Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras

Community engagementcyso community engagement programs supported instrumental music access and training for approximately 4,500 young people during the 2025 fiscal year. Cyso@cps includes four direct instruction, tuition free and audition free programs in chicago public schools serving 200 total students. In addition, cyso works with students across many lower income chicago neighborhoods through our free community concerts, education concerts, and also our partnerships with the chicago public schools and the chicago musical pathways initiative.

International tourscyso has undertaken international tours since 1985 with its flagship symphony orchestra. Cyso students have traveled to over 50 of the world's greatest cities on four continents. Touring provides students with unparalleled musical and cultural experiences, including opportunities to perform in venues rich in history and tradition. During the 2025 fiscal year, cyso's symphony orchestra went on its 17th international tour to spain and performed in four cities, including a perormance at the renowned granada festival.