WALDORF, Md. — The Charles County Youth Orchestra (CCYO), under the direction of Osman Kivrak, will host its annual Spring Concert on May 18, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Thomas Stone High School, 3785 Leonardtown Road. The free event, open to the public, will feature performances by CCYO, Encore Band directed by Takako Mato, Encore Strings led by Teri Lazar, and Prelude Strings under Gabrielle Stanback Satterthwaite, followed by a reception.
The concert program includes Beethoven’s Prometheus Overture, Mozart’s Symphony No. 35, and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Cellos, showcasing CCYO cellists Zachary McKay and Madeline Londres. Prelude Strings will perform Dragon Hunter and Dragon Pearl, while Encore Strings presents Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. Encore Band will play a John Williams medley, and both Encore groups will unite for Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The event concludes with all four ensembles performing Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. CCYO will also honor its graduating seniors during the program.
CCYO serves students from Charles, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Anne Arundel counties, offering four ensembles: Prelude Strings for beginners, Encore Strings and Encore Band for intermediate musicians, and CCYO for advanced players. The organization recently gained recognition through an online film by the Charles County Arts Alliance and a feature on WTOP radio. Additionally, two CCYO String Quartets were finalists in the Washington Performing Arts Society Misbin Chamber Music Competition in Washington, D.C..
Upcoming CCYO events include ArtsFest on June 14 at Indian Head Village Green, the Annual Concerto Competition Concert on June 21 at Christ Church in La Plata, an Independence Day/Alumni Reunion Concert on June 28 at Alice Ferguson Foundation in Accokeek, and the CCYO Chamber Music Festival on July 19, 20, 26, and 27 at 8 p.m. at Christ Church in La Plata. All concerts are free and open to the public. Auditions for the 2025-26 season will take place in September, with details available at the CCYO website.
The orchestra is supported by grants from the Charles County Charitable Trust, the Charles County Arts Alliance, and the Maryland State Arts Council, alongside individual donations. These funds enable CCYO to provide free concerts and educational opportunities for young musicians across Southern Maryland.
Founded to foster musical talent, CCYO has grown into a regional hub for youth arts, offering performance opportunities and competitive experiences. The Spring Concert highlights the dedication of its directors and students, showcasing a diverse repertoire that spans classical and contemporary works. Thomas Stone High School, a frequent venue for CCYO events, provides an accessible location for the Waldorf community and beyond.
Charles County, with a population of approximately 166,000, supports a vibrant arts scene through organizations like CCYO, which bridges communities through music education and public performances. The concert on May 18 offers residents a chance to celebrate local talent and engage with the arts, while the reception fosters connections among attendees, musicians, and supporters.
