Our Orchestras

The Peninsula Youth Orchestra (PYO) is located in San Mateo County, in the mid-peninsula region of the San Francisco Bay area. PYO serves around 400 musicians ages 6-18 with a senior orchestra, three preparatory orchestras, two string ensembles, and a flute ensemble. All musicians study the traditional orchestral repertoire with an emphasis on contemporary literature and works by American composers. Musicians audition to join the organization, and are placed at the appropriate level.

Since 1999, the advanced ensembles have toured Finland, Latvia, Estonia, Germany, England, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Belgium, Holland, Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand.

Our Story

Inspired by the way Maestro Mitchell Sardou Klein spoke about the Peninsula Symphony’s repertoire and values, noted Bay Area music educator Sara Salsbury envisioned a fruitful collaboration. In 1997, Salsbury contacted Maestro Klein with the idea of starting a youth orchestra for students in San Mateo County—one that would encourage participation from students of differing levels of ability, without a competitive edge, and produce excellent concerts. Over lunch in San Mateo the two decided to do just that. Together they founded PYO, whose membership enjoys success due to strong support from families and local music teachers, the breadth and diversity of the artistic program, and the expertise of dedicated staff.

Our Mission

PYO reflects and enhances the cultural diversity of its community by bringing together student musicians to rehearse and perform symphonic music in an educational setting. PYO strives for high musical standards within a supportive environment that encourages enthusiasm, knowledge, and love of music. The organization enriches the lives of its students as they progress through a challenging course of repertoire which prepares them with the skills needed to enjoy and pursue music the rest of their lives, either as professional or amateur players.

Our Ensembles

  • FULL ORCHESTRAS

    Senior Orchestra, Peninsula Young Artists, Nova, Sinfonia

  • STRING ORCHESTRAS

    Concordia Strings & Debut Strings

  • FLUTE CHOIR

    Led by Viviana Guzmán