Young People’s Symphony Orchestra
Young People’s Symphony Orchestra
California’s Oldest Youth ORchestra. Founded in 1936.
OUR MISSION IS TO GUIDE YOUNG MUSICIANS TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE WITHIN AN ORCHESTRAL SETTING.
WE ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME EXEMPLARY MUSICIANS, AND YOUNG MUSICIANS TO BECOME EXEMPLARY PEOPLE.
What’s new
Our Spring Into Music! Online Auction is back! One of our favorite community fundraisers. It opens at 9am, on May 21, 2026!
This year's auction features an incredible range of items and experiences, from a Jay Haide violin (from Ifshin Violins) and dinner at Chez Panisse, to winery tastings in Napa & Sonoma, Bay FC soccer tickets, museum bundles, concert tickets, and unique hands-on experiences - many donated by generous members of our own YPSO community.
Every bid directly supports YPSO's programs for our young musicians, from rehearsals and concerts to our Summer 2026 Concert Tour to Finland and Sweden.
Bidding runs from May 21 through June 7 (and culminates at our Pops/Pre-Tour Concert)
Browse, bid, and share with friends and family! You don't have to be a YPSO family to participate! The auction closes on June 7 in conjunction with our YPSO Pops/Pre-Tour Concert, so there's plenty of time to find something you'll love.
YPSO Pops/Pre-Tour Concert
YPSO presents a celebratory concert featuring the music we will take on our upcoming June Tour to Finland and Sweden. This program highlights the orchestra’s touring repertoire alongside a selection of fun popular pieces, and will include a special recognition of our graduating seniors as they prepare for their next chapter!
The evening will also feature our third Concerto Competition winner this season, Felicia Ng (Marimba).
In conjunction with the concert, we will host an online auction fundraiser in support of the upcoming tour.
Date: Sunday Jun 7, 3pm
Location: Ascension Cathedral Oakland, 4700 Lincoln Ave, Oakland
2026–27 Season Auditions
YPSO’s 90th Anniversary Year
Round 3 of auditions for new students for the 2026–27 season are open. Video Pre-screen Submission Deadline is June 8th, 2026.
The Young People’s Symphony Orchestra (YPSO) invites passionate young musicians to be part of an unforgettable season of music, growth, and camaraderie. As the oldest youth orchestra in California, our mission is to guide young musicians to excellence in an orchestral setting while fostering lifelong friendships and skills.
In the 2026-27 season, YPSO musicians will perform in four subscription concerts, be a part of an immersive orchestra retreat in Carmel Valley, and celebrate our 90th Anniversary.