Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra

The mission of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra is threefold: To teach and inspire musical excellence through orchestral training, to perform in premier venues, and to cultivate audiences for classical music.

Founded in 1945, the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra is one of the city's cultural treasures. It cultivates in its members discipline, fine musicianship and an overall appreciation for excellence. PYSO members bring a sense of amazement and excitement about classical music to diverse audiences-young and old, novice and seasoned. Through their impressive performances, dedication and commitment they also serve as role-models for aspiring younger musicians and students; and, through their demanding tours in the U.S. and internationally, they have become outstanding cultural ambassadors of the Pittsburgh Region, Pennsylvania, and the United States. Each season normally includes three free performances at Heinz Hall: fall, winter, and spring. PYSO has collaborated with Duquesne University, Carnegie Mellon University, the Junior Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Ballet, Pittsburgh Opera, Children's Festival Chorus, and Attack Theater (among others) in various public performances at Heinz Hall over the years.

Testimonials

"The experience of being in PYSO has been not only musically enhancing, but life enhancing for my son. In addition to working with you, he enjoys the other students, the coaches, and the entire experience. He comes home from rehearsals happily singing and at peace with himself and the world."
- From a PYSO parent

"Once again, the concert was GREAT and I had a blast catching up with a few friends and making some new ones. I really hope you plan on doing this again. It was incredible to play at Heinz Hall again, something I didn't think I would have the opportunity to do again. Please make sure the staff and board know how much it meant to so many alumni."
- From a PYSO alumna

"Thank you for everything you have done for the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra this year. The concerts have been outstanding, and a tribute to your organization. My son has learned a great deal about music, about responsibility, and about being part of an organization with the highest standards. Those lessons are invaluable. He also really enjoys his friendships with the other members of the orchestra-a wonderful peer group for him."
-From a PYSO parent

"Many of us remember PYSO days as magical times, and your article has brought back a whiff of the magic and teed up the coming weekend events for me with just the right flavor."
- From a PYSO alumnus

"We look forward to this performance because we have so enjoyed your performances in the past. My 11 year old especially is always on the edge of his seat. He just started playing the viola with his elementary school string orchestra last year and has really come to enjoy it, and according to his instructor, he has surpassed her expectations in this short amount of time. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to attend this FREE performance, and BRAVO to all of the performers and those behind the scenes that make this all possible for our community."
- From an audience member