SAN ANTONIO – Rehearsals began this weekend for the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio Philharmonic, launching the organization\u2019s 50th anniversary season with a 2026-27 lineup that includes alumni appearances, world premieres, holiday programming and collaborations with local choral groups.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe musicians of the YOSA Philharmonic are the best young players in South Texas,\u201d said Troy Peters, YOSA music director and philharmonic conductor. \u201cWhen their energy connects with the talent of our incredible guest artists, something truly special happens. Every concert feels like a spark, you can feel it in the room. This season, we\u2019re diving into bold music and exciting collaborations that will not only move our audiences but also push our musicians to grow. That\u2019s what YOSA is all about, changing kids\u2019 lives through music and helping them discover just how powerful they really are.\u201d<\/p>\n
The season includes five Classics and Pops concerts at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts:<\/p>\n
Metamorphosis is set for Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at 7 p.m. YOSA said the concert will open the 50th season with a program focused on transformation in music, including the world premiere of \u201cDances for Orchestra,\u201d a new work composed for YOSA by alumnus Ethan Gurwitz. The program also includes Gershwin\u2019s \u201cPiano Concerto in F major\u201d with pianist and YOSA graduate Christopher Guzman as soloist, and Hindemith\u2019s \u201cSymphonic Metamorphosis on Themes by Weber.\u201d YOSA Mariachi is also scheduled to appear.<\/p>\n
A Holiday Spectacular, presented by YOSA and the Children\u2019s Chorus of San Antonio, is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, at 7 p.m. YOSA said the concert returns for its third year and will feature the YOSA Philharmonic and YOSA Repertory Strings along with multiple ensembles from the Children\u2019s Chorus of San Antonio, including Chorale, Choristers, Concert Choir, Chamber and Encore. The release also notes \u201crumor has it\u201d a special guest conductor from the North Pole will close the evening.<\/p>\n
Voices of Nature is set for Sunday, Feb. 28, 2027, at 7 p.m., with YOSA Philharmonic joining the San Antonio Mastersingers. The program includes Gabriela Ortiz\u2019s \u201cKauyumari\u201d and Borodin\u2019s \u201cPolovtsian Dances,\u201d along with a world premiere of a new choral-orchestral work by Peters setting nature-inspired poetry by Julie Cadwallader-Staub. YOSA said the 2026-27 YOSA Concerto Competition winner will also perform, and YOSA Concertino Strings will appear.<\/p>\n
Jukebox 1977 is scheduled for Saturday, March 13, 2027, at 8 p.m. YOSA said the one-night-only concert will celebrate music from 1977 with local San Antonio rock bands backed by a full orchestra, reimagining hits including \u201cStaying\u2019 Alive,\u201d \u201cDreams,\u201d \u201cHotel California,\u201d \u201cBarracuda,\u201d and \u201cYou Make Me Feel Like Dancing,\u201d among others. The performance continues YOSA\u2019s Classic Albums Live series, following past celebrations of Prince, Queen, the Beatles and Selena.<\/p>\n
The season finale, the 50th Anniversary Celebration, is set for Sunday, May 16, 2027, at 7 p.m. YOSA said the concert will revisit the orchestra\u2019s beginnings with Khachaturian\u2019s \u201cMasquerade\u201d Suite, the first work ever performed by the orchestra, in a side-by-side performance featuring current musicians and alumni. The program also includes Kabalevsky\u2019s \u201cCello Concerto No. 1\u201d with acclaimed cellist and YOSA alumna Christine Lamprea as soloist, plus movements from Holst\u2019s \u201cThe Planets\u201d \u2014 Mars, Venus and Jupiter \u2014 and an appearance by YOSA Intermezzo Strings. YOSA said the concert also marks the opening of YOSA\u2019s first permanent home.<\/p>\n