The Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (PACO) is an award-winning youth orchestra for regional string musicians of high-school age and younger. PACO’s five ensembles — SuperStrings, Preparatory, Debut, Sinfonia, and Senior PACO — have roughly 30 members each which rehearse weekly and perform throughout the year presenting an extraordinary level of music-making and commitment to their art. Our emphasis on chamber music sets PACO apart from other youth programs and lies at the core of our educational success.
Hear the Senior Orchestra perform Elegy, a world premiere by acclaimed American composer David Conte. Based in the Bay Area with a global reach, Conte has written extensively for opera, orchestra, chorus, and more—we’re honored to share his work!
May 16, 2026 at 7:30pm - Cubberley Theatre
Saturday, May 16, 2:00pm: Info - Tickets
Music Director: Scott Krijnen
Location: Cubberley Theater
Program: Sibelius, Beethoven, Montogmery, Mendelssohn, Copland, Conte - World Premier
- Sebastian Tsai, violin soloist
Sunday, May 17, 2:00pm: Info - Tickets
Location: Palo Alto Art Center
Saturday, May 30, 2:00pm: Info - Tickets
Program: Bottesini, Mozart, Trimple
Allison Prakalapakorn, bass soloist
Noa Kumayama, violin soloist
Location: Cubberley M2
⚠️ If you have been accepted to attend Presto PACO, you can pay the tuition here. Also, auditions are still open.
Sinfonia Concert
Saturday, May 30 at 7:30pm
Cubberley Theater
Program:
Bartók, Montgomery, Conte, Dvořák, Popper
- Scott Krijnen, Conductor
- Josefina Swartz, cello soloist
SuperStrings Concert
Sunday, May 31 at 12:00pm
JLS Middle School Auditorium
Program:
TBD
- Natasha Makhijani, Resident Conductor
Preparatory Concert
Sunday, May 31 at 3:30pm
JLS Middle School Auditorium
Program:
Mendelssohn, Bizet, Szewczyk
- Zakarias Grafilo, Guest Conductor