Under the leadership of Music Director Allen Tinkham, Internationally recognized as one of the foremost youth orchestras, CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra consists of the most talented student musicians from the
Chicago area. Symphony Orchestra students have the opportunity to hone their skills while performing the
most advanced orchestral repertoire alongside exciting new works by contemporary composers. The Symphony Orchestra’s annual season features collaborations with leading cultural institutions and performances in Symphony Center’s Orchestra Hall, Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion and in Chicago-area suburban locations.

Now in its 65th season, the Symphony Orchestra has achieved international recognition for its excellence and innovation in orchestral training. The organization is known as an important training ground for the cultivation of the next generation of professional musicians. In fact, you can hear our alumni playing in more than 40 orchestras around the world including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Presidents Own, Cleveland Orchestra and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam, among many others.

The Symphony Orchestra is a leader in the performance of contemporary orchestral music among youth. Among CYSO's honors are ten ASCAP awards for innovative programming; three Illinois Council of Orchestras Youth Orchestra of the Year awards; broadcasts on National Public Radio and WFMT; and twelve international tours to the music capitals of Central and Western Europe, Asia and South America with plans to tour Spain in June, 2012. Click here for more information on touring.  In August 2007, members of the Symphony Orchestra had the pleasure of working with the rock band, My Morning Jacket, and became the first ever classical music ensemble to perform at the legendary rock music festival, Lollapalooza, in Chicago.  In August 2010, members of the Symphony Orchestra returned to Lollapalooza to perform with Dane Zanes and in August 2011 will perform with My Brightest Diamond at Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavillion.

Members of the Symphony Orchestra also have the option to participate in Encore Chamber Orchestra, Principal Players, Chamber Music, and Composition Seminar.