Dr. Camilla Kolchinsky, Conductor

The award-winning Senior Symphony Orchestra is comprised of talented high school musicians from throughout the Bay Area. The orchestra studies under the baton of Dr.Camilla Kolchinsky, a conductor and master teacher who challenges the musicians to reach a high level of achievement.

In addition to featuring outstanding student soloists, professionals of international renown regularly perform with the ECYS Symphony.

In October of 2006,
David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, performed the Bruch Scottish Fantasy with the Symphony. In April of 2008. Martin Chalifour, Principal Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, performed the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto at Flint Center with the Symphony. In 2009, Special Guests from the New York Philharmonic, Michelle Kim, Assistant Concertmaster and Sumire Kudo, cello, performed the Brahms Double Concerto with ECYS.

The Symphony has a long tradition of international tours, in recent years touring during the summer every two years. Recent tours have included England, Scotland, Austria, France and Italy. In the Summer of 2005 the Symphony performed in Central Europe, where they received standing ovations in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Germany. In 2007 the Symphony Orchestra toured the Baltics, with performances in Finland, Estonia and Russia. In 2009 the orchestra traveled to Poland and Germany. For additional tour information, visit the TOUR page.

Each August the Symphony launches its season with a week-long retreat at UC Santa Cruz, where the season program is previewed and the instrumentalists work intensively with sectional coaches and the conductor.

The Symphony rehearses weekly throughout the school year, beginning in mid-August and concluding late in May or the first week of June. Prior to each concert program, there are two dress rehearsals.

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Sunday Rehearsals

3–6 pm or 4–7 pm
Cubberley Community Center
Palo Alto

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Concert Calendar

Audition Requirements

Symphony Orchestra Annual Retreat

2010 Annual Retreat:
August 8 - 13

Tour 2011:
June/July 2011 TBA

ECYS Symphony Members Only

“It is a testimony to the stature this young orchestra has achieved that major concert artists willingly appear as soloists.” – Keith Kreitman, Los Altos Town Crier

“My son's competence on his instrument and his musicianship have flourished under Dr. Kolchinsky’s encouragement and guidance. The instrumental sectionals help the symphony members polish their parts and they learn the meaning of leadership and teamwork as they practice together every week. In addition, he has formed close, lasting friendships, especially after the European tour.” – Linda Shum, Symphony Parent