The Washington, DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) will embark on an international tour to South Africa this July, presenting a series of performances that highlight the power of music to connect young artists across cultures. Led by Artistic Director Evan Ross Solomon, the orchestra will perform in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. The tour will include appearances at prominent venues in each of these cities, with collaborative performances with the South African Youth Choir.
This international engagement continues DCYOP’s longstanding tradition of global touring and cultural exchange, offering its student musicians the opportunity to share a dynamic orchestral repertoire while engaging with South Africa’s vibrant musical community.
Founded in 1960, the DC Youth Orchestra Program is one of the nation’s most respected youth music organizations, serving hundreds of young musicians each year and providing high-quality ensemble training and performance opportunities. Through this tour, DCYOP reaffirms its mission to empower young people through music while fostering international connection, collaboration, and artistic excellence.
Performances & ticket links:
PRETORIA: 2 July 2026, 19:00 | University of Pretoria, Aula
Tickets FREE, but need to book: https://tickets.tixsa.co.za/event/upso-and-washington-dc-youth-orchestra-program-
JOHANNESBURG: 5 July, 2026, 15:00 | Linder Auditorium
Tickets R100-300: https://qkt.io/DCYOLinder
CAPE TOWN: 7 July, 2026, 19:00 | Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre
with the South African Youth Choir
Tickets FREE, but need to book: https://qkt.io/DCYOHugoLambrechts
CAPE TOWN: 8 July, 2026, 19:00 | St. George’s Cathedral
with the South African Youth Choir
Tickets FREE, but need to book: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/376885-washington-dc-youth-orchestra-at-st-georges-cathedral/#/
Concert repertoire for Pretoria and Johannesburg
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Ballade in A Minor (12’)
Raffie McEachin, DCYOP Composer Work
The Primordial Orb Dances (5’30”)
Norman Dello Joio
Variations, Chaconne, and Finale (20’)
Kalman Levitin, DCYOP Composer Work
Chimera (5’30”)
- Intermission -
Evan Ross Solomon
Hematite (5’30”)
Antonín Dvořák
Symphony No. 8 in G Major (35’)
Concert repertoire for Cape Town
Norman Dello Joio
Variations, Chaconne, and Finale (20’)
Raffie McEachin, DCYOP Composer Work
The Primordial Orb Dances (5’30”)
Johannes Brahms
Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny), Op. 54 (18’)
(with South African Youth Chorus)
Kalman Levitin, DCYOP Composer Work
Chimera (5’30”)
- Intermission -
Evan Ross Solomon
Hematite (5’30”)
Antonín Dvořák
Symphony No. 8 in G Major (35’)
Social Media:
Website: https://www.dcyop.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcyopmusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcyop
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DCYOPmusic4all
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dc-youth-orchestra-program