Before she became a member of the New York Philharmonic, Rebecca Young was a two-year-old attendee of the New York Philharmonic’s Young People’s Concerts led by Leonard Bernstein. Today, she is not only Associate Principal Viola of the Orchestra that introduced her to music — she is also the host of the Philharmonic’s Very Young People’s Concerts (VYPCs), intimate chamber music concerts for children ages 3 to 6, where she has sung, tap-danced, played drums, and ridden a scooter around the stage. Her philosophy is less to educate than “to make the audiences have so much fun they want to come back!”
In recognition of her one-of-a-kind performances as VYPC host, Rebecca Young will receive a Ford Musician Award for Excellence in Community Service from the League of American Orchestras, celebrating professional orchestra musicians who provide exemplary service in their communities and make a significant impact through education and community engagement. She is one of five US orchestra musicians who will receive the award and present their work at the League’s National Conference on June 4.
Congratulations, Becky! You make us proud!
(Photo: Michael DiVito)
