WASHINGTON CHINESE YOUTH ORCHESTRA
The Washington Chinese Youth Orchestra (WCYO) was established on December 18th, 1993 by the Chinese Arts and Music Association and was premiered in Seattle the same night. This is the only Chinese orchestra which consists entirely of members under the age of eighteen in the United States. The mission of the orchestra is to train and nurture young talent among the overseas Chinese population and to introduce Chinese music to the younger generation, allowing them to gain a better appreciation and understanding of genuine Chinese music, and to prepare them for a bright and promising future in music performance.
The Washington Chinese Youth Orchestra is the fruit of almost 14 years of cultivation by the Chinese Arts and Music Association in the Pacific Northwest. All of the members of the orchestra are students of renowned musicians, such as Music Director Warren Chang and Director Buyun Zhao. The oldest member is 17 and the youngest is only four years old. The existence of the Washington Chinese Youth Orchestra is an indication that traditional Chinese music is taking root and is continually flourishing in the United States. The most outstanding of these young people are also members of the Seattle Chinese Orchestra, performing together with their teachers and other experienced musicians.
The Chinese Arts and Music Association and the Washington Chinese Youth Orchestra recognizes that the public plays a huge role in the success of the orchestra. It is the organization's hope that the public will continue to recognize and support this group of promising young musicians, allowing them to flourish into their full potential in the years to come.
We also encourage parents to introduce WCYO to their children and encourage them to come and join us at any of our introductory classes or at one of our local performances.
Allow the experience, the mind-opening, soothing power of music to become a part of the lives of the next generation!
