​Western Connecticut
Youth  Orchestra

The Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra (WCYO), an educational and performance program of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, is a full symphonic orchestra made up of advanced string, woodwind, brass and percussion musicians up to 18 years of age. The ensemble performs professional orchestral repertoire, from staples of the classical genre to music of the 21st century. In the past, the Symphony Orchestra has performed works such as Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5,  Mussorgsky/Ravel’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherezade and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, as well as many other masterworks. Symphony Orchestra musicians frequently work with professional guest musicians in a sectional format, have the opportunity to premier original compositions, and participate in community engagement activities. The WCYO rehearses in Ridgefield, CT on a weekly basis during the school year and performs three or four concerts per year, along with other events including retreats, an annual concerto competition, workshops, and masterclasses. WCYO members come from more than 25 towns in Connecticut and the neighboring New York area. Dedicated musicians are encouraged to audition for a position in the WCYO.  For more information about the WCYO, click the link below.