The American Youth Philharmonic is led by Principal Conductor Christopher Zimmerman. AYP is a full symphonic orchestra consisting of the most accomplished young musicians in the area who perform demanding standard orchestral literature as well as newly composed works [Repertoire]. Throughout its history, the orchestra has received wide critical acclaim for its professional sound and mature interpretation in performances at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Constitution Hall, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, George Mason University Center for the Arts, George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium; and in tours to the Aberdeen International Youth Festival (Scotland), British Festival of Youth Orchestras, Festival of Youth Orchestras (Chicago, Washington D.C.), the Spoleto Festival (South Carolina) and the International Rachmaninoff Festival (Russia). AYP has collaborated with the Master Chorale of Washington, Virginia Ballet Company, Oratorio Society of Washington, Fairfax Choral Society, Reston Chorale, Washington Performing Arts Society and numerous renowned soloists, including pianist Horacio Gutierrez, trumpet virtuoso Arturo Sandoval, guitarist Manuel Barrueco, pianist Sara Wolfensohn, clarinettist Paquito D'Rivera and guest conductor, Leonard Slatkin.