring Classical Music to South Central LA

(February 13, 2020 Los Angeles, CA) The American Youth Symphony (AYS) and A Place Called Home (APCH) have joined forces to bring classical music to South Central families and the local community with a free classical music festival on Saturday February 29, 2020 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at The Bridge Theater @ A Place Called Home, 2901 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90011.  

Supported by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the festival will feature AYS string and woodwind ensembles, who will perform throughout the afternoon in APCH’s new performance space, The Bridge Theater. Additional interactive activities are also being offered, including an instrument petting zoo, green screen photo booth, and instrument demonstrations by AYS musicians. All spaces will include a Spanish translator. 

APCH’s commitment to strengthening the South Central neighborhood aligns with AYS’ ongoing efforts of deepening engagement throughout the many diverse Los Angeles communities. Classical music is new for APCH programming, and staff are eager to share this beautiful art form with families who may not have experienced it before. AYS and APCH strive to foster positive exchange by celebrating community and music. 

“American Youth Symphony’s exceptional musicians are dedicated to sharing their love of music with the greater community,” says AYS Executive Director Tara Aesquivel. “We are proud to bring a professional-level experience to our many free concerts and programs throughout Los Angeles. AYS strives to be a resource for the community, and we are grateful for our partnership with APCH, which helps us achieve this goal in the best way possible – by offering a free community festival for all ages.” 

The Festival lineup Includes: 

11:15 am – AYS Woodwind Quintet

11:55 am – AYS Instrument Demonstrations

12:40 pm – AYS String Quartet

For Calendar Section

What: Classical Music Community Festival

Who: American Youth Symphony & A Place Called Home                                                                                            

Where: The Bridge Theater @ A Place Called Home, 2901 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90011

When: Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 11:00am – 2:00 pm

Tickets: Free!

About American Youth Symphony
Founded in 1964 by renowned conductor Mehli Mehta, the American Youth Symphony inspires the future of classical music by training the next generation of professional musicians and building new audiences for orchestral music. AYS presents ambitious seasons that feature thoughtful programming of exceptionally high quality, covering a breadth of symphonic music, including beloved classics, film scores, chamber works, and contemporary pieces. AYS is committed to reflecting the diversity of Los Angeles in its programming, representing artists and composers of all genders, generations, and ethnicities. AYS is also committed to equity within the orchestra, by holding blind, free auditions, and by paying musicians instead of charging tuition. AYS concerts are presented for free or low cost, at world-class concert halls and local community venues alike, with the goal of welcoming anyone who is interested to enjoy this beautiful art form. https://aysymphonyorg.dream.press/

About A Place Called Home

A Place Called Home (APCH) provides a safe, nurturing environment with proven programs in arts, education, and wellness for the young people in South Central Los Angeles to help them improve their economic conditions and develop healthy, fulfilling and purposeful lives. Since its founding in 1993, APCH has directly served more than 20,000 youth members through its core school day, after school and summer programming, and over 150,000 local residents through family and supportive services including food, clothing, and holiday toy distributions, counseling, voter education, and community organizing. For more information, visit apch.org.