Listen to the Future!
Hear what CYSO coaches, students, parents and friends have to say about CYSO.

cyso history & mission

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 where the Chicago area's best 7 to 18 year-old musicians begin their journey to become the classical musicians and leaders of tomorrow.

The CYSO works diligently throughout the year to fulfill its threefold mission:

• 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.