About The Ensembles

The Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra organization consists of five chamber orchestras, each composed of 25-28 members. The Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra's primary ensemble is referred to here as Senior PACO, but it is frequently simply called "PACO"

PACO members are the most advanced and mature musicians, with up to ten years of experience in other PACO ensembles. Their performances receive outstanding critical acclaim; four regular season Palo Alto concerts are supplemented with a popular Bach Celebration Concert Series in March, an annual tour to Ashland in June, and regular international tours. Soloists are nationally and internationally renowned artists, frequently famous PACO alumni who have established major careers. Chamber ensembles from within the orchestra are given numerous opportunities to perform in venues around the Bay Area, and a strong community service program ensures that every PACO member gives the gift of music to those who might not otherwise be hearing it. Volunteer PACO members also form the core of the Sara Doniach Ensemble, a string program for disadvantaged youngsters at the Willow Oaks Elementary School in East Palo Alto.

Sinfonia (formerly "Junior Orchestra") is comprised of young musicians with excellent technical skills, working to cultivate artistic quality and maturity. The season begins at the Chamber Music Workshop in August, where advanced training takes place under the watchful eyes (and ears) of a nationally renowned faculty. Three public concerts comprise the season, featuring prominent local soloists and winners of PACO's own annual concerto competition. Sinfonia members are often called upon to supplement PACO sections for concerts and on international tours. Several opportunities to provide community service add depth to the season. Sinfonia members are also eligible to volunteer at the Willow Oaks Elementary School in East Palo Alto where the Sara Doniach Sensemble, a string program for disadvantaged youngsters, has been established.

Debut Ensemble (formerly "Training Orchestra") consists of young musicians already experienced in ensemble playing who are improving their technique and musicianship. Debut members attend the Chamber Music Workshop in August, where they are given intensive ensemble training which carries over into the season. Three annual concerts feature music for chamber orchestra as well as string quartet and other small ensembles. Debut Ensemble concerts feature outstanding local soloists and also provide solo opportunities for members of all PACO ensembles. Community service is an important component of the PACO experience; Debut Ensemble performs at Stanford Hospital’s Bing Series and other local community series.

Preparatory Orchestra directed by Kris Yenney (PACO ’74) further explores and develops fundamentals introduced in the SuperStrings ensemble. More challenging orchestral and ensemble repertoire is prepared for public performances as the budding artists further refine the process of creating music together. One Winter concert and one Spring concert highlight the season and occasional opportunities to perform in the community add valuable experience. Orchestra members are given opportunities to play solo parts or to conduct a rehearsal or performance and the occasional addition of soloists or supplimental wind players allow Preparatory Orchestra to perform a broader range of repertoire.

SuperStrings, comprised of the youngest PACO students, introduces the basic elements of ensemble playing to young string players with limited orchestral experience but having had a few years of private study. Under the direction of Kris Yenney (PACO ’74), an emphasis is placed on creating a positive environment where the love of music and of playing together is fostered for a lifetime of enjoyment. As at all PACO levels, competitiveness is minimized in favor of cooperation, wherein each player is equally valuable to the whole. In addition to weekly rehearsals, each SuperStrings member is placed in a smaller chamber ensemble which practices under the supervision of a parent, a member of Senior PACO, or a local professional. SuperStrings’ two annual concerts feature works for the orchestra as well as performances by these chamber ensembles.