Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras

06/12/2026

06/10/2026

We are excited to share our behind the scenes look at the creation and passionate ex*****on of THE WHITE SWAN: a new immersive orchestral retelling of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake.

Since 1983, Strathmore has enriched lives through transformative ar...

06/03/2026

🎻🎺 Audition updates are here! - https://www.strathmore.org/nurturing-artists/maryland-classic-youth-orchestras/audition/

MCYO has updated the audition requirements and orchestral excerpts for the 2026–27 season. Students planning to audition or re-audition should review the new materials carefully as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Be sure to visit our website for the latest requirements, excerpt packets, and audition information. Start your preparation early and put your best foot forward for a great audition experience!

05/19/2026

From Future Stars to Philharmonic, hear all nine MCYO orchestras in their final concerts of the season 🎻✨

Many students spend years growing with MCYO, and that dedication comes through at every level of their musical journey.

Congratulations to all of our students on a wonderful season, especially our graduating seniors. We’re cheering you on, wherever the music takes you next.

05/09/2026

Blair Quartet doing their thing at Fischoff!! Made it through the quarter and into the semifinals. 🥰🥰

Congratulations to the Junior String Division Semifinalists!

Orenda Quartet
Quartetto Tornando
Blair Quartet
Quartet Meraviglia
Strelitzia Trio
Trio Vertias
Valinor Trio
Myer Schwartz Trio
Trio Verus
Alpaca Quartet

04/27/2026

Our Blair String Quartet is doing some AMAZING things. CONGRATULATIONS!!! 👍⭐️🎉

They've made it to the finals of the Saint Paul String Quartet Competition AND now they've made it to the Quarterfinals of the Fiscoff Competition!!

03/30/2026

Last week’s master classes were an inspiring experience for our students! 🎶

We were honored to welcome Timothy Deighton, viola professor at Penn State, who brought new insight into tone and musical expression, and Jaewon Kim of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, who worked closely with our clarinetists, sharing his artistry and expertise.

Thank you to our guest artists for helping our students grow and be inspired!

03/26/2026

During Women’s History Month, we are proud to celebrate the incredible women on our podium at MCYO. 💜

We are joining Marin Alsop and Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship with the ! We recognize our inspiring female conductors whose leadership, artistry, and dedication shape our ensembles and empower the next generation of musicians every day.

Their passion not only guides our orchestras—it opens doors, breaks barriers, and shows our students what’s possible.

Join us in celebrating these remarkable leaders who continue to make a lasting impact in our community and beyond.

03/14/2026

A little preview of tomorrow evening's PHIL performance from our video team.
Come join us at 7pm, 3/15 at Strathmore! You do not want to miss this!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojVO06PnxeI

Tickets available here: https://www.strathmore.org/nurturing-artists/maryland-classic-youth-orchestras/mcyo-trip-the-light-fantastic/

The MCYO Philharmonic headlines the 7pm concert on Sunday, March 15, with a dramatic retelling of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, enhanced with narration and lighti...

03/09/2026

Join us for MCYO’s concerts this week at Strathmore! 🎶
https://www.strathmore.org/nurturing-artists/maryland-classic-youth-orchestras/mcyo-trip-the-light-fantastic/

Experience the energy and artistry of the talented young musicians of the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras as they present “Trip the Light Fantastic” at the Music Center at Strathmore. With performances on March 11 at 7 PM and March 15 at 2 PM and 7 PM, audiences will enjoy inspiring orchestral works performed by MCYO’s outstanding ensembles. Come celebrate the dedication, passion, and musical excellence of the next generation of artists!

We also have Alumni Receptions for the two evening concerts! Contact us for more information!