Symphony Orchestra
The Symphony Orchestra program is GSYO's most advanced level orchestra, performing professional symphony repertoire. This award-winning ensemble is comprised of more than one hundred and twenty talented musicians from throughout the Bay Area. This orchestra studies under the baton of Dr. Yun Song Tay, GSYO Music Director, who challenges the musicians to reach a high level of achievement.
In addition to featuring outstanding student soloists, professionals of international renown regularly perform with the Symphony. For a list of previous guest artists, visit the GSYO History page.
The Symphony has a long tradition of international tours, in recent years touring every other summer. For additional information, please visit the International Tour page.
Each August, the Symphony launches its season with a week-long Retreat where the season program is previewed and the musicians work intensively with sectional coaches and the conductor.
The Symphony rehearses weekly throughout the school year, beginning in mid-August and concluding late in May or the first week of June. Prior to each concert program, there are sectionals with professional coaches and two dress rehearsals.
Music Director and Conductor
Dr. Yun Song Tay
David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra
"This organization is made and exists for the benefit and artistic growth of its young players, all done with warmth, respect, and excellence. The orchestra is superb and plays with an admirable mixture of power and sensitivity. And Maestro Yun Song Tay leads with a perfect combination of professionalism and kindness. Year after year, this is unquestionably one of the premier youth orchestras in the country."
Catherine Cook, Mezzo-Soprano, San Francisco Opera
"What an absolute joy to collaborate and make music with the wonderful Golden State Youth Orchestra! Led by the incredible Maestro Yun Song Tay, the orchestra plays with a richness and musicality well beyond their years. We are so fortunate to have this outstanding orchestra in the Bay Area for 60 years! Bravi tutti!"
Espen Lilleslåtten, Concertmaster of the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra
"I had a great week in San Jose, and it started off with such an inspiring rehearsal with the GSYO, thank you so much for inviting me! Your students are so responsive and communicative, and it shows in their playing. They listen well, and communicate, like professionals playing chamber music. The sound of your group is very warm and well balanced and dynamic! Sibelius is a difficult piece to grasp, but your students seemed to enjoy it a lot! An inspiring group of talented young people!"
Alumni Parent
"GSYO was a transformative experience for our children. It opened their eyes to the beauty and magic of classical music. It revealed that music is more than just playing your own instrument: it is working together to create something greater than yourself. Performing works of the masters with 120 of your best friends in Davies Symphony Hall or the Moscow Conservatory is life changing. Thank you, GSYO, for being part of our children’s lives."
David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra
"This organization is made and exists for the benefit and artistic growth of its young players, all done with warmth, respect, and excellence. The orchestra is superb and plays with an admirable mixture of power and sensitivity. And Maestro Yun Song Tay leads with a perfect combination of professionalism and kindness. Year after year, this is unquestionably one of the premier youth orchestras in the country."
Catherine Cook, Mezzo-Soprano, San Francisco Opera
"What an absolute joy to collaborate and make music with the wonderful Golden State Youth Orchestra! Led by the incredible Maestro Yun Song Tay, the orchestra plays with a richness and musicality well beyond their years. We are so fortunate to have this outstanding orchestra in the Bay Area for 60 years! Bravi tutti!"
Espen Lilleslåtten, Concertmaster of the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra
"I had a great week in San Jose, and it started off with such an inspiring rehearsal with the GSYO, thank you so much for inviting me! Your students are so responsive and communicative, and it shows in their playing. They listen well, and communicate, like professionals playing chamber music. The sound of your group is very warm and well balanced and dynamic! Sibelius is a difficult piece to grasp, but your students seemed to enjoy it a lot! An inspiring group of talented young people!"
Alumni Parent
"GSYO was a transformative experience for our children. It opened their eyes to the beauty and magic of classical music. It revealed that music is more than just playing your own instrument: it is working together to create something greater than yourself. Performing works of the masters with 120 of your best friends in Davies Symphony Hall or the Moscow Conservatory is life changing. Thank you, GSYO, for being part of our children’s lives."
Upcoming Senior Symphony Events
December
10
Sunday
Holiday Concert
7:30 pm
March
30
Saturday
Spring Concert
7:00 pm