The Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras (GCTYO) is based in
Fairfield,
Connecticut, US, and serves more than 350 students from over 30 surrounding towns, including Fairfield, Bridgeport, Trumbull, Monroe, Easton, Westport, Orange, Southbury, and numerous others. At the start of their new season in 2019, the organization changed its name to GCTYO (Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras) from the original GBYO to broaden its reach beyond the Greater Bridgeport area and to reflect its current membership from all over Connecticut. The Orchestras perform at least three times a year in
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport is the List of municipalities in Connecticut, most populous city and a major port in the U.S. state of Connecticut. With a population of 148,654 in 2020, it is also the List of cities by population in New England, fifth-most populous ...
, at the
Klein Memorial Auditorium
The Klein Memorial Auditorium is a 1400-seat proscenium theater located at 910 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, CT. The venue was built with funds willed to the city by Bridgeport native Jacob Klein (1862 - 1932), a lawyer and active supporter of ...
. It was led for over 25 years by Robert Genualdi. The current Music Director and Principal Orchestra Conductor is Christopher Hisey, an alumnus of the program. He has been involved with the organization for over 30 years.
GCTYO consists of ten orchestras:
#Principal Orchestra - Christopher Hisey, conductor
#Philharmonic Orchestra - Polina Nazaykinskaya, conductor
#Virtuosi Orchestra - Britney Alcine, conductor
#Symphonia - Gjorgj Kroqi , conductor
#String Orchestra - Bruce Sloat, conductor
#Wind Orchestra - Brian Miller, conductor
#Percussion Orchestra - Jim Royle Drum Studio (Brian Ente, conductor)
#Jazz Orchestra I - Dr. Rex Cadwallader, Director
#Jazz Orchestra II - Geoffrey Brookes, conductor
#Chamber Orchestra - Christopher Hisey, conductor
Performances
;2013
In 2013, the Principal Orchestra of the Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras played a Christmas-themed benefit concert at Carnegie Hall with
Jackie Evancho and
James Galway, that was produced by
Tim Janis
Tim Janis is an American composer with 10 ''Billboard'' charting CDs, over one million albums sold, five television specials, and a constant touring presence.
Career
On 30 November 2012, Janis produced "The American Christmas Carol" concert fo ...
.
"Tim Janis with Jackie Evancho and Sir James Galway"
Carnegie Hall, accessed May 3rd, 2015
;2014
In 2014, GCTYO traveled to China to play 4 concerts in Xian, Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou over a period of 12 days.
2015
In 2015, GCTYO had its first annual Lawn Concert on the Great Lawn of the Pequot Library in Southport, Connecticut.
;2016
In 2016, GCTYO traveled to Italy and performed in Rome and Florence.
;2018
In 2018, GCTYO toured Scotland and Iceland and performed at the iconic Harpa Hall in Reykjavik.
;2019
In 2019, the Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras became Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras to better reflect its members who come from all over Connecticut to rehearse each week.
References
External links
GCTYO homepage
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American youth orchestras
Musical groups established in 1961
Organizations based in Bridgeport, Connecticut
Tourist attractions in Bridgeport, Connecticut
Musical groups from Bridgeport, Connecticut
1961 establishments in Connecticut
Youth organizations based in Connecticut
Performing arts in Connecticut