YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles)
Through YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), inspired by Gustavo Dudamel’s own training as a young musician, the LA Phil and its community partners provide free instruments, intensive music training, and academic support to over 1,700 young musicians—aged 6 to 18—empowering them to become vital citizens, leaders, and agents of change.
Seventeen years ago, the LA Phil and its community partners launched YOLA with 80 students at the EXPO Center in South LA. Today, there are five sites: in South LA, the Rampart District, Westlake/MacArthur Park, East LA, and Inglewood. YOLA engages players from more than 200 schools in culturally vibrant and ethnically diverse communities across LA County. Music study is complemented by leadership development opportunities, workshops, and performances. YOLA’s young musicians have performed on great stages, from the LA Phil’s iconic venues—the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall—to national and international television broadcasts, and alongside the greatest artists.
On October 15, 2021, the Los Angeles Philharmonic opened the Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen YOLA Center at Inglewood, designed by Gehry Partners, LLC, the first permanent, purpose-built facility for YOLA.
For more information, please visit laphil.com/yola.
