The Charles County Youth Orchestra (CCYO) will host its final two chamber music concerts of the 2025 Chamber Music Festival on July 26 and 27 at 4:00 p.m. at Christ Church, 112 Charles Street, La Plata, Maryland. These free, handicap-accessible performances feature renowned faculty and talented students, showcasing works by composers such as Mozart, Vivaldi, Dvorak, and Sibelius. The concerts mark the culmination of an intensive week of chamber music coaching for students, led by accomplished musicians.
Faculty Performance on July 26
On July 26, the chamber music concert will feature CCYO faculty members Teri Lazar and Gabrielle Stanback Satterthwaite (violins), Osman Kivrak (viola), Takako Mato (clarinet), and Andrew Kivrak (piano). They will perform works by Vivaldi, Dvorak, Mozart, and Sibelius. Teri Lazar has performed chamber music across North and South America and Europe, with broadcasts on NPR’s “Performance Today.”
Gabrielle Satterthwaite, a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Performing Arts Award winner, has appeared on CBS “Good Morning.” Osman Kivrak, a faculty member at American University, has been featured on NPR and Chinese National Television. Takako Mato teaches at Charles County Public Schools and the College of Southern Maryland, while Andrew Kivrak performs at Christ Church and the InterHarmony Music Festival in Italy.
Student Performance on July 27
The July 27 chamber music concert will highlight CCYO students performing works by Mozart, Borodin, Handel, and Telemann. Students prepare their pieces a month in ADVANCE and undergo a week of intensive coaching before the festival. According to Dr. Osman Kivrak, CCYO Director, “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.” These performances showcase the dedication and talent of young musicians from Charles, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Anne Arundel counties.
CCYO Programs and Auditions
CCYO comprises four ensembles: Prelude Strings for beginners, Encore Strings and Encore Band for intermediate players, and the Charles County Youth Orchestra for advanced musicians. Auditions for the 2025-2026 season are scheduled for September 13, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Christ Church, La Plata, open to all levels and instruments except piano. Details and sign-ups are available at https://www.charlescountyyouthorchestra.org/auditions. CCYO’s chamber music and orchestral programs are supported by grants from the Charles County Charitable Trust, Charles County Arts Alliance, Maryland State Arts Council, and individual donations.
Community Impact and Accessibility
The free chamber music concerts at Christ Church provide an accessible opportunity for the community to enjoy high-quality performances. The venue’s handicap accessibility ensures inclusivity for all attendees. These events highlight the cultural and educational value of chamber music, fostering skills and community engagement among young musicians while offering audiences a chance to experience timeless compositions.
