Isabel Thiroux, newly named executive director of the American Youth Symphony in Los Angeles.
The American Youth Symphony (AYS), based in Los Angeles, has appointed Isabel Thiroux as executive director. Thiroux has been with AYS for 22 years, first as a member of the orchestra’s viola section and then moving into administration. Thiroux served as the director of orchestra operations beginning 2015 and was appointed interim executive director in June 2022. She initially joined AYS as a member of the orchestra’s viola section in 2001 and performed with the orchestra until 2007. Thiroux moved to the AYS staff as an administrative assistant from 2007 to 2009, when she was promoted to orchestra manager, a role she held from 2009-1015. Said Thiroux, “I am committed to working together to advance our mission of inspiring the future of symphonic music and building community through exceptional concerts accessible to all.” The American Youth Symphony was founded in 1964 by conductor Mehli Mehta; the organization aims to reflect the full diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to equity within the orchestra by holding blind, free auditions, and by paying musicians instead of charging tuition.
