History of the SF Symphony Youth Orchestra

The San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra (SFSYO) was founded in 1981 by impresario Jahja Ling, its first music director. In the summer of 1981, Ling spent 12 days auditioning hundreds of young musicians aged 11–20 from across the San Francisco Bay Area. The 85 musicians who were selected played their first concert on the stage of Davies Symphony Hall on Sunday, January 17, 1982.

Ling worked closely with celebrated arts patron Agnes Albert and former SF Symphony Director of Education Ron Gallman to establish an unshakable foundation for what quickly became one of the most celebrated youth ensembles in the world. Those who have followed in their footsteps have ensured the continued success of the SFSYO for decades to come.