Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras facts for kids
The Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras (GCTYO) is a fantastic music group for young people in Connecticut, USA. It's based in Fairfield, but it helps over 350 students from more than 30 towns nearby. These towns include Fairfield, Bridgeport, Trumbull, Monroe, Easton, Westport, Orange, and Southbury.
In 2019, the organization changed its name to GCTYO from its original name, GBYO (Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras). This change happened to show that the group now includes members from all over Connecticut, not just the Bridgeport area. The orchestras perform at least three times a year in Bridgeport, Connecticut, at the Klein Memorial Auditorium. For over 25 years, Robert Genualdi led the group. Today, the Music Director and conductor of the Principal Orchestra is Christopher Hisey. He used to be a student in the program and has been involved with GCTYO for over 30 years!
GCTYO has ten different orchestras for young musicians:
- Principal Orchestra - Christopher Hisey, conductor
- Philharmonic Orchestra - Polina Nazaykinskaya, conductor
- Virtuosi Orchestra - Britney Alcine, conductor
- Symphonia - Gjorgj Kroqi, 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
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Exciting Performances
The Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras have performed in many special places and events over the years.
2013: Carnegie Hall Concert
In 2013, the Principal Orchestra, then known as the Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras, played a special Christmas concert. This benefit concert took place at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York City. They performed with singer Jackie Evancho and flutist James Galway. The concert was produced by Tim Janis.
2014: China Tour
In 2014, GCTYO went on an amazing trip to China. They played four concerts in different cities over 12 days. These cities included Xian, Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou. It was a big adventure for the young musicians!
2015: Lawn Concert Debut
In 2015, GCTYO started a new tradition: their first annual Lawn Concert. This outdoor concert was held on the beautiful Great Lawn of the Pequot Library in Southport, Connecticut. It was a lovely way to enjoy music in the fresh air.
2016: Italy Tour
Two years later, in 2016, GCTYO traveled to Italy. They performed concerts in two historic and beautiful cities: Rome and Florence. This tour gave students a chance to experience music and culture abroad.
2018: Scotland and Iceland Tour
In 2018, GCTYO went on another international tour. This time, they visited Scotland and Iceland. A highlight of their trip was performing at the iconic Harpa Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland. It's a very famous concert hall.
2019: Name Change Reflects Growth
In 2019, the Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras officially became the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras. This change happened to better show that their members come from all over Connecticut. Students travel from many towns each week to rehearse and make music together.
