
Omid Zoufonoun, Youth Orchestra Director
Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra is recognized as an outstanding Bay Area music program receiving numerous awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. The Youth Orchestra presents several classical and youth outreach concerts each season.
Consisting of nearly 80 talented music students (aged 12 to 22 years) from 46 schools and more than 30 cities in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Youth Orchestra is open by audition to all qualified young people from Bay Area schools. No musician is excluded for reasons of financial need.
Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra maintains a commitment to cultural exchange through international tours every three years. Touring destinations have included many countries in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Prior tours have also given students the opportunity to visit and perform in the Caribbean Islands, Costa Rica, Mexico, Cuba, Australia and New Zealand.
Auditions
Membership in the Oakland Youth Orchestra is open to highly qualified players of orchestral instruments from Bay Area schools through the annual audition process.
Learn more
2025-26 Season
The Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra is gearing up for a vibrant 2025-26 Season, and you won’t want to miss a beat! Prepare to be inspired by two spectacular full orchestra performances and an intimate chamber music experience. This is your chance to witness the incredible talent and passion of the East Bay’s brightest young musicians as they bring music to life. There are still openings on all instruments, except piano and harp.
Concert Dates
November 9, 2025 – Fall Concert (Full Orchestra)
February 8, 2026 – Chamber Concert Series, Concert #1
February 15, 2026 – Chamber Concert Series, Concert #2
May 10, 2026 – Spring Concert (Full Orchestra)