The YOUTH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA of the Distinguished Orchestra of Russia – the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Philharmonic – held its debut concert in the Great Hall of the Philharmonic on March 11, 2020. The orchestra was founded and is led by conductor Yaroslav Zaboyarkin, a laureate of international competitions. Established with the support of Yuri Temirkanov, the orchestra unites young St. Petersburg musicians: artists of the acclaimed Philharmonic Orchestra, alongside students and postgraduates of the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

The key goals are to promote classical music among young audiences, support emerging soloists, perform lesser known and contemporary works, create bold interpretations, and preserve the continuity of the traditions of the country’s oldest symphony orchestra. The orchestra offers the public vibrant and unexpected programs and actively collaborates with renowned artists, including E. Stikhina, N. Baldeyrou, N. Boriso-Glebsky, Zhang Xin-Yue, P. Osetinskaya, P. Laul, A. Kashpurin, M. Kultyshev, S. Kryuchkova, S. Barkovsky, L. Pitskhelauri, and A. Vakha. In addition, leading soloists of the Distinguished Orchestra of Russia – L. Klychkov, A. Makarova, and I. Kozlov – regularly take part in the concerts, along with soloists from the St. Petersburg House of Music.

The orchestra has taken part in prestigious international festivals, including the “Arts Square”, “Musical Collection”, the World Youth Orchestras Festival in Moscow, and the spring “Sirius” Festival. It has presented a number of Russian and world premieres, been involved in multi genre projects – including concert performances – and contributed to international cultural exchange.

A significant milestone for the orchestra was its 2025 performance in Iran as part of the Cultural Bridge: Saint Petersburg – Tehran project, where the orchestra made its debut on Tehran’s principal academic stage – Vahdat Hall.

In the 2026/2027 season, the orchestra’s schedule features the opening concert of the XVII International Chamber Music Festival Silver Lyre and a performance in the subscription series Classics. New. The tour schedule includes concerts in India (September 2026) and Moscow (November 2026).