1 of 14
2 of 14
3 of 14
4 of 14
5 of 14
6 of 14
7 of 14
8 of 14
9 of 14
10 of 14
11 of 14
12 of 14
13 of 14
14 of 14
The Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) has been fostering a passion for music in the youth of Annapolis and surrounding communities for over three decades. With distinguished conductors and pedagogues, a musically diverse offering of ensembles, and some of the best young instrumentalists that Anne Arundel County and the surrounding areas has to offer, the CYSO is more than just a youth symphony orchestra, we are a family and we would love for you to join us next season! The CYSO not only empowers our students to become lifelong lovers and performers of music, we most importantly provide our members with opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime.
Music Director and Conductor of the CYSO Chamber and Symphony Orchestra’s Maestro Julien Benichou has been with CYSO for 18 years. Maestro Benichou is an internationally recognized conductor, having guest conducted on 5 different continents, at many music festivals, with many professional and conservatory orchestras, and is currently the Artistic Director of the Washington Opera Society, and the Music Director of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. During his tenure with CYSO, he has worked not only to enhance the quality of music performed by his ensembles, he has made it his mission to provide students with opportunities to work with distinguished musicians such as internationally recognized virtuoso violinist, Stefan Jackiw, French flutist, Jean Ferrandis, David Cooper, Principal French Horn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Patrick Jee, Cellist of the New York Philharmonic, just to name a few. Students have the opportunity to participate in master classes where they play for these musicians and receive first-hand feedback on how to enhance their playing. It’s opportunities such as these that set CYSO apart from other organizations. “By exposing our young musicians to some of the world's greatest players and performers we are helping them aspire to be the best, and to perhaps one day accomplish what these amazing musicians have, or even more,” says Maestro Benichou.
Members of the CYSO have gone on to hold many diverse roles in the world of Orchestral Music. CYSO Alumni Elena Murphy has gone on to win a position in the Clarinet Section of the United States Air Force Band. Michael Harper, is currently in the trumpet section of the Jacksonville Symphony. Richard Scerbo is the Director of the National Orchestra Institute and Alumni Guy McIntosh is currently the Executive Director of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra. These Alumni are just a few of the CYSO’s many distinguished members who have gone on to careers in music, highlighting the amazing education students receive.
Next season we are looking forward to regular master classes with world-renowned musicians from the best orchestras in the world, a performance at Carnegie Hall, a summer tour to Portugal playing alongside the Portuguese Philharmonic, and so much more.
Come see what the CYSO is all about and join us on our journey, as we venture on to the next 30 years of musical growth, education, and igniting a passion for music.
Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify.
For more information please visit www.cysomusic.org
