San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra
MENTORSHIP
Mentored by Master Musicians
The San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra's success is rooted in its innovative, tuition-free training program which taps members of the San Francisco Symphony to coach Youth Orchestra members in individual instrument sectionals every Saturday. Nowhere else do young musicians receive this kind of regular, direct access to guidance from some of the finest orchestral musicians in the world.
Radu is such a nurturing presence for the orchestra; he is exactly what they need at this crucial stage of their musical lives. ” Jerrome Simas, clarinet coach & SF Symphony bass clarinetist
Music Director, Radu Paponiu
Wattis Foundation Music Director Radu Paponiu was selected from five candidates over two intensive audition rounds in spring 2024. He joined the orchestra in September of that year to lead a blockbuster first season that included masterworks like Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, Strauss’s Suite from Der Rosenkavalier, and Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique. Paponiu has formed a special bond with the YO members and faculty through his warm, caring demeanor and infectious stage presence.
“ [The Youth Orchestra members’] passion, work ethic, and dedication are a constant source of inspiration, not just to me, but to everyone who comes into contact with this extraordinary program. ”
Radu Paponiu
Radu Paponiu, Music Director
Anything is possible when you have a fantastic conductor! ” Catherine Payne, flute coach & SF Symphony piccolo player
Engage with Renowned Artists & Conductors
SFSYO members also have the invaluable opportunity to engage with some of the renowned artists and conductors who perform with the San Francisco Symphony. Past visitors have included such luminaries as Yo-Yo Ma, Sir Simon Rattle, John Adams, Emanuel Ax, Ray Chen, Wynton Marsalis, Gustavo Dudamel, and Marin Alsop.
Gustavo Dudamel visit, 2022
This is a time of many, many youth orchestras from all over the world, but there are not that many great youth orchestras. San Francisco has one of them. ” Sir Simon Rattle
Ray Chen visit, 2025
San Francisco Symphony Musician Mentors
The SFSYO is deeply grateful to the following SF Symphony musicians for their dedication and commitment to the program.
First Violin — In Sun Jang
Second Violin — David Chernyavsky, Chen Zhao
Viola — Adam Smyla
Cello — Jill Brindel, Davis You
Double Bass — Stephen Tramontozzi
Flute — Catherine Payne
Oboe — Russell de Luna, Brooks Fisher
Clarinet — Matthew Griffith, Jerome Simas
Bassoon — Justin Cummings
French Horn — Jack Bryant
Trumpet — Jeff Biancalana
Trombone/Tuba — Jonathan Seiberlich
Timpani/Percussion — Marty Thenell
Harp — Katherine Siochi
Keyboard — Marc Shapiro
