LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Youth Orchestra (CCYO) will host its 2025 Chamber Music Festival, featuring four free, family-friendly concerts on July 19, 20, 26, and 27 at 4 p.m. at Christ Church, located at 112 Charles Street in La Plata. The series will showcase performances by CCYO faculty on July 19 and 26, with student musicians taking the stage on July 20 and 27.
The concerts, held in the historic sanctuary of Christ Church, will offer a diverse selection of chamber music works, highlighting the talents of young musicians and their experienced faculty. The venue’s acoustics and intimate setting enhance the performances, creating an ideal environment for audiences of all ages. Each concert will feature a unique program, ensuring fresh musical experiences across the four dates.
Dr. Osman Kivrak, Director of CCYO, emphasized the festival’s role in student development. “Participating in CCYO and chamber music helps students develop good working habits: teamwork, social and emotional skills, discipline, and perseverance while having fun performing great works of composers from all around the world,” he said.
The festival underscores CCYO’s mission to foster musical growth and community through performance. The organization serves students from Charles, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Anne Arundel counties, offering ensembles for varying skill levels: Prelude Strings for beginners, Encore Strings and Encore Band for intermediate players, and the Charles County Youth Orchestra for advanced musicians. The festival provides a platform for students to demonstrate progress honed through intensive training with faculty mentors.
CCYO will hold auditions for its next season on September 13, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Christ Church. Musicians of all levels, playing any instrument except piano, are invited to audition. Details and sign-up information are available at https://www.charlescountyyouthorchestra.org/auditions.
The organization has garnered recent recognition, including a feature in an online film by the Charles County Arts Alliance and a spotlight on WTOP radio. Two CCYO string quartets were finalists in the Washington Performing Arts Society’s Misbin Chamber Music Competition in Washington, D.C., highlighting the group’s competitive achievements.
Funding for CCYO comes from grants provided by the Charles County Charitable Trust, the Charles County Arts Alliance, and the Maryland State Arts Council, supplemented by individual donations. These resources support free community events like the Chamber Music Festival, ensuring accessibility for all attendees.
Christ Church, a historic landmark in La Plata, provides a fitting backdrop for the performances. Its central location encourages attendance from across Southern Maryland, fostering a sense of regional unity through music. The festival’s schedule, with afternoon concerts over two weekends, accommodates families and music enthusiasts seeking cultural enrichment.
The CCYO Chamber Music Festival builds on a tradition of excellence, offering a glimpse into the future of classical music through its young performers. Audiences can expect a blend of classical repertoire and contemporary works performed precisely and passionately. The event also allows community members to engage with CCYO’s programs and consider supporting its mission through attendance or donations.
Interested musicians are encouraged to explore audition opportunities, while concertgoers can mark their calendars for this celebration of chamber music in La Plata.
