65th Anniversary Gala Tickets: Symphonies of Generations
November 7, 2025 @ 6:00PM — 10:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
The Schuyler Ballroom at the Hamilton Hotel: 1001 14th St NW Washington, DC 20005 Get Directions
.png)
Celebrate DCYOP's Impact and Support the Next Generation at the 65th Anniversary Gala on November 7
For 65 years, young musicians have been transformed by music as part of the DC Youth Orchestra Program. Every student has a story, and every generation adds to the symphony of DCYOP’s impact. Make your impact on the future of the DC Youth Orchestra Program by becoming an event sponsor, purchasing a ticket, or sharing a gift of support today!
We can't wait to celebrate with you at DCYOP's 65th Anniversary Gala: Symphonies of Generations!
Wear your most festive attire (black-tie optional) and plan for a night filled with music (from DCYOP and the String Queens), inspiration, delicious food, and a chance to raise your glass (and your bid paddle!) to the DC Youth Orchestra Program.
- Gala Chairperson: Mercedes Ellington, Director/Choreographer, Producer, Performer, and Ellington Family Historian
Head to dcyop.org/gala for the most up-to-date event information, and we'll see you there!
DC Youth Orchestra empowers young people to transform their lives through music and community
We serve...
- DCYOP represents every corner of the DMV, serving over 700 students ages 4-18 each year.
- DCYOP offers 9 Orchestras, 40+ Beginner Classes, 4 DCPS free after-school programs, and a growing array of enrichment classes, lessons, and tours.
- DCYOP reaches 5,000+ stakeholders (including parents, alums, community changemakers, and more) via its mailing list and social media platforms.
We believe...
- All young people should have access to the transformative power of music education.
- Students are supported in their personal journeys by meeting them where they are.
- Excellence is fostered through diversity, inclusion, and community.
About DC Youth Orchestra Program
- DC Youth Orchestra makes world-class ensemble music education available to any student, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or ability. Every child is given the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, offered exceptional instruction, and given a part to play in this high-quality youth orchestra.
- DCYOP is an integral part of the Washington, D.C. community, serving hundreds of students each year since 1960. Young musicians as young as age 4, representing a wide variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, come together each week from over 200 public, charter, and independent schools across the DMV. They take part in programs that are built on a strong foundation of access for all, incorporating purposefully diverse, inclusive, and equitable music experiences for every preK-12 student, regardless of previous experience.
- Over 40 teaching artists and conductors nurture the talent in each orchestra, creating incredible music and inspiring personal growth in their students. DCYOP provides life-changing experiences, including the honor of being the first youth orchestra to perform at the Kennedy Center, playing for US presidents and diplomats, and working with esteemed musicians like Aaron Copland, Lorin Maazel, Mstislav Rostropovich, Marvin Hamlisch, Gustavo Dudamel, Yo-Yo Ma, Kevin Deas, and more. DC Youth Orchestra has toured 24 countries (and counting!), broadening the world for generations of young musicians.
Please contact development@dcyop.org or 202.795.8550 with any questions.