The Young People’s Symphony Orchestra (YPSO), California’s oldest youth orchestra, will present its Pops / Pre-Tour Concert, the final performance of its 2025–2026 subscription season, on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM at The Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
The concert will feature a vibrant and audience-friendly program ranging from Americana classics to Nordic masterworks that preview the orchestra’s upcoming international tour repertoire.
The program will feature Felicia Ng, one of the winners of YPSO’s 2025–2026 Concerto Competition, performing the first movement of Sergei Golovko’s Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra.
“I chose this piece because it’s energetic, blends contemporary with classical style, and has great storytelling that is especially compelling to me,” said Ng.
In preparation for YPSO’s Summer 2026 tour to Finland and Sweden, the program also features the final two movements of Sibelius’s Symphony No. 1 — Movement III: Allegro and Movement IV: Finale (Quasi una Fantasia).
Additional program highlights include Copland’s energetic Buckaroo Holiday from Rodeo and popular favorites such as Leroy Anderson’s Home Stretch and Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever, continuing YPSO’s Pops concert tradition.
As both a season finale and a moment of recognition, the concert will honor YPSO’s graduating senior musicians, celebrating their contributions to the orchestra and their next steps as they continue their musical and academic journeys.
Concert Program
- Sergei Golovko — Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra, Movement I Felicia Ng, soloist
- Copland — Buckaroo Holiday from Rodeo
- Sibelius — Symphony No. 1, Movement III: Allegro; Movement IV: Finale (Quasi una Fantasia)
- And popular favorites including Leroy Anderson’s Home Stretch and Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever
International Tour: Finland & Sweden
Following the concert, YPSO musicians will embark on a Summer 2026 tour to Finland and Sweden, featuring three performances:
- June 21 — Sibelius Hall, Lahti
- June 23 — Helsinki Music Centre, Helsinki, as part of the American Celebration of Music in Finland
- June 26 — Royal College of Music Concert Hall, Stockholm
The tour also includes cultural exchange opportunities and engagement with the rich Nordic musical heritage.
“Spring Into Music!” Silent Auction
In conjunction with the concert, YPSO will launch its annual “Spring Into Music!” Silent Auction in support of YPSO programs and student tour opportunities.
The auction features experiences, dining, and unique offerings from local businesses and community supporters. Proceeds help sustain YPSO’s concerts, coaching, educational activities, chamber music, and touring opportunities for young musicians across the Bay Area.
- Bidding opens May 21 and closes June 7
- tinyurl.com/ypso-auction-2026
Tickets & Information
- $20 General Admission
- Students Free (registration required)
- Box Office & Concert Info: ypsomusic.org/events
- Approximate program length: 120 minutes, including intermission.
YPSO is committed to accessibility for all. Concert venues, lobbies, and reception areas are fully accessible.
About YPSO and Maestro David Ramadanoff
Now in its 89th season, YPSO brings together 90 young musicians, ages 11–18, from across the Bay Area. Music Director David Ramadanoff has led YPSO for over three decades, inspiring generations of musicians. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Juilliard School before serving as Assistant Conductor of the San Francisco Symphony under Seiji Ozawa. Maestro Ramadanoff selects programs that highlight diverse eras and composers while fostering each student’s musical growth.
Founded in 1936 in Berkeley by conductor Jessica Marcelli, YPSO is California’s oldest youth orchestra and the first independent youth orchestra in the nation. Its mission is to “encourage young people to become exemplary musicians and young musicians to become exemplary people.” YPSO presents four regular concerts per season and provides young musicians with opportunities for orchestral performance, chamber music, touring, and leadership, while also engaging with the community through programs such as the Bay Area Music Project, bringing music to new audiences and fostering civic responsibility. The orchestra is supported by community organizations, foundations, donors, and the dedication of students, families, and volunteers.
Images courtesy of YPSO