About Us

CYSO HIstory

In 1946, a group of talented young musicians dreamed of a place where they could come together and perform the greatest orchestral works with other students who shared a love of music. Over sixty years and thousands of students later, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) is the place where inspired youth begin their journey to become outstanding musicians and leaders of tomorrow.

CYSO Mission

CYSO's mission is threefold:

...to ADVANCE and inspire the musical and personal development of young musicians by providing intensive training and unparalleled opportunities;

…to ADVOCATE for involvement in classical music to underserved youth through student-to-student engagement programs; and

…to AMAZE, entertain and educate audiences with thoughtful, innovative programming.