Previously known as the Toronto Cultural Youth Orchestra, has been a part of the Canadian Sinfonietta family since 2011.  Founded in 1985 as a non-profit organization in Toronto, Canadian Sinfonietta has always had a strong vision to mentor and nurture young musicians. CSYO does so at their weekly rehearsals in a welcoming environment where students can enjoy and learn through music making. Under the batons of Maestro Tak Ng Lai (senior orchestra) and violinist Joyce Lai (junior strings), members benefit from their vast professional experience and musicianship.

Each year CSYO presents three concerts in the Greater Toronto Area,  a Holiday and Spring Concert in addition to extra outreach community performances.

Significant non-series events over the years include performing for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Toronto in 2002. Other notable performances include participation in the Asian Heritage Month Festival, the 2013 Free the Children’s We Day event in Toronto, as well as performing at the Rogers Centre for the Canadian Airline International Chinese New Year Festival.

CSYO has also had a prolific international career! In 2013, string members travelled to Udine, Italy and Vienna, Austria where they gave many successful performances. In the summer of 2016, the group represented the City of Markham in the mission of “Music Without Borders” to cultivate and promote music appreciation in cities in China including Dongguan, Jiangmen, Naihai, and Foshan. In 2017, the group again had the opportunity to tour Italy and Austria. In addition to being warmly received by audiences in Europe, the students garnered a great deal of success through this chance of a lifetime learning experience.

After the covid pandemic shut down where rehearsals went in part online and only virtual performances could be produced, the CYSO was thrilled to be back in person for the 2021-2022 concert season. The group performed their first in-person concert in December 2022 to a completely sold-out audience at the Markham People’s Community Church and most recently again in June 2023 at the Agricola Finnish Church in North York, where a number of outstanding young soloists were featured with the orchestra, including a Toronto premiere of a piece for solo viola and strings by our own Maestro Tak Ng Lai. In May 2022, the orchestra also participated in the annual Asian Heritage Festival, and performed to a number of Canadian dignitaries, among them, past and present Senators and Members of Parliament.

CSYO will continue to outreach to different communities and cultures through their music making. They are currently accepting new members for the 2022-2023 season as well as the much anticipated Europe Concert Tour Summer 2023. Auditions will be held in September. Spots are limited so please contact us soon to reserve your spot.

Please follow us for updates at csyo.ca or on their Facebook page: “Canadian Sinfonietta Youth Orchestra”.