History

The Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1987 by the Ministry of Education and Culture, as the Cyprus State Youth Orchestra, along with the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. From 1st Januray 2007, the orchestra’s administration has been undertaken by the newly founded Cyprus Symphony Orchestra Foundation and was renamed Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra.

The Orchestra rehearses regularly during term time, gives about three concerts a year both in Cyprus and abroad, and participates in official events such as important conferences, the prize giving ceremony of the European Schools' Competition, the opening of the State Educational Fair etc. The training of members in chamber music groups, string ensembles and symphonic wind orchestra is an essential part of the activities.

An equally important part is the annual summer school, which since the summer of 2005 takes place in the high mountain resort of Pedoulas. This has now developed into an International Summer Music Academy with the participation of highly qualified teachers of international standing and students from Cyprus and other countries. The international youth symphony orchestra which is constituted and trained at the Summer Academy has already given highly acclaimed concerts at the International Kypria 2007, 2008 and 2009 Festivals.

Shorter residential schools are also organized during other periods.

Since 1990 the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra has established the Music Workshop which offers talented young musicians free individual tuition on all orchestral instruments. It is staffed mainly by selected members of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra.

Since 2005, for the second time in its history, the Artistic Director of the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra is the conductor and composer Ayis Ioannides.