In the News
July 2025
Young musicians from the Young Artists Debut Orchestra performed at UPMC Park just before the after-game fireworks on July 2nd.
The performance was their 16th annual Independence Day appearance, and it capped off their 22nd summer music academy.
May 2025
The Young Artists Debut Orchestra (YADO) held their show titled YADO Goes Pops and Sizzles, featuring Pennsylvania’s Premiere Performance.
“The children love to perform, and they work very hard, and this performance allows them to showcase all the dedication and hard work that they have done,” said Jessie Collura, executive director of YADO.
In addition to Saturday evening’s shows, a silent auction was held to raise money for YADO’s Instruments of Hope program, which provides string instruments to low-income students.
May 2025
ECGRA gives out nearly $200K to local organizations through Special Events Grants.
According to the authority, the special events grants fund up to 5% of events that take place within Erie County. These events are open to the general public and promote the region economically and culturally.
The funding also provides a variety of possibilities — Young Artist Debut Orchestra (YADO) will be able to participate in their organization's 16th annual Independence Day performance at the Erie SeaWolves.
"This event is considered a prime performance opportunity for any music performing arts group," said Jessie Collura, executive director of YADO.
January 2025
Strings of the Heart Orchestra (SOHO) student Chloe Mentch created the beautiful stringed instruments digital design for the YADO’s ‘Tis the Season for Strings! concert’s PR materials. She was delighted to see her artwork featured in the Centerfold of the Tri-State Senior News, which boasts a circulation of 10,500 distribution, with a 2.5x readership!
March 16, 2023
At the ECGRA’s 2023 Special Events Grants Award Ceremony, the YADO was awarded a $4,500 grant. During this event, the YADO was further recognized by selecting our Executive Director, Jessie Collura, as the guest speaker.