Immanuel Abraham
Symphony Orchestra, Violin

For as long as I can remember, it has been my life’s goal to contribute something of myself to the world. When we are born, I believe it is incumbent upon us to give something of ourselves to the world. To me, fulfilling life’s purpose is to give something, something to life in return for, if nothing else, the very space I occupy every day.divx movies

Kevin Hu
Symphony Orchestra, Violin

Passion. It's a beautiful thing, which enthralls us to exceed our limits; and there is no place better to show our passion than in the CYSO ensembles.

Isabelle Hanson
Concert Orchestra, Violin

As a violinist in Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, I’ve had an amazing experience.

Rhett Del Campo
Orchestra of the Royal Swedish Opera, Principal Percussion

I am the second of three members of my family to participate in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras program. My older sister, Alexis, was a violinist and my younger sister, Marissa, played the cello.

Ben Peled
Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Violin

Looking back ten years later, the CYSO European tour of 1997 was a summer of firsts for me.  It was my first time going on tour with an orchestra.  The tour stopped in Cambridge, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, London, Hamburg, and culminated in Amsterdam with a performance at the Concertgebouw. 

Terrance Oliveras-Gray
Associate Conductor, CYSO

The energy present at the first rehearsal of the year is palpable.  I see the long line of kids jockeying for a chance to find out where they are sitting in the orchestra.  I understand their need to find out how well they performed at the seating auditions; but, I am also concerned that this reflects a lack of understanding about how an orchestra functions.

Stephanie Block
Symphony Orchestra, Viola

I have so much enjoyed playing with Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras. I have had so many great experiences while performing and rehearsing with CYSO groups.

Thomas Ribas
Symphony Orchestra, Trumpet

I have been playing the trumpet for about ten and a half years. Being a member of CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra has enabled me to experience my favorite thing about being a musician. 

You can become a totally different person when you are playing, and you start to overcome fears and shyness.

Chan Choi
Symphony Orchestra, Violin

As a hopeful violinist, I have encountered many orchestras and ensembles from the junior high to professional level. I would have to say that the hard work that comes with being a member of Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras has given me priceless experience and appreciation for orchestral performance.