About Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings

Now in their 35th season, Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings (PSSS) has become a nationally celebrated youth string orchestra. Sponsored by The Orange County Chapter of the Suzuki Music Association of California, PSSS was founded in 1991 by Lonie Bosserman and Margie Chan, coming under the wing of Pacific Symphony in 2007.

Led from its inception through the 21-22 season by renowned music educator Irene Kroesen, PSSS welcomed its new music director, Dr. Johanna Gamboa-Kroesen in the fall of 2022. Dr. Kroesen is a member of the music faculty at UCLA, and her tenure represents an exciting new chapter for the ensemble.

Under the creative leadership of Alexander Shelley, Pacific Symphony’s Artistic and Music Director Designate, PSSS continues to build upon the rich legacy established by Music Director Laureate Carl St.Clair. Together, their vision reflects a shared commitment to inspiring the next generation of artists and audiences.

Representing over 30 schools in the Southern California region, PSSS provides an experience that nurtures the confidence, poise, and musical sensitivity of young musicians through the study and performance of outstanding string orchestra literature. PSSS serves gifted young instrumentalists in grades 6 through 9 and is one of four youth ensembles offered by Pacific Symphony’s Youth Ensembles program. 

PSSS members benefit from the mentorship of Maestros Shelley and St.Clair, receive regular coaching from Pacific Symphony musicians, perform twice each season at the magnificent Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, CA, and enjoy periodic touring opportunities.

Membership in the Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles program is determined through annual auditions held each spring, drawing more than 700 applicants each year. Graduates of the program go on to study at leading institutions including Juilliard, Johns Hopkins University/Peabody Institute, UCLA, University of Michigan, Stanford, USC, Brown, Vanderbilt, Yale, and many more.