Community Connections Partner: Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1942, Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO) is one of North America’s largest and most highly regarded youth orchestra training programs. The organization provides access to music education for more than 1,800 young people each year and its membership reflects the rich diversity of the greater Seattle community. Through seven youth orchestras, summer programs, a music school and extensive partnerships with schools and community groups, SYSO creates engagement opportunities for thousands of young musicians, audience members and patrons each year.

SYSO’s mission is to harness the power of music education to give young people pathways to artistic excellence, intellectual development and emotional growth. SYSO’s vision is to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for young people publicly performing in large and small ensembles throughout the greater Seattle area. SYSO envisions a youth orchestra community that advances equitable artistic practices, uplifts all musicians and provides educational experiences connected to their lives and communities.

In 2019, SYSO’s board of directors appointed Juan Felipe Molano as Music Director. Maestro Molano previously led Youth Orchestra Los Angeles and concurrently served as Resident Conductor of the prestigious American Youth Symphony. Maestro Molano’s passion for new and nontraditional works, and his deep knowledge and appreciation of symphonic masterworks creates bold and vibrant concert experiences for SYSO’s musicians and the greater Seattle community every year.

Upcoming Side-by-Side with the Seattle Symphony: SYSO joins the Seattle Symphony in a Side-by-Side Concert at Benaroya Hall on Wednesday, February 21, at 7:30pm. Admission is free. “We are grateful to the Seattle Symphony for creating an opportunity for our musicians to perform alongside these exceptional artists and for their commitment to advancing music education throughout the region. We are excited to collaborate with the Symphony to bring even more students and families to Benaroya Hall, and to amplify the importance of music as a vital part of education for all young people.” – Andrew Krus, Executive Director, Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra is one of more than 70 partners in the Seattle Symphony’s Community Connections program, which provides complimentary tickets to nonprofit organizations across the Puget Sound region.