
Anya Wilkening
PhD Student, Historical Musicology
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Columbia University
Participating in CYSO was both a formative and transformative experience for me. It served not only as my introduction to orchestral and chamber music, but also enabled and encouraged me to hone the skills necessary to succeed in both. Through CYSO, I first developed abilities that I continued to utilize in my orchestral career at institutions like the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, the Aspen Music Festival and School, and a variety of others. CYSO nurtured my love of chamber music, introducing me to a repertoire that has proved continuously and endlessly fascinating; as a consequence, I attended the Robert Mann String Quartet Institute, received a fellowship from Aspen’s Center for Advanced String Quartet Studies, and served as a young artist for both Da Camera and Strings Music Festival. For me, CYSO was the beginning of a long and fulfilling musical journey, one that continues to this day as I pursue my doctorate in Historical Musicology at Columbia University. I look forward to teaching others, hopefully at the collegiate level, inspiring them in the same way that CYSO did for me.

Rainer Eudeikis,
Principal Cello
Atlanta Symphony
"My years in CYSO as a young student were vital to the person and musician I am today. In addition to developing ensemble skills, social skills, and responsibility, I experienced the true joy that is music-making onstage surrounded by my peers. I can't recommend the Colorado Youth Symphony highly enough!"

Kristopher Harris
English Language Instructor
Kawasaki, Japan
My time with the Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestra was an important part of my path in becoming the musician I am today. I learned important ensemble skills, auditioning skills, and technical skills very early on since joining the CYSO. I enjoyed various opportunities including coaching from and playing with members from the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, lifelong connections and friendships, and even chances to play with quartets at parties and social events. I treasure the memories of having the chance to play orchestra and quartet music with professional musicians and making friends with the other students. Without my experience in the CYSO, I doubt I would have made it so far as a musician or been able to enjoy performing around the world.