Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra

The Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) is a high-level orchestral training programme for musicians aged 22 and under, based in Toronto, Canada. TSYO alumni are found in most major performing organizations in Canada, and many have embarked on solo and chamber music careers worldwide. Alain Trudel conducted the orchestra from 2004-2012, and has since been replaced by TSO Resident Conductor Shalom Bard.

Founded in 1974 by Victor Feldbrill, the TSYO has had a close partnership with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for over 30 years. A collaborative on-stage performance named "Side-by-Side" is held annually at Roy Thomson Hall. Additionally, all TSYO members are encouraged to compete in an annual concerto competition. The prize of this competition is the opportunity to perform a solo with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Through their affiliation with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the TYSO has worked with world-renowned guest artists and conductors. Recent guests include: Henning Kraggerud, Vadim Gluzman, James Ehnes, Colin Carr, Pinchas Zukerman, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Pekka Kuusisto, Yo-Yo Ma, Richard Stolzman, Wynton Marsalis, Christian Lindberg, Colin Currie, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Gunther Herbig, Maxim Vengerov, Sir Andrew Davis, and TSO Music Director Peter Oundjian to name only a few.

The TSYO is led by the TSO’s RBC Resident Conductor, Shalom Bard, and coached by TSO musicians Keith Atkinson (Woodwind Coach), Harcus Hennigar (Brass Coach), Etsuko Kimura (Violin Coach), Theresa Rudolph (Viola Coach), David Hetherington (Cello Coach), Paul Rogers (Double Bass Coach), and David Kent (Percussion Coach).

The youth orchestra has toured extensively within Canada and abroad. In 1999, the TSYO represented Canada at the Banff International Festival of Youth Orchestras. Other destinations include Quebec, Texas, Massachusetts, California, Japan and Europe. In May 2012, the TSYO traveled to British Columbia with performances in Vancouver, Nanaimo and Victoria.

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