Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra

The history of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra is quite remarkable. Established in 1974 as a subsidiary of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, itself initially a youth ensemble, its origins reflect a rich tradition of nurturing young talent. Michael Palmer, then Associate Conductor of the ASO, served as the inaugural director of the ASYO, setting a formidable standard for his successors. Among them, Jere Flint, who helmed the ASYO from 1979 to 2014, left an indelible mark on the orchestra.

The roster of music directors preceding and succeeding Jere Flint reads like a who’s who of American orchestral talent, featuring luminaries such as Sung Kwak, Joseph Young, Stephen Mulligan, Jerry Hou, and the current ASYO Music Director, William R. Langley. Alongside their guidance, the invaluable coaching and mentorship provided by ASO and community musicians have been integral to the program since its inception 50 years ago, cementing its exceptional status.

The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra has produced a plethora of remarkable talent, with many alumni pursuing further studies in prestigious colleges and conservatories worldwide. They now grace orchestras, and stages as soloists, conductors, and educators, enriching musical landscapes across the globe. Atlanta Symphony Hall serves as a springboard for these artists to flourish both musically and professionally. The skills honed during their ASYO tenure pave the way for bright futures, fostering a lifelong love of music.

Atlanta is fortunate to boast not only a world-class orchestra but also one of the nation’s premier youth orchestras, complemented by a supportive ecosystem. Many ASO musicians serve as coaches, mentors, and private instructors, nurturing the talents of the next generation while captivating audiences from the stage.

Over the years, the ASYO has fostered cultural exchanges with youth orchestras from Great Britain, Australia, Berlin, Germany, and various US cities. Noteworthy performances include captivating audiences during the 1996 Cultural Olympiad and being featured at the Closing Ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Games, broadcast globally.

Representing 8th through 12th graders from over 20 metro area school districts, the ASYO boasts 120 chairs filled through auditions from a pool of 400 applicants. ASYO students consistently earn spots in GMEA All-State ensembles and secure placements in prestigious national summer music programs.

Thousands of alumni continue to champion the arts as performers, educators, administrators, donors, and patrons. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate collaborating with these talented students and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra education team to perpetuate and expand the ASYO legacy in Georgia and beyond.