SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – May 8, 2025 — The Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles will cap off their 2024/25 season with a pair of FREE community concerts. The community is invited to witness the talent and dedication of more than 100 student musicians across three orchestra levels, ranging in age from 9 – 18.
On Saturday, May 24, at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, the Camerata Ensemble and Philharmonia Orchestra, under the direction of Marisa McLeod, Camerata & Philharmonia Music Director, will perform a lively program for all ages, featuring exciting music full of adventure, humor, and timeless melodies.
On Sunday, May 25, at 4:00 PM at The Lobero Theatre, the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony takes the stage with a powerful program that includes works by Ravel, Rachmaninoff, and Dvořák under the skilled baton of Dr. Daniel Gee, Youth Symphony Music Director. The concert also features piano soloist Tarek Elkurjie, one of The Symphony’s 2024 Youth Concerto Competition winners.
“These concerts are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when youth are given the tools, mentorship, and inspiration to thrive through music,” said Kathryn R. Martin, Santa Barbara Symphony President & CEO. “As the only program in the region connecting students directly with a professional orchestra and collegiate-level experiences, The Symphony’s Youth Ensembles not only train the next generation of musicians, they also nurture confidence, leadership, and connection.”
2025/25 Auditions Now Open
Applications for the Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles 2025/26 season are now being accepted for all three orchestra levels. The priority deadline is May 27, 2025. Students playing oboe, bassoon, French horn, or low strings (viola, cello, double bass) are especially encouraged to apply, and ALL orchestral instrumentalists in grades 3rd through 12th are invited to audition! Applicants must be able to read music and have at least one year of experience playing an instrument. With the support of community donors, need-based scholarships for tuition, instruments, and private lessons are available. Auditions will be held on June 7-8, 2025. Click here for more information.
Musicians enrolled in the Youth Symphony qualify to participate in The Symphony’s annual Youth Concerto Competition, selecting featured soloists for Youth Symphony concerts. The competition is also open to young musicians in the community who play an instrument not typically found in the orchestra. The 2025 competition winners who will be Youth Symphony soloists featured next season are Ellen Butler, piano; Jeffrey Hough Pattison, violin; and Gretta Ulivo, cello.
About the Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles Program
More than 100 student musicians in grades 3 through 12 develop leadership, collaboration, and instrumental skills through The Symphony’s Youth Ensembles program. Students and families report increased academic engagement, improved social skills, and a newfound sense of accomplishment. As part of their curriculum, students attend weekly rehearsals, perform three public concerts, and experience live Santa Barbara Symphony concerts.
Led by Camerata & Philharmonia Music Director Marisa McLeod, the Symphony’s Camerata Ensemble features young musicians in the early stages of their training. The ensemble helps students build foundational skills such as playing together as a group, following a conductor, and actively listening to fellow musicians while performing.
The Philharmonia Orchestra, also led by Marisa McLeod, is the intermediate-level ensemble designed to hone the students’ technical skills and musicianship required for the advanced challenges of the Youth Symphony.
The Santa Barbara Youth Symphony unites accomplished young musicians from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties to perform a range of orchestral works. Led by Youth Symphony Music Director Dr. Daniel Gee, this advanced ensemble is the final level of the Santa Barbara Symphony’s Youth Ensembles program. It fosters the discipline, teamwork, and dedication that prepare students for the next stage, whether they pursue music or another path.
About The Santa Barbara Symphony
Now in its 72nd year, The Santa Barbara Symphony delivers artistic excellence, outstanding music education stewardship and programming, and community collaboration — all through symphonic music. Under the artistic leadership of Maestro Nir Kabaretti as Music & Artistic Director since 2006, The Symphony is one of the region’s premier cultural institutions. Through his charismatic leadership, this globally admired conductor and Santa Barbara resident invigorates audiences and musicians alike through his passion, creativity, and vast experience. As the only music education program tied to a professional symphony orchestra in the region, The Symphony serves more than 2,000 students annually throughout Santa Barbara County. While The Symphony continues to evolve, bringing joy, engagement, and connection remain steadfast pillars of its mission and were evident in the organization’s ability to thrive during the pandemic including the historic announcement that Board Chair Janet Garufis and President & CEO Kathryn R Martin join Nir Kabaretti in making a five-year commitment to serve in their roles. For more information, visit TheSymphony.org.
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