Orlando, FL - July 9, 2026
Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras (FSYO) is entering a milestone season: 70 years of musical excellence. Learn more about FSYO's history and how it is planning to celebrate throughout the 2026-2027 season!
FSYO began when Rollins College music professor, Alphonse Carlo, recognized the need for a youth orchestra program in the Orlando area. What started as a free Saturday class for string students in the Central Florida community evolved into a youth orchestra program in 1957.
“We are the oldest performing organization in all of Central Florida. FSYO has clearly, through the years, set the standard for performance. We are known for quality, great enthusiasm, and professional instructors. We’ve survived the test of time.”
-Donald Lake, Past FSYO Board President (2016)
While FSYO has evolved in name and size, the mission remains the same: to empower young musicians to achieve excellence and inspire their communities through a shared love of music. Over the past 70 years, FSYO has grown to serve more than 300 students from nine counties through eight ensembles, including three full orchestras, two string orchestras, two jazz bands, and one percussion ensemble. As a fully supplemental program, FSYO provides young musicians with high-level instruction and challenging repertoire that complements their musical education provided in the school system.
“When you look back at its history from starting as a very small ensemble in 1957 to now multiple full orchestras, the level of excellence that’s always been there truly sets Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras apart and makes me so proud sitting in the audience now.”
-Dr. Joseph Wise, Past Music Director (1984-1993)
In 1989, FSYO’s Tour Orchestra premiered at Carnegie Hall in New York City under the direction of Dr. Joseph Wise. As FSYO began its 70th Season this past June, the Tour Orchestra returned to Carnegie Hall for the third time, and the Tour Jazz Band made its New York City debut at The Jazz Gallery. The Carnegie Hall performance brought the organization full circle as Dr. Wise was able to be in the audience and share in this milestone with the organization!
“I remember taking the youth orchestra to Carnegie Hall for the first time in 1989 and thinking we’re telling the world that Orlando also produces really great professional musicians, really great future patrons of the arts, and really great representatives of a community that is only whole when it has a great arts aspect to it.”
-Dr. Joseph Wise, Past Music Director (1984-1993)
Throughout the Platinum Season, FSYO will celebrate its history and growth through new concerts, venues, and partnerships. A strong season lineup includes annual favorites including a performance as part of the St. Luke’s Concert Series, a Side-by-Side performance with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (OPO), and a holiday festival held at Mead Botanical Gardens (Season’s Greetings from the Garden). Notable new highlights include the FSYO Jazz Bands' debut at Judson's Live, FSYO’s debut in Steinmetz Hall (pending date approval), providing live music for Central Florida Ballet's The Nutcracker, and an Alumni Side-by-Side performance featuring former Music Director, Dr. Joseph Wise, as the conductor. The FSYO Invitational will be returning this season as well with The United States Army Woodwind Quintet (Pershing’s Own) visiting Central Florida twice in the spring of 2027. Additionally to commemorate the season, FSYO is commissioning two new pieces - one for the Alphonse Carlo Jazz Band and one for the Symphonic Orchestra - which will be premiered in April 2027 (jazz) and October 2027 (orchestra). FSYO’s full season can be found at fsyo.org/concerts-and-events.
“There is an air of excitement buzzing around FSYO as we kick off our Platinum Season, and I am honored to help commemorate FSYO’s legacy through our commitment to musical excellence. With our debut in the Dr. Phillips Center, new collaborations, and reconnecting with former Music Director, Dr. Joseph Wise, there are multiple reasons to celebrate. We are not just honoring our history and legacy but also ensuring the longevity of FSYO, and I look forward to celebrating this milestone with the Central Florida community.”
-Abigail Tran, Executive Director
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ABOUT FSYO: Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras empowers young musicians to achieve excellence and inspire their communities through a shared love of music. In its 70th Concert Season, FSYO serves over 300 students and comprises eight ensembles - three symphony orchestras, two string orchestras, two jazz bands, and a percussion ensemble.
FSYO programs are carefully structured to encourage student growth with FSYO throughout their primary and secondary years. Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras’ full range of ensembles gives each student a place to excel with peers at a similar level and an opportunity to collaborate with seasoned music professionals on local, national, and international levels. During the summer, tour ensemble members participate in life-changing experiences of organized tours every other year.
Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras is funded in part by United Arts of Central Florida, your local agency for the arts, by Orange County, FL through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program, and by the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation.
For more information, please visit www.fsyo.org | facebook.com/THEFSYO | @f_s_y_o (instagram) | youtube.com/fsyo
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