Since its founding in 1954 as the region’s first music organization, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County has been renowned for bringing the world’s best and most sought-after classical musicians to Orange County’s stages. A beloved and well-supported community institution, the Philharmonic Society’s mission is to foster an appreciation for music by presenting national and international performances of the highest quality while also providing dynamic and innovative music education programs for individuals of all ages. Over the last 60+ years, the Philharmonic Society has presented all but two of Gramophone magazine’s top twenty ranked orchestras of the world, and each season features the healthiest roster of touring orchestras and artists on the West Coast. Artists presented include Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Philharmonic, Cecilia Bartoli, Renée Fleming, Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman, among others. The Philharmonic Society's extensive series of Youth Music Education Programs reach more than 100,000 students from elementary through high school each year, and are offered free of charge to schools, students, and parents. These programs introduce youth to the joy of music and inspire them to play an instrument, expand their imaginations, connect to classroom curriculum, and stimulate learning at all levels, and have enabled millions of children to encounter classical music—many for the first time. Our youth programs are made possible by the tireless volunteerism and fundraising of The Committees of the Philharmonic Society who provide more than 90,000 hours of philanthropic service each year. Founded in 1970 as the area’s first honors youth orchestra, the Philharmonic Society’s Orange County Youth Symphony, now under the artistic direction of conductor Johannes Müller Stosch, continues to be recognized as Southern California’s powerhouse for the region’s finest youth symphony program.