Aaron Oribello emerged as the winner of the Charles County Youth Orchestra’s (CCYO) 5th annual Concerto Competition. The announcement was made following the competition concert held on Saturday, June 8, at Christ Church in La Plata. Oribello, a talented violinist, secured the top position, earning a monetary award and the opportunity to perform as the soloist at CCYO’s Winter Concert in January. He will perform Jean-Baptiste Accolay’s Violin Concerto No. 1.
Autumn Sky Leroy, another gifted violinist, secured second place in the competition, also receiving a monetary award. The competition was adjudicated by two distinguished judges: Claudia Chudacoff, former Concertmaster of the U.S. Marine Band’s White House Chamber Orchestra and current Concertmaster of both the Wolf Trap Orchestra and the Alexandria Symphony, and Jeffery Silberschlag, Professor of Music at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and conductor of the Chesapeake Orchestra.
Upcoming Concerts and Events
The CCYO has announced a series of upcoming concerts, promising a rich musical experience for the community. On June 29 at 8 p.m., the orchestra will perform at the Alice Ferguson Foundation in Accokeek. This will be followed by the CCYO Chamber Music Festival, which will feature concerts on July 20 and July 27 at 8 p.m. at Christ Church in La Plata.
In addition to these concerts, the CCYO will hold auditions for the next season on September 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Christ Church, La Plata. Musicians of all levels and instruments, except piano, are encouraged to audition.
CCYO’s Recent Highlights
The CCYO has recently gained significant attention, being spotlighted in an online film by the Charles County Arts Alliance and featured on WTOP radio. Additionally, two CCYO String Quartets were finalists in the prestigious Washington Performing Arts Society Misbin Chamber Music Competition held in Washington, D.C.
The orchestra presents two major concerts and several smaller ones each year. These performances are complemented by a two-week Chamber Music Festival, which includes two additional chamber music concerts. The annual Concerto Competition Concert is a highlight, along with masterclasses and sectional sessions for students in all four of CCYO’s ensembles.
A Year of Performances
Over the past year, CCYO has showcased its talents at various notable venues, including the Port Tobacco Courthouse, the Maryland Veterans Museum, Kris Kringle at the Fairgrounds, the Village Green in Indian Head, Christ Church in La Plata, and the Alice Ferguson Foundation. These performances have not only provided entertainment but have also been an excellent platform for the young musicians to hone their skills and gain invaluable experience.
