The Philharmonic Orchestra is the premier orchestra of the San Jose Youth Symphony. Membership is reserved for outstanding players who demonstrate strong musicianship, have highly advanced technique, and are capable of the discipline necessary to perform in a pre-professional orchestral setting. Musicians have the opportunity to study and perform a wide range of challenging masterpieces from the standard symphonic repertoire, and select musicians have the opportunity to play in chamber music groups that perform at various venues throughout the year.

2011 - 2012 Season Repertoire

First Concert

  • Tchaikovsky – March Slave
  • Shostakovich – Cello Concerto No. 1
    Iris Liu, cello
  • Khachaturian – Masquerade Suite
  • Gould - Symphony No. 2
  • Liszt – Les Preludes

Here are photos and video excerpt from the concert, buy DVD.

Second Concert

  • Piston - The Incredible Flutist
  • Doppler – Concerto for Two Flutes and Orchestra
    Robert Stallman, Isabelle Chapuis - flutes
  • Sarasate – Navarra for Two Violins and Orchestra
    Alan Hwang, Anthony Angeles - violins
  • Holst – The Planets
    with the Valley Christian High School Orchestra
  • A. Marquez – Danzon No. 2

Gala Concert

  • Gershwin – Strike Up The Band Overture
  • Rachmaninoff – Piano Concerto No. 2
    Jon Nakamatsu, piano
  • Berlioz – Symphonie Fantastique 

Concerts

The Philharmonic Orchestra performs three subscription concerts per year in December, March and June at the historic California Theater in downtown San Jose. In addition, the orchestra performs at many special events, including the annual Season of Hope concert at the St. Joseph Basilica in downtown San Jose. This event is part of San Jose's Christmas in the Park celebration.

The Orchestra has performed with many internationally renowned artists in concert and on tour. They include Jon Nakamatsu, Gold Medal winner of the 1997 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and Axel Strauss, professor of violin at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

In addition to the standard symphonic repertoire, the orchestra has collaborated with many local and international leading arts groups, among them the San Jose Symphony Orchestra, the Asian Youth Orchestra, the Okayama Youth Orchestra, San Jose Taiko, Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra, Mariachi Cobre, San Jose Children’s Musical Theater, the Batucada nana Latin Ensemble, the Crystal Children Choir, the Homestead Jazz Ensemble and the Latin Jazz Ensemble from San Jose State University. Here are some performance highlights from our 2009 -2010 season.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are held every Monday from 6:30 - 9:30 pm at the Los Gatos United Methodist Church (LGUMC).

Sectionals

In every concert, musicians will receive up to two sectionals coached by leading professional musicians from the area. Approximately every 6 - 8 weeks the orchestra will be divided into small groups based on their instrument and professional musicians will assist SJYS members to develop their skills.

International Tour

Approximately every two years the Philharmonic Orchestra embarks on an international concert tour in the summer. Past destinations include Europe, South America, Eastern Europe and Asia. Please visit our tour page for more information about past tours and the plan for 2013.

I would like to welcome all new and returning members of our Philharmonic orchestra to a new and very exciting season. This season marks a significant milestone in our history as we celebrate our 60th anniversary. We have many musical treats in store for you including some of the best repertoire of symphonic music. We are proud to have this season guest artists Robert Stallman and Isabelle Chapuis performing with us Doppler’s Concerto for Two Flutes and Orchestra. We are also delighted to have the Valley Christian High School Orchestra performing with us The Planets by Gustav Holst. The culmination of this year will be our season finale concert on June 16 at the Flint Center in Cupertino, with pianist Jon Nakamatsu as soloist, performing Rachmaninoff’s 2nd piano concerto. The program will be concluded with one of the greatest compositions of all times – Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. We look forward to having many SJYS alumni performing with us in this special event, as well as having all SJYS orchestras and ensembles performing together with you the encore of this program. This season promises to be a very rewarding and memorable musical experience for all involved. I wish you all a great concert season and Happy Anniversary!

Yair Samet

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