Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) is internationally recognized as one of the premier youth orchestras in the United States. For over 60 years, its programs have provided music education and instrumental training of the highest quality to Chicago metropolitan area youth. CYSO musicians experience intense orchestral and chamber music instruction from Chicago’s most respected professional musicians, perform in the world’s greatest concert halls and gain the self-confidence and discipline that prepare them for a successful future. The organization directly serves more than 350 gifted musicians ages 7 to 18 through four core orchestras and a chamber music program, over 5,000 Chicago Public School students through its Music Pathways program, and over 40,000 audience members each season.
Listen to the Future… CYSO participation is key to a successful future in classical music. 100% of CYSO students go on to attend college, with 70% choosing to further their music instruction in preparation for a career in music at the nation’s top conservatories, colleges and universities.
…and beyond… CYSO alumni play in over 40 of the top professional orchestras and ensembles in the world including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and Operas, Academy of Saint Martin-in-the-fields, and of course the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
…building character… Whether students go on to become principal oboist of a major orchestra, a surgeon in a local hospital or the owner of a major publishing company, CYSO builds a strong sense of discipline, accomplishment, confidence, self-esteem and a deep appreciation for music and the arts.
…providing unparalleled music training…CYSO faculty and coaches include superb Chicago artists such as: Cliff Colnot, Conductor, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, CSO’s MusicNOW; Stephen Burns, Artistic Director of Fulcrum Point; Tage Larsen, Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) Trumpet; Vadim Karpinos, CSO Percussion; Robert Kassinger, CSO Bass; Charles Pikler, CSO Principal Viola, as well as many other musicians, teachers and music faculty from Chicago’s universities and music community.
…in the best performance venues. CYSO performs at Symphony Center’s
Orchestra Hall twice per season and has delighted audiences at Grant Park Music Festival, Ravinia Festival, The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, The Rudolfinum in Prague and Carnegie Hall.
