Berkeley, CA -- The opening concert of Young People's Symphony Orchestra, California’s 72nd season promises excitement, dazzling virtuosity, and plenty of passion. The concert is Saturday, November 3, at 8 p.m. at Valley Center for the Performing Arts at Holy Names University in Oakland with a repeat performance Sunday, November 4, at 3:00 p.m. at Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre. The orchestra, comprised of talented young musicians ages 11 to 22, shows what happens when youthful energy combines with talent in Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio Espagnol,

Award-winning pianist Chloe Pang presents Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1. This acclaimed young artist has captured the attention of the international music community with her mature interpretations and vigorous execution of the piano repertoire. A student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Prep Division, Chloe studies with YPSO alumnus Mack McCray. Joshua Kosman, of the San Francisco Chronicle said she plays with "bold, athletic ferocity. Pang boasts a nimble technique and a gift for wiry intensity, as well as a particularly strong rhythmic command," while David Letterman called Chloe's performance "One of the loveliest musical moments on the (CBS) Late Show."

Music Director/Conductor David Ramadanoff concludes the program with Tchaikovsky's poignant Symphony No. 6 ("Pathétique").

YPSO, founded in Berkeley in 1935, is the oldest youth orchestra in California and the second oldest in the nation. The orchestra is comprised of 93 youth who come from 45 Bay Area schools in seven counties. Students reside in dozens of cities, including Berkeley, Oakland, Vacaville, Benicia, Livermore, Palo Alto, Orinda and Walnut Creek. Music Director /Conductor David Ramadanoff, who is in his eighteenth season, leads a coaching faculty of distinguished professional musicians and music educators. The orchestra plans a tour to Australia and New Zealand in June 2008.

Tickets for the November 3rd concert in Oakland are $15 general, $12 for students and senior citizens, in advance or at the door. For tickets and information, visit www.ypsomusic.net, call (510) 849-9776 or email ypsomusic@yahoo.com. Tickets for the November 4th concert in Vacaville are $17 general, $15 seniors, college students, and military, and $5 students K-12. For reservations and information call the box office at (707) 449-6217.