Chicago Youth Orchestra

Chicago Youth Orchestra (CYO) provides a pathway for young musicians, intermediate to advanced to connect, create, and champion orchestral and chamber music.  Young musicians are welcome to audition and are placed in ensembles to best meet their stage of development as a musician. CYO provides orchestral training to musicians between 7 and 18 years and is held in Clarendon Hills, 20min west of Chicago, IL. 

Join CYO and experience the exciting journey of creating and performing music through CYO’s Youth Symphony & Chamber Music Program. CYO strives to tap into the unlimited potential of young musicians to foster future professionals in music. Altogether, CYO seeks to cultivate leadership skills and develop an exceptional work ethic for whatever challenges await our musicians.

Youth Orchestra Auditions

Check for Fall ’23 Auditions Dates…

Chamber Music Program

Check for Fall ’23 Auditions Dates…

Concerto Competition

Competition Date – Jan 8, 2024

DEADLINE – Dec 18, 2023

Scholarships

Merit & Financial Aid available…

Support CYO

Help Support & Donate to CYO…

Contact

For more info on Auditions, Schedule, etc…

The Chamber Music Program at CYO is a great opportunity for young musicians to play and create chamber music in duos, trios, quartets, etc. In addition, the musicians are coached by some of Chicago’s premier musicians. Chamber music teaches diplomatic communication skills, learning to trust other musicians, and finding one’s own musical voice. Overall, the involvement making musical decisions together democratically is a wonderful and important experience for young people to make.

CYO’s Concerto Competition takes place in January and is a great way for CYO’s young artists to showcase their talents. The winner of the CYO Concerto Competition gets the privilege to perform with the CYO Youth Orchestra.