Biography
Leo Eylar, Music Director
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 CYO became the first American youth orchestra to tour overseas when it accepted an invitation to visit Japan. Since then, the orchestra has mounted 24 additional tours to many parts of the world, most recently performing in Spain. CYS will depart on a tour to Japan in June of 2026.
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 such luminaries as 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 more than 100 schools in Northern California.
Leo Eylar, Music Director
Leo Eylar is now in his 36th 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. Eylar has led the CYS Orchestra on numerous acclaimed and award-winning tours of four continents. He studied conducting at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna and later returned to the United States to complete his master’s degree in conducting at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Eylar is professor emeritus at California State University, Sacramento, having retired after 30 years as the director of the orchestra nad opera programs. As a composer, Eylar was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1995 for his Rhapsody 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 CYO became the first American youth orchestra to tour overseas when it accepted an invitation to visit Japan. Since then, the orchestra has mounted 24 additional tours to many parts of the world, most recently performing in Spain. CYS will depart on a tour to Japan in June of 2026.
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 such luminaries as 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 more than 100 schools in Northern California.
Leo Eylar, Music Director
Leo Eylar is now in his 36th 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. Eylar has led the CYS Orchestra on numerous acclaimed and award-winning tours of four continents. He studied conducting at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna and later returned to the United States to complete his master’s degree in conducting at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Eylar is professor emeritus at California State University, Sacramento, having retired after 30 years as the director of the orchestra nad opera programs. As a composer, Eylar was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1995 for his Rhapsody Orchestra. His works have been performed at Carnegie Hall, as well as in England, the Netherlands, Japan, Germany, Austria, and South America.
