It’s that time of year again and we are thrilled to welcome back our students, families, and audiences for another season of music-making! The halls of the Fine Arts Building are once again abuzz with the sounds of students making their way to and from rehearsals, and we can’t wait for all the exciting things coming up in the 2022-2023 season. Check out these highlights:
New School Partners: We are also thrilled to welcome three new schools to our Preludes program: South Loop Elementary, Polaris Charter Academy, and Dewey Elementary Academy of Fine Arts. Preludes schools work with CYSO throughout the year through concerts, field trips, and coaching opportunities for existing ensemble programs. It’s our way of building authentic connections that benefit the school, in the hopes of creating more CYSO@CPS sites in future years!
Parents Night Out: We’re excited to welcome the CYSO community to our Parents Night Out fundraiser on September 28 at Ravinia Brewing in Logan Square. The evening will feature games, a raffle, and music from Jazz Orchestra musicians, with 20% of the evening’s food and drink proceeds going to benefit CYSO. RSVP now!
College Week Returns: For all your college music-related questions, CYSO’s College Week returns this October with two great events. On Sunday, October 9, the CYSO College Fair will be on site at the Fine Arts Building with representatives from colleges and camps from across the country. Then on Thursday, October 13, our Getting into College 101 masterclass returns online with admission professionals to answer all of your questions about studying music in higher ed.
Conductor Search: With the sudden, tragic loss of Associate Conductor Terrance Malone Gray this summer, CYSO will begin the search for a new Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor. The search will spend the duration of the 22/23 season, with more details to come in the coming months.
Orchestra Hall Concert World Premiere: CYSO alum Mary Elizabeth Bowden joins Symphony Orchestra once again at Orchestra Hall for the world premiere of a piece for trumpet and strings by award-winning composer Clarice Assad. Tickets for the November 20 concert go on sale in October.
Giving Tuesday: A great opportunity to show your support for CYSO, Giving Tuesday returns on November 29th! Join CYSO supporters from around the globe on this special day of giving to help us continue to support CYSO programs, students, and families.
The Midwest Clinic: CYSO is thrilled to be invited to perform once again at The Midwest Clinic, the international band and orchestra conference at McCormick Place. Mark your calendars for our performance on Tuesday, December 20 at 5:45 pm and stop by and visit CYSO at booth 1727 in the exhibit hall!
The CYSO Gala: The 2023 CYSO Gala will celebrate Women in Music on Saturday, February 25. Hosted in a new location at the Geraghty in Pilsen this year, keep an eye out for the save the date with more information later this fall.
Composers-in-Residence Project: Our commissioning project continues this spring with the world premiere from Laura Brackney performed by Debut Orchestra. More premieres tbd—stay tuned!
