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Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra

A vital part of Cincinnati's musical culture since its beginning in 1964, the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra (CSYO) is the city's premier ensemble for talented high school orchestral musicians. The CSYO is dedicated to the cultivation of young talent and provides outstanding instrumental students the opportunity to perform repertoire not always available to them in their area schools. Under the auspices of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, CSYO members cultivate an appreciation for the arts and learn the value of excellence and discipline which they take back to their individual school programs. Students attend CSO concerts at Music Hall, study with CSO musicians in sectionals held several times throughout the season, and perform their own concerts, often with peer soloists. Students graduate to become professional symphony orchestra members, music educators, non-professional musicians, and advocates for the arts.

The CSYO was founded in 1964 as the Cincinnati Youth Orchestra by Max Rudolf, Music Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and area music educators, who recognized the importance of providing talented young musicians with the opportunity for serious training and extensive orchestral experience. The first conductor of the CSYO was Sigmund Effron, CSO concertmaster, who was convinced that "it was vitally important to the community and to these youngsters that they meet other young people of the same interest" and that they have "an opportunity to play in a symphonic group which devotes itself to the works of the great masters." Mr. Effron Guided the CSYO until 1970, when he was followed by a series of distinguished conductors. This season marks the second for Eric Dudley as CSYO Conductor and Assistant Conductor of the CSO.

Now in its 42nd season, the 2005-06 Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra is made up of approximately 100 musicians from high schools in southwestern Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeastern Indiana.