Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra - Orchestras

Orchestras

The String Sinfonietta is an all-string ensemble for young musicians, directed by Joseph Wargo from 1983 to 2004 when the Camerata Strings were created. Camerata Strings is also just for strings and is the next level up. Mr. Wargo helped found the Camerata Strings and conducted the group from 2004 to 2008 when he resumed his original position with the String Sinfonietta (and his real passion for teaching the youngest performers) until his retirement in late 2008. String Sinfonietta is now conducted by Christie-Jo Adams (an alumnus of the Young Performer’s Program and the String Sinfonietta under Joseph Wargo in particular) and Camerata Strings now is conducted by Rebecca Jilcott. The Youth Concert Orchestra is the lower-level full orchestra, conducted by Beth Almore since 2007 (now conducted by Amy Birdsong), and the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra is the top ensemble, a full orchestra, conducted by Dr. Erin Freeman, D.Mus., since 2007. The orchestras accept students up through 12th grade. All four orchestras meet weekly and participate in coaching and masterclasses by Richmond Symphony musicians, mentoring, and other activities. The orchestras are the top orchestral training ensembles of central Virginia. In 2008, the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra played at the Kennedy Center with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Richmond Symphony.