Youth Orchestra

Recognized as one of the finest youth orchestras in the world, the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra (SFSYO) celebrates its 35th anniversary in the 2017–18 season. Part of the San Francisco Symphony’s ongoing commitment to nurture young musicians, the SFSYO program provides pre-professional orchestral training to talented young instrumentalists from the Greater Bay Area. Participants are chosen by audition from more than 300 applicants each year. The SFSYO rehearses and performs at Davies Symphony Hall under the direction of Wattis Foundation Music Director Christian Reif and are coached weekly by SFS musicians. Since its inception, the SFSYO has toured internationally on ten occasions to perform in some of the world’s greatest concert halls. The orchestra has released ten recordings, and many of its distinguished alumni hold positions in leading orchestras around the world.
How to Audition
Hear them Perform
Be inspired by the next generation of orchestral talent! The SFS Youth Orchestra performs three concerts annually in Davies Symphony Hall, as well as its annual holiday concert.