California Youth Symphony

09/29/2026

Our 75th season is officially underway! The California Youth Symphony ensembles are back in rehearsal, making music together. We’re so excited for everything this milestone season has in store!

09/09/2026

This summer, several of our talented CYS musicians from Senior Orchestra took their music onto the international stage!

🎶 Cameron (tuba) and Raiden (double bass) attended the BUTI program at Tanglewood, gaining incredible musical experiences alongside fellow driven musicians from around the country.

🎶 Kaito (violin) traveled to the Netherlands for the International Holland Music Sessions, including a performance at the historic Slotkapel Egmond aan den Hoef — a venue connected to the same Count of Egmont in Beethoven’s Egmont Overture!

What a summer! Now, it's back to rehearsals as we kick off our 75th season.

08/27/2026

Four of our CYS Senior Orchestra musicians had a wonderful summer performing and touring with the National Youth Orchestras! 🎶🌎

🎻 Jina Han, our 2025–26 season Co-Concertmaster, and Hannah Lee, 25-26 Assistant Concertmaster and recent CYS alumna, toured Europe with NYO-USA, performing in Berlin, Amsterdam, Aldeburgh, and Edinburgh under the direction of Karina Canellakis.

🎻 Lumi Kim (violin) and Terri Choi (clarinet) joined NYO2 for performances in New York City and a five-day residency in the Dominican Republic, led by Mei-Ann Chen.

From Gershwin and Bartók to Gabriela Lena Frank, Respighi, and Márquez, these talented musicians took on an incredible range of repertoire and represented CYS with excellence.

Congratulations, Jina, Hannah, Lumi, and Terri! We are so proud of you and all you accomplished this summer!

📸 Photos courtesy of NYO USA / NYO2

08/18/2026

We had a week of moving music, fruitful friendship, and tasty treats at the Senior Orchestra Camp! Thank you to the chaperones, counselors, and coaches for guiding our musicians through a successful week, setting us up well for the new season!

08/14/2026

Congrats to CYS’s Kayla Lee (violin) and Aiden Kim (cello) for being selected to participate in the New England Conservatory’s Summer Chamber Music Young Artist Program!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1501518958667051&id=100064268842263&mibextid=wwXIfr

08/06/2026

String Camp brought together 55 young string musicians, including both CYS and non-CYS members, for an inspiring and energetic week. We extend our immense gratitude to our eight coaches, Conductor of String Ensembles Kati Kyme, and Music Director Leo Eylar for their dedicated work with these young artists. Look for information regarding next summer’s String Camp in February 2027.

08/01/2026

We are deeply grateful for our incredible volunteers, many of whom are current parents, as running a non-profit truly requires a collective effort. Special thanks to the League of American Orchestras for their role in recognizing Vicky. For several years, Vicky spearheaded the percussion parent volunteers and, alongside her husband, dedicatedly transported our percussion instruments to various venues.

Behind every youth orchestra is at least one person whose energy, determination, and grassroots leadership has an extraordinary impact on their organization. Betty Utter, co-founder of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra and founder of the League’s Youth Orchestra Division (YOD), was one of those tireless advocates for young musicians.

To celebrate 50 years of YOD and honor Betty’s legacy, youth orchestras across the country have recognized their own impactful individuals. Learn more about them: https://americanorchestras.org/learn/youth-orchestras/the-betty-utter-community-impact-award/winners/

07/13/2026

An exciting opportunity for an entry- to intermediate-level individual passionate about arts administration and youth music organizations! We have an opening for an Operations Coordinator position. This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt role with benefits. Candidates must be available for weekly rehearsals and concerts on Sundays throughout the season. Immediate opening.

If you are passionate about arts administration, consider adding your talent and knowledge to our dedicated staff! View the open positions and learn about the hiring process.

07/10/2026

The 2026 CYS Japan Tour concluded with an emotional concert at Setagaya Civic Hall in Tokyo! We are so grateful to our chaperones, nurse, tour guides, and musicians for making the Tour a memorable success!

07/10/2026

Our third exchange concert featured the Osaka Gakugei High School Wind Orchestra. After their energetic performance (including choreography!) and CYS's showcase, the groups combined for an uplifting Stars and Stripes Forever!