The Orchestra

Founded in 1965, the Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth has since expanded to four orchestras of young musicians from all over North Texas. The more than three hundred students in the program range in age from seven to nineteen years, and are chosen through competitive auditions on the basis of their musical ability and potential.

During its thirty-seven year history, the Youth Orchestra has won local, national, and international recognition as one of the finest youth orchestra programs in the United States. The Orchestra's accomplishments include concert tours of Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the Far East, as well as music festivals in Switzerland, Washington, DC, and numerous other concert appearances across Texas. Plans are currently underway for a June, 2004 international tour.

The Youth Orchestra has been honored to perform with artists such as Van Cliburn, Jose Feghali, Yakov Kasman, Tam‡s Ung‡r, John Owings, Curt Thompson, Raul Jaurena, and composers Morton Gould and Samuel Adler. With the completion of the Bass Performance Hall, a new tradition of fine performances has been established in one of the premier concert venues in the country.

Many graduates of the Youth Orchestra program have become members of major symphony orchestras in the United States and around the world. With over 1,500 alumni, our impact can be felt throughout the region in both musical and non-musical fields. Our program offers students the opportunity to further develop their talent as well as their leadership skills, self-discipline, self-confidence, and pride in personal achievement. Participation in the Youth Orchestra is an investment in the future of music and in our community.

  Visit the links in the Menu above to learn about our four orchestras and other related programs such as the Chamber Music Program and our Suzuki School of Violin, Viola, and Cello.