The Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce the appointment of Daniel Alfred Wachs as the third Music Director in its 37 year history.  Educated in the United States, Europe, and Israel, Maestro Wachs holds degrees in Piano Performance and Conducting from The Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School. He has guest conducted such orchestras as the Auckland Philharmonia of New Zealand, the Rotterdam Philharmonic, and the Fort Worth Symphony. In addition, Maestro Wachs has held the position of Assistant Conductor with the National Orchestra of France and the Minnesota Orchestra. He also served as an artist in residence with the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. Committed to education, Maestro Wachs has recently been appointed Director of Instrumental Studies & Music Director of University Orchestras at the Chapman University Conservatory of Music.

Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra
39th Season • 2008-2009

The Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra, presenting its 39th season, is the Official Youth Orchestra of Orange County. Conducted by newly appointed Music Director Daniel Alfred Wachs, OCYSO provides the highest level of pre-professional orchestral training for young musicians in Southern California.

OCYSO mission, to introduce great music into the lives of young people, is fulfilled in part through its highly acclaimed “Concerts for Fifth Graders,” in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Orange County Performing Artscenter. This series, presented by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, has provided music education for more than 500,000 students. Additionally, OCYSO presents a concert series in the historic Memorial Auditorium at Chapman University.

During its long and distinguished history, OCYSO has performed at major music conferences throughout the United States and has toured Europe and Asia. Performances in Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Hong Kong, the People’s Republic of China, Japan and at the United Nations and Carnegie Hall have been lauded by critics and audiences alike.

Building on the tradition of excellence established by John Koshak during his 37-year tenure, our new music director, Daniel Alfred Wachs, will lead OCYSO into a new era.