Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras facts for kids
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, at the Klein Memorial Auditorium. 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
- Bravura Orchestra - Gjorgj Kroqi, conductor
- Symphony Orchestra - Lynda Smith, conductor
- Concert Orchestra - Erica Messina, 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.
- 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.
