Santa Monica Youth Orchestra
Kids Music & Performance

Songs of the City with the Santa Monica Youth Orchestra

  • This is a past program

Copresented by the UCLA Confucius Institute

Los Angeles is home to wide array of vibrant music traditions introduced by immigrants and travelers from all corners of the world. The Santa Monica Youth Orchestra (SMYO) World Ensemble, comprised of youth from across the city, explores the music of its global neighborhood. 

After the concert, try the instruments they play, including the Chinese hulusi and dizi, the Japanese koto, and Ghanaian ewe percussion.

ABOUT SMYO

SMYO is a socioeconomically and culturally diverse community providing accessible, high quality music education and collaborative opportunities that embody the global character of LA and incorporate all participants into its musical life.

SMYO uses music to create and shape community where young people of all means and backgrounds have the opportunity to learn and participate in rich musical experiences. Inspired by the El Sistema model, the orchestra strives to encourage cross-cultural understanding, cooperation, and peer mentorship among its participants.

All Hammer public programs are free and made possible by a major gift from an anonymous donor.

Generous support is also provided by Susan Bay Nimoy and Leonard Nimoy, Good Works Foundation and Laura Donnelley, The Samuel Goldwyn Foundation, an anonymous donor, and all Hammer members.

Public programs advancing social justice are presented by the Ford Foundation.

Digital presentation of Hammer public programs is made possible by the Billy and Audrey L. Wilder Foundation.

Hammer Kids is made possible through the generosity of the Anthony and Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation. Hammer Kids also receives support from friends of the Hammer Museum's Kids Art Museum Project (K.A.M.P.), an annual family fundraiser. Additional funding is provided by The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, GRoW @ Annenberg, and The Winnick Family Foundation.