Peninsula Symphony Youth & Family Music Programs

Peninsula Symphony Youth & Family Music Programs includes Family Concerts aimed at elementary students and their parents, an annual Family Concert in April, and a Free Family Concert that is described as an interactive concert and a journey through the world of dance from Broadway to ballet, folk dance, and more. The program also offers free outdoor Summer Concerts, PSOpen Rehearsals, interactive Salon programs, and frequent musical presentations in underserved schools. Young musicians can take part in two major competitions for young artists, the Marilyn Mindell Piano Competition and the Young Musicians Competition, as well as high school master classes that are often led by the Symphony’s youngest guest artists, with special recitals by the winners of the Marilyn Mindell Piano Competition Junior Division 2026.

• Schedule: Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10AM to 4PM.

Peninsula Symphony Youth & Family Music Programs is part of the Peninsula Symphony, whose mission is to enrich the lives of people in the community with inspiring, innovative, high-quality musical presentations at affordable prices, and to promote music education through engaging programs for children and adults. The organization’s educational outreach under the Bridges to Music umbrella includes ensemble performances in libraries and senior centers and talks to community groups. The Peninsula Symphony began in 1949, was incorporated as a non-profit association in 1951, and created the Peninsula Symphony Auxiliary in 1956. By 1985, the organization opened an office in San Mateo and hired a paid Executive Director, and 1985 was also the last year of founding conductor Aaron Sten’s leadership. Music Director Mitchell Sardou Klein celebrated his 30th season in 2015, and for 30 years the Symphony has presented debut performances of the winners of the Irving M. Klein International String Competition. The Peninsula Youth Orchestra was established in the spring of 1997. The leadership team includes Samantha Burgess, Assistant Conductor; Mitchell Sardou Klein, Music Director; Aaron Sten, founding conductor; Vincent Guida, symphony clarinetist and business manager; and Robert L. Clark, Board President. Peninsula Symphony states that it is committed to providing an environment of dignity and respect for musicians, audience, staff, and volunteers, and it has served Bay Area communities along the South Bay and Peninsula from Campbell to San Bruno. During the years when the California Arts Council was awarding grants to California orchestras, the Peninsula Symphony received the highest rating possible.

Last updated March 26, 2026.