our mission

The Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra was established in 1970 for these purposes:

• To provide enriching musical and educational experiences to highly capable and committed young musicians through the study and performance of symphonic masterworks;

• To bring together music students from diverse social and cultural backgrounds;

• To promote teamwork and a shared dedication to excellence;

• To develop a life-long habit of collaboration and a love of music-making as they learn advanced ensemble performance skills.

our History

Since 1970, hundreds of the Rochester area’s most talented young musicians have experienced the challenges, rewards and joys of learning symphonic masterworks while playing in the RPYO.

These musicians devote themselves to rehearsing and performing great music throughout the school year. In the process they build not only excellent musical skills but also develop lifelong habits of teamwork, diligence, responsibility, and a commitment to the arts.

RPYO alumni currently perform with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Chicago Lyric Opera orchestra and other major ensembles here and abroad.

Other alumni have become teachers of music or dedicated amateur musicians and supporters of local arts institutions. An active RPYO Alumni Association was founded in 2002.

The RPYO was founded in 1970 by the Women's Committee of the Civic Music Association, the predecessor of the RPO, following many years of its sponsorship of annual youth music festivals.

The RPYO is now sponsored by the Education Department of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. RPO musicians work regularly with RPYO students as Mentors and Coaches and join the RPYO in an Annual Joint RPYO/RPO concert in Eastman Theatre.

Howard Weiss, then concertmaster of the RPO, was the RPYO’s founding music director from 1970 to 1989, followed by Darryl One.   Since 1993 David Harman has been RPYO music director and conductor.

The RPYO presents three concerts each year and frequently performs in special outreach events. Its Chamber Orchestra performs in December.

Approximately ninety-five middle and high school students from 33 schools in a four-county area participate this season in the RPYO, rehearsing every Sunday at Apollo Middle School in Greece

To further its educational and musical goals, the RPYO has organized various tours over the years. Mostly recently it has performed in England (1995), Germany (1998), and France (2001). A tour to Italy is planned for 2004.

The RPYO has taken part in youth orchestra festivals and exchanges and has performed on videotaped programs for PBS, Eastman Kodak, WXXI-TV and Young Audiences, Inc.