The Calgary Youth Orchestra (CYO) is the flagship orchestra in Mount Royal Conservatory's Orchestral Program.
Internationally recognized as one of Canada's leading youth orchestras, the CYO provides solid training in orchestral playing. CYO alumni can be found in such world-renowned ensembles as the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as well as all major Canadian orchestras. The orchestra performs periodically in collaboration with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and since 1970 it has regularly toured internationally.
Along with Classical masterworks, the CYO’s repertoire often includes Light Classics, Jazz, Klezmer, Film music and other types of popular music.
Acceptance into the orchestra is by competitive audition early June each year and is open to students aged 14 to 24. Auditions for the 2025-26 season are now open. To learn more about auditions and CYO, please click the button below.
About CYO Fees
The Mount Royal Conservatory registration fee contributes to the Conservatory's cost for conductors, music library, music purchases, theatre services, secretarial support services, and many aspects of administration. The Calgary Youth Orchestra fee helps to pay for clinicians, the part-time Orchestra Manager, music rental, concert hall rentals, advertising and promotion.
In cases of financial hardship, students are encouraged to apply for Conservatory Special Scholarships, which may cover all or part of the Conservatory fee. Additionally, please check with the Conservatory for payment options.
Members of the CYO for whom payment of the CYO fee is a financial burden should apply in writing, to the CYO Society President, c/o Po Yeh, Orchestra Manager, for consideration of a reduction or waiver of fees. All applications will be kept in the strictest confidence.
For more information, please email cyo@mtroyal.ca
Calgary Youth Orchestra Society
The CYO is supported by the Calgary Youth Orchestra Society, an independent not-for-profit society that works to provide enhanced performance opportunities for the orchestra. All CYO student members and their parents or guardians automatically become members of the Society.
For new students, you will need to create a log in ID and PIN.
For existing students, you can log in directly through the "Register Now" button.
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If you need a hand registering or have a question about our programs, we would love to help you!