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Settlement Music School was the site of Yannick's latest visit with music students and leaders in the community, as he learns more about Philadelphia's rich and varied musical life. Greeted warmly at the door by Settlement's executive director, Helen Eaton, and retired Philadelphia Orchestra Associate Principal Viola Sidney Curtiss, Yannick and Orchestra President and CEO Allison Vulgamore spent time in discussion with Ms. Eaton and Board member Ben Auger, who shared Settlement's history, mission, and current initiatives. Ten current members of the Orchestra are alumni of Settlement Music School, among the oldest community music schools in the country with six branches in the Philadelphia region.

Pictured from left to right: Allison Vulgamore, Orchestra President and CEO; Sidney Curtiss, retired Philadelphia Orchestra Associate Principal Viola; Zachary Mowitz, cello; Beatrice Hsieh, violin; Amy Semes, violin; Yannick; Chason Goldfinger, violin; Helen Eaton, Settlement Music School Executive Director

Fine performances were given by a string quartet coached by Mr. Curtiss--violinists Amy Semes and Beatrice Hsieh, violist Chason Goldfinger, and cellist Zachary Mowitz--and pianist Cary Zhang, who was coached by Sandra Carlock. Students, teachers, Board members, and supporters of Settlement had the opportunity to mingle and chat with Yannick at a reception afterwards.

Pictured left to right: Allison Vulgamore; Sandra Carlock, Settlement Music School piano faculty; Cary Zhang, piano; Yannick; Helen Eaton

Yannick's engagement with Philadelphia's music community this season includes conducting rehearsals of the School District of Philadelphia's All City Orchestra and the Curtis Orchestra, and the All City Choir as part of the Orchestra's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert. He communicated his enthusiasm for the Settlement visit with a Twitter post: "What an inspiring institution! Congrats and keep up the great work!"