A Swingin' Centenial: Celebrating Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald is turning 100 and to celebrate her life and legacy, the DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) and The American Pops Orchestra (APO) are partnering once again. The two organizations will bring some of Fitzgerald’s greatest hits to the DC community with free outdoor performances in iconic Meridian Hill Park. Featuring APO soloists Rachel Fleming, Hilary Morrow, NBC’s Maddie Baillio from Hairspray Live!, and under the direction of Maestro Luke Frazier, the event will feature Fitzgerald favorites including “A-Tisket, A-Tasket”, “Just One of Those Things” and “The Lady is a Tramp” among many others. "DC has the most public park space of any city, is home to the nation's youth orchestra and is where Ella got her start. We wanted to celebrate Ella Fitzgerald's centennial with two free concerts in the park and are thrilled to partner with APO and its incredible roster of artists!" says Elizabeth Schurgin, Executive Director at DCYOP. As to why the DC Youth Orchestra, Maestro Luke Frazier, founder and conductor at The American Pops Orchestra explains that “DCYOP is developing the next generation of orchestra musicians and patrons of the arts. As an Artist-in-Residence at this great organization, I am proud of our work together in bringing the magic of song and music to the greater DC community.”