Youth Orchestra Of Greater Fort Worth

About us:

The Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth, founded in 1965 by a community group headed by Betty Utter and under the direction of Ezra Rachlin and John Giordano, was formed with the goal of inspiring the development of young musicians by providing intensive training and unparalleled performance opportunities.

In addition to its senior-level Youth Orchestra, the program now includes the Junior Youth Orchestra formed in 1970, the String Orchestra founded in 1976, and the Junior String Orchestra created in 1995. In 1982, the YOGFW Preparatory Strings Program (formerly known as Suzuki Program) was founded to increase the number of string students entering the program, and in 2001 the Chamber Music Program was started to provide students the opportunity to explore classical music in a more focused and intimate setting.

During its 41 year history, the Youth Orchestra has won local, national, and international recognition as one of the finest youth orchestra programs in the United States. The Orchestra's accomplishments include concert tours in Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the Far East, as well as music festivals in Switzerland and Washington DC, and numerous other concert appearances across Texas and the Southwest. The Youth Orchestra has also been honored to perform with artistis such as Van Cliburn, Jose Feghali, Yakov Kasman, Tamàs Ungàr, and John Owings, and composers Morton Gould and Samuel Adler.

Today, the more than 250 current students in the program range in age from four to nineteen years, and represent communities from throughout North Texas. The program offers students the opportunity to further develop their talent as well as their leadership skills, self-discipline, confidence, and pride in personal achievement. Many graduates of the Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth program have gone on to become members of major symphony orchestra in the United States and around the world. With over 2,500 alumni, the organization's impact can be felt throughout the region in both musical and non-musical fields.

Participation in the Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth is an investment in the future of music, our children, and our community.