Chicago Youth in Music Festival
The Chicago Youth in Music Festival is an annual celebration of young people who are passionate about symphony orchestras.
The 2023 Chicago Youth in Music Festival takes place March 24-27 at Symphony Center and features young musicians from across Chicago. The Festival is presented in partnership with Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, as well as Chicago Arts and Music Project, Chicago Metamorphosis Orchestra Project, The People’s Music School, Sistema Ravinia, Amundsen High School, Kenwood Academy, Mather High School, Northside College Prep and the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative.
On Friday, March 24, 100 Chicago Public Schools string orchestra students from four partner schools convene for sectionals and a side-by-side rehearsal with musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, led by conductor Kyle Dickson. The participating schools are Amundsen High School, Kenwood Academy, Mather High School and Northside College Prep. A small ensemble of Civic Orchestra Mentors will visit each school in advance to lead sectionals on the Festival repertoire.
On Sunday, March 26, 80 students from four community music schools gather for sectionals and a side-by-side rehearsal and performance with the Civic Orchestra, led by Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras Music Director conductor Allen Tinkham. In addition, students and their families will attend the Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert that afternoon conducted by Thomas Wilkins.
Finally, the advanced Festival Orchestra is comprised of 60 students representing Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras and the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative, as well as musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. The Festival Orchestra will rehearse throughout the weekend with conductor Kyle Dickson and participate in sectionals with CSO musicians in preparation for a public open rehearsal led by Civic Orchestra Principal Conductor and Music Director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Ken-David Masur on Monday, March 27 at 7pm. The open rehearsal features works by William Grant Still and Antonín Dvořák. Tickets are free but required.
Watch these short videos about past Youth in Music Festivals:
Sponsors
The Chicago Youth in Music Festival is generously sponsored by Megan and Steve Shebik and by Michael and Linda Simon.