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Youth Orchestras of Fresno: 2026–2027 Season Updates & Announcements

The Youth Orchestras of Fresno (YOOF) is thrilled to announce a spectacular lineup of concerts, masterclasses, and summer academy opportunities for our 2026–2027 season. Under the artistic direction of Dr. Thomas Loewenheim, our young musicians have been working tirelessly to bring world-class orchestral music to the Central Valley.

Here is everything you need to know about our upcoming events, application openings, and community opportunities.

The Youth Orchestras of Fresno performing a classical symphonic concert on stage

  • Join us for our highly anticipated first concert of the season! Our orchestras will tackles some of the most demanding and beautiful works in the classical repertoire.

    • Date & Time: Sunday, November 1, 2026

    • Location: Paul Shaghoian Memorial Concert Hall

    • Repertoire Highlights: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique) and Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony.

    • Admission: Free at the door! Reserved priority seating options are available on our events page.

  • In partnership with Fresno State Music, we are proud to host a three-day Cello Festival featuring international guest artist Gary Hoffman.

    • What to expect: Masterclasses, workshops, and a performance by the Young Cellist Ensemble.

    • Cost: Free and open to the public.

    • Full registration details, schedule of masterclasses, and concert information are available on our official Cello Fest Page

  • We are seeking local singers and choral members to perform alongside our orchestras for our annual holiday spectacular on December 13, 2026. If you love to sing and want to share the stage with YOOF, we want to hear from you!

  • Applications officially opened on October 26 for the 2027 FOOSA Festival / Fresno Summer Orchestra Academy.

    • Dates: June 13–27, 2027 at Fresno State.

    • What's New: This year introduces a brand-new FOOSA Vocal Academy alongside our instrumental program.

    • The Finale: Musicians will perform Mahler's monumental Symphony No. 3, culminating in a world-class performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

    • Apply early to secure your audition spot!

  • The Youth Orchestras of Fresno (YOOF) is proud of our deep-seated history in the Central Valley, a legacy built on strong community foundations.

    This week, that bond was reaffirmed when the President of the Fresno Kiwanis Club presented our organization with a generous check for $1,000.

    This donation is more than just financial support—it is a continuation of a story that began over three quarters of a century ago.

    A Partnership Born in 1950

    YOOF was originally started by a local Kiwanis Club back in 1950. As a dedicated civic and service organization focused on empowering youth, the Kiwanis Club saw a need for youth orchestra in Fresno and stepped up to create it.

    Today, that original vision is still going strong. Generations of young musicians have passed through our ensembles and shared their talents with the world—all because of the seed planted by the Kiwanis Club decades ago.

    Fueling the Next Generation of Musicians

    This incredible $1,000 gift will directly support our ongoing 2026–2027 concert season, helping us keep our music programs, masterclasses, and instruments accessible to local youth.

    We are so grateful for the enduring community partnerships that have sustained us since our founding. Thank you, Fresno Kiwanis Club, for continuing to invest in the future of Fresno's young artists!

  • Lela Buck, oboe, and Cade Peckham, double bass, joined the NYO-USA orchestra this summer and toured Europe.

    You can read more about their exciting achievement here on the Fresno Arts Council website and listen to a recording of their live performance at Carnegie Hall.