American Youth Symphony Archives

LOS ANGELES, October 17, 2018 - The American Youth Symphony will continue their live-to-picture concert tradition by bringing to life John Williams’ score from Steven Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark. Join everyone's favorite renegade archaeologist in this unique and exciting movie experience. A Raiders of the Lost Ark-themed benefit dinner will follow the concert at 7 p.m., honoring Paramount’s President, Film & TV Music, Randy Spendlove, who has helped shape the landscape of film music for over 20 years. Ticket prices range from $15 to $350 (all-inclusive fundraising dinner). Reserve Now. Heralded as “the finest youth symphony on earth” by KUSC’s Jim Svejda, the American Youth Symphony (AYS) has been fulfilling its mission to inspire the future of classical music for over 50 years. AYS presents exceptionally innovative concerts based on a landmark fellowship for young professional musicians in high school through doctoral music programs. Competitively selected, the 100-piece orchestra represents extraordinary talent from all over the world. This live-to-picture event is part of The Hollywood Project, a series started by AYS board member David Newman in 2008. Past seasons have brought to the concert stage the famed scores of Danny Elfman, Jerry Goldsmith, Michael Giacchino and Alan Silvestri, to name a few. Now in its eleventh year, The Hollywood Project is proud to celebrate John Williams with his Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated and Grammy award-winning Raiders of the Lost Ark. The Hollywood Project has been widely praised over the years by multiple publications. Justin Craig of Film Score Monthly writes: “The American Youth Symphony stands high, mastering the challenge of performing film music with all its unconventional meters and rhythms. Don’t be deceived by the label of ‘youth’ orchestra; AYS is the real deal.” Raiders of the Lost Ark In Concert is produced by Film Concerts Live! and is made possible by the support of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, BMI and AYS donors and sponsors. The concert will be conducted by celebrated AYS Music Director Carlos Izcaray. Now in his third season with AYS, Maestro Izcaray is one of the leading conductors of his generation. Praised by international press, Izcaray has won top prizes at prestigious festivals and competitions the world over, appearing with numerous ensembles across five continents. Also the music director of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Izcaray shows special interest and prowess in undertaking the most complex works in the classical canon, while also championing innovative programming and celebrating new and under-represented voices. AYS concerts are either free of charge or offered at a significantly reduced rate. The ongoing support of our community and partners allows American Youth Symphony to remain committed to providing access and opportunity for everyone to experience the power and inspiration of this beautiful art form. For more information, visit https://aysymphony.org/