The San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra (SFSYO) is recognized internationally as one of the finest youth orchestras in the world. Founded by the San Francisco Symphony in 1981, the SFSYO’s musicians are chosen from more than 300 applicants in annual auditions. The SFSYO’s purpose is to provide an orchestral experience of pre-professional caliber, tuition-free, to talented young musicians from the greater Bay Area.
The more than 100 diverse musicians, ranging in age from 12 to 21, represent communities from throughout the Bay Area. The SFSYO rehearses and performs in Davies Symphony Hall under the direction of Wattis Foundation Music Director Donato Cabrera. Jahja Ling served as the SFSYO’s first Music Director, followed by David Milnes, Leif Bjaland, Alasdair Neale, Edwin Outwater, and Benjamin Shwartz.
The 2014-2015 SFSYO season features three concerts in November, March, and May, as well as the annual holiday performances of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. The 2014-15 season also includes a Bon Voyage concert in June in advance of the SFSYO’s tenth international tour which will take the Orchestra to Europe for multi-city concert appearances.
http://www.sfsymphony.org/Youth-Family/Youth-Orchestra