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58 Years of YOOF |
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The Fresno Youth Symphony had its beginning in1950 as an all city string ensemble. In 1953 winds and percussion were added and it became the Kiwanis Youth Orchestra. In 1957, the orchestra gained a new sponsor, the Fresno Philharmonic, and a new name, the Fresno Junior Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1988, it once again received a name change, this time to become the Fresno youth Philharmonic Orchestra. |
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At that time it acquired, Mr. Eric R. Gratz, who expanded the orchestra repertoire by performing sections of original orchestral works. In 1995, the orchestra changed hands and became the Youth Orchestras of Fresno. There were three orchestras under the umbrella of the Youth Orchestras of Fresno: the Fresno Little Symphony, the Fresno Junior Symphony, and the Fresno Youth Symphony. |
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In 2007, there was another name change. The Little Symphony became the Youth Chamber Orchestra (YCO), the Junior Symphony became the Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO), and the Youth Symphony became the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (YPO). In addition, there were major changes in the corporation. Ms. Kate McLoughlin was hired as Conductor of YCO and YSO, and Dr. Thomas Loewenheim was hired to conduct the YPO. |
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Throughout the past years one thing has remained the same: the incredible talent of these gifted young musicians. They are one of the most accomplished and respected youth orchestras in the Western United States today and the finest in Central California. |