Founded in 1945 and affiliated with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra since 1962, the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra continues to rehearse and perform at its home base of Heinz Hall. Read more about PYSO on our own website or on Wikipedia.

For over 65 years, PYSO alumni have gone on to prominent musical careers, with many of them winning positions in major symphony orchestras throughout the world.

PYSO undertakes an international concert every three years and recent tours included Italy (2011), China (2008) and Central Europe (2005). PYSO is currently mounting a fundraising campaign to raise money for its Instrument Acquisition Fund.

The 2011-12 season includes not only our Heinz Hall concerts that are free and open to the public, but collaborative projects with the Pittsburgh Symphony ’s Paris Festival, CAPA High School, Pittsburgh Musical Theater, Prime Stage Theater and Attack Theater. 

PYSO is also working hard on increasing the number of small ensemble performances in various outreach locations that will broaden our reach and help bring classical music to underserved audiences.  Watch for our string quartets, woodwind groups, and brass groups in places like Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, Children’s Hospital, PPG Wintergarden, and more.

Thank you to all those individuals that contribute to PYSO. Your support of this organization is part of what makes our programs so vibrant and strong. Without the generosity of concerned individuals, our 2011-12 season would not be possible.

We look forward to seeing you at our concerts this year.

Craig Johnson, PYSO Executive Director

Follow PYSO on facebook!

ALUMNI
PYSO alumni, please visit our Alumni page to see if your name is on the list.

KUDOS
Visit Kudos to see the accomplishments and awards of current and former PYSO members.

PARTNERS OF PYSO
Prime Stage Theater
Advanced Chamber Music Seminar

DONATE to PYSO
You can donate online or you can mail a personal check at any time in any amount to PYSO, 600 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.