Youth Orchestra first to perform at Tobin Center

Tobin Center offers sneak peak at new facility

SAN ANTONIO – The Youth Orchestra of San Antonio earned a place in city history as the first group to perform in front of a live audience at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 36 days before it officially opens.  

The group helped acousticians fine-tune the 1,750-seat performance hall before a month-long grand opening celebration.  

"We're thrilled that we have the Youth Orchestra here to do a test drive of the building," said Tobin Center President Michael Fresher.  

"I know many of them have been looking forward to it for quite a while," said YOSA Executive Director Brandon Henson. "To be part of the first orchestra that takes the stage is just a fantastic experience."

The orchestra played from a specific play list designed to help test the hall's acoustics. On Wednesday the group performed the play list to an empty hall. Thursday's performance was viewed by roughly 700 guests.  

"The building reacts differently from an acoustic standpoint," said Fresher. "We'll have about 700 folks in the building and we'll see how it tests now with bodies in seats and people moving around."

The Center's month-long grand opening celebration begins Sept. 4 with a joint performance of the San Antonio Symphony, Orchestra and Ballet company.