Biography
California Youth Symphony
California Youth Symphony
The California Youth Symphony, founded in 1952, has earned an international reputation for the excellence of its music programs. In 1963 CYS became the first American youth orchestra to tour overseas when it accepted an invitation to visit Japan. Since then, the orchestra has mounted 23 additional tours to many parts of the world, most recently performing in Poland for the first time and revisiting the Czech Republic and Hungary.
The California Youth Symphony’s performances in California have been equally noteworthy and well-received. Its performances have been broadcast on local radio and television. Its guest artists have included Duke Ellington, Jack Benny, and Mary Costa, as well as an ever-expanding roster of rising young talent. The organization comprises additional ensembles, involving nearly 400 participants from over 100 schools in Northern California.
Leo Eylar, Music Director
Leo Eylar is now in his 34th season as conductor and music director of the California Youth Symphony. Under his direction, the orchestra has enhanced its reputation as one of the finest youth orchestras in the world. Mr. Eylar has led the CYS Orchestra on numerous award-winning tours on four continents. He studied conducting at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna and returned to the United States to complete his master’s degree in conducting at San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Mr. Eylar has led the CYS, the San Jose Symphony, and appeared as a guest at prominent international youth festivals. He is also professor emeritus at California State University, Sacramento, having retired after 30 years as the director of symphony orchestra and opera, as well as teaching composition, theory, history, and orchestral conducting. Mr. Eylar is also a composer and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1995 for his Rhapsody for Orchestra. His works have been performed at Carnegie Hall, as well as in England, the Netherlands, Japan, Germany, Austria, and South America.
The California Youth Symphony, founded in 1952, has earned an international reputation for the excellence of its music programs. In 1963 CYS became the first American youth orchestra to tour overseas when it accepted an invitation to visit Japan. Since then, the orchestra has mounted 23 additional tours to many parts of the world, most recently performing in Poland for the first time and revisiting the Czech Republic and Hungary.
The California Youth Symphony’s performances in California have been equally noteworthy and well-received. Its performances have been broadcast on local radio and television. Its guest artists have included Duke Ellington, Jack Benny, and Mary Costa, as well as an ever-expanding roster of rising young talent. The organization comprises additional ensembles, involving nearly 400 participants from over 100 schools in Northern California.
Leo Eylar, Music Director
Leo Eylar is now in his 34th season as conductor and music director of the California Youth Symphony. Under his direction, the orchestra has enhanced its reputation as one of the finest youth orchestras in the world. Mr. Eylar has led the CYS Orchestra on numerous award-winning tours on four continents. He studied conducting at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna and returned to the United States to complete his master’s degree in conducting at San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Mr. Eylar has led the CYS, the San Jose Symphony, and appeared as a guest at prominent international youth festivals. He is also professor emeritus at California State University, Sacramento, having retired after 30 years as the director of symphony orchestra and opera, as well as teaching composition, theory, history, and orchestral conducting. Mr. Eylar is also a composer and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1995 for his Rhapsody for Orchestra. His works have been performed at Carnegie Hall, as well as in England, the Netherlands, Japan, Germany, Austria, and South America.
