Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras facts for kids
The Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras (GCTYO) is a fantastic music group for young people. It's based in Fairfield, Connecticut, USA. More than 350 students from over 30 towns play music together here! Towns like Fairfield, Bridgeport, Trumbull, and Westport are all part of it.
GCTYO used to be called GBYO. In 2019, they changed their name. This was to show that members come from all over Connecticut, not just the Bridgeport area.
These orchestras perform at least three times a year. Their concerts are usually held in Bridgeport, Connecticut, at the Klein Memorial Auditorium. Robert Genualdi led the group for over 25 years. Today, Christopher Hisey is the Music Director. He conducts the Principal Orchestra and has been involved with GCTYO for over 30 years! He even used to be a student in the program.
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Meet the Orchestras
GCTYO has ten different orchestras. Each one is led by a talented conductor:
- Principal Orchestra - Christopher Hisey, conductor
- Bravura Orchestra - Gjorgj Kroqi, conductor
- Symphony Orchestra - Lynda Smith, conductor
- Concert Orchestra - Erica Messina, conductor
- String Orchestra - Bruce Sloat, conductor
- Wind Orchestra - Brian Miller, conductor
- Percussion Orchestra - Jim Royle Drum Studio (Brian Ente, conductor)
- Jazz Orchestra I - Dr. Rex Cadwallader, Director
- Jazz Orchestra II - Geoffrey Brookes, conductor
- Chamber Orchestra - Christopher Hisey, conductor
Amazing Performances and Tours
The GCTYO orchestras have performed in many exciting places!
Concert Highlights from 2013
In 2013, the Principal Orchestra had a special Christmas concert. They played at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York City. They performed with amazing artists like Jackie Evancho and James Galway. This concert was produced by Tim Janis.
Travel to China in 2014
In 2014, GCTYO went on an incredible trip to China! They played four concerts in 12 days. They visited cities like Xian, Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou. Imagine playing music in such cool places!
First Lawn Concert in 2015
GCTYO started a new tradition in 2015. They held their first annual Lawn Concert. This fun outdoor event took place on the Great Lawn of the Pequot Library in Southport, Connecticut.
European Tours: Italy and Iceland
In 2016, GCTYO traveled to Italy. They performed concerts in beautiful cities like Rome and Florence. Two years later, in 2018, they went on another big tour. This time, they visited Scotland and Iceland. A highlight was performing at the iconic Harpa Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland.
A New Name in 2019
In 2019, the Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras officially became the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras. This name change better shows that students from all over Connecticut come to rehearse each week. It truly reflects their wide reach!
