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.OYO14-627

Consisting of nearly 90 talented music students (aged 11 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.

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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.

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2026-27 Season – Entrance Auditions

The Audition Application for the 2026-27 Season is now open! Auditions are open to musicians aged 22 or younger who are prepared to make a serious commitment to challenging repertoire and to our full schedule of rehearsals, concerts, and tours.

Retreat, Concert & Tour Dates

Weekend Retreat – September 18 – 20, 2026

November 8, 2026 – Fall Concert (Full Orchestra)

February 7, 2027 – Chamber Concert Series, Concert #1

February 14, 2027 – Chamber Concert Series, Concert #2

May 9, 2027 – Spring Concert (Full Orchestra)

July 2027 – International Tour (Exact Dates TBD)

2025-26 Season – Recruiting Auditions

The Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra is nearing the end of its 2025-26 Season, and there are still openings on violabass, and bassoon.

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)