Senior PACO Orchestra Season Finale Concert, Presented by the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra

Free admissions. Seats are limited so please reserve your seats in advance.https://www.pacomusic.org/events/2025-26/senior-paco-may-16-2026 [https://www.pacomusic.org/events/2025-26/senior-paco-may-16-2026] As our season draws to a close, we mark a celebratory, yet bittersweet occasion: our Season Finale. In our 4th concert set, we celebrate our graduating Seniors, as they graduate and take PACO out into the world. The evening is filled with amazing works, anchored by the sheer power and joy of Beethoven’s monumental 7th Symphony – a symphonic masterwork that will resonate throughout the hall. We once again cross the Atlantic, where we proudly showcase the vibrant tapestry of American composition with works by Jessie Montgomery, David Conte, and the iconic Aaron Copland, reflecting a diverse and evolving musical landscape. Close out the evening with Mendelssohn's Octet, and you have an unforgettable experience. Join us for a truly inspiring concert, a testament to the generosity of the human spirit as we show the world how to play well with others. This concert includes a World Premiere Performance! 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! This concert will also feature 2025-2026 Concerto Opportunity Winner Sebastian Tsai who will be playing Sibelius Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47, Mvt. 1. 2025-26 Concerto Opportunity Winner: Sebastian Tsai is a 17 year old violinist from California. He has been playing for 12 years since the age of 5 and is currently studying with Elbert Tsai. He was previously enrolled in the San Francisco Conservatory of Music precollege division for two years. Sebastian has previously won 1st place in USIMC as well as prizes in USOMC and the Charleston International Music Competition, played in the Junior Bach festival, and has performed in Carnegie Hall as a grand prize recipient of the Concert Festival Competition. He has attended Center Stage Strings and the Addicott Chamber Music Festival in the past. Sebastian will be beginning his undergraduate studies in violin performance this fall, but is still deciding where to commit. His other interests include watching sports and playing golf. About Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra: “This amazing group of musicians is one of the finest and most talented I have heard.” -Itzhak Perlman 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, each have approximately 25-30 members who rehearse weekly and perform throughout the year, presenting an extraordinary level of music-making and commitment to their art. At PACO, we believe that making music and lifelong friends are best achieved in an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork. Our focus on small orchestras and chamber music makes that possible, and we minimize internal competition to foster creativity and collaboration for our young musicians. PACO students get many opportunities to work with each other across orchestra levels, knitting our musical family together and providing teaching and learning opportunities for all. Teamwork, compassion, empathy, and imagination are hallmarks of our community. More than just learning how to play the notes, our students learn the real meaning and value of playing well with others. Our emphasis on chamber music uniquely sets PACO apart from other youth programs. It lies at the core of our educational success, allowing a highly personalized commitment to both our students and our community. Members of the Debut, Sinfonia, and Senior PACO orchestras attend PACO camp, our annual chamber music workshop in August, where advanced ensemble training takes place under the watchful eyes (and ears) of a nationally renowned faculty. Presto PACO is a shorter, local version of PACO Camp. This 5-day workshop for young string players ages 8-13 is open to members of our Superstrings and Preparatory orchestras, and other community musicians by audition. PACO was founded in 1966 by local violinist, teacher, and conductor William Whitson, who served as the orchestra's music director for 36 years. During that time, Mr. Whitson established PACO as one of the nation's premier youth ensembles. From 2002 to 2023, violist Benjamin Simon continued the tradition of excellence while bringing fresh energy and exciting direction to PACO's programs. Appointed Music Director in 2023, cellist Scott Krijnen has taken the baton from Mr. Simon, leading the 5-orchestra organization and collaborating with guest conductors, fellows, and faculty, while continuing to bring excellence in music performance and education through chamber music and chamber orchestras.