CYSO performers: Jonathan Luk, Viola; Sophie Stein, Violin; Anthony DeMartinis, Percussion; Christine Lin, Oboe
Photo: Erica Gannett
The next time you’re confronted with the grave declaration, “Classical music is dying!” send the offender to the eighth floor of the Fine Arts Building. There thrives the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, a vibrant organization celebrating its 65th anniversary. With international tours (next up: ten days in Spain, this June) and regular performances at Symphony Center, CYSO has expanded beyond the traditional repertoire under the broad-minded leadership of music director Allen Tinkham and general manager Joshua Simonds. A 2007 Lollapalooza gig and last summer’s collaboration with My Brightest Diamond appear to indicate a new trajectory for the forward-thinking orchestra. We sat down with four of its more than 120 young talents to talk about stereotypes and the (very bright) future of classical music.
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra teens | Slideshow
Christine Lin, 17
Lives in Long Grove
Instrument Oboe
Playing for 8 years, 4 in CYSO
On her iPod The Strokes
What was your reaction to winning the CYSO audition?
I played a prank on my parents. They were really anxious, so I came into the living room with a really sad face and said, “Mom, Dad—[Dramatic pause] I got in, surprise!”... It’s almost like I lead a double life, coming here on weekends to play music.
Do you plan to pursue music professionally?
I’m not planning on majoring in music. If I go the business-school route, I would definitely like to involve myself with a company that focuses on the creative industry.
Photo: Erica Gannett013.mm.mu.tock.CYSO5.jpg
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Anthony DeMartinis, 17
Lives in Woodstock
Instrument Percussion
Playing for 12 years, 4 in CYSO
On his iPod Dubstep
What was it like performing with My Brightest Diamond?
I was playing accessory percussion, and most of the time it wasn’t [with] the melody, so I didn’t know what to expect. Once I got [to the first rehearsal], I thought, “That’s what that’s supposed to sound like? That’s awesome!”
How can musicians convince us that classical is relevant?
Like with My Brightest Diamond, showing people the possibilities of collaboration might pull them in. Two years ago, we had Rachel Barton Pine come in to play classical arrangements of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Although it was ’70s hard rock, it still had classical elements.
Photo: Erica Gannett013.mm.mu.tock.CYSO4.jpg
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Sophie Stein, 16
Lives in Lakeview
Instrument Violin
Playing for 9 years, 6 in CYSO
On her iPod The Head and Heart
What do your friends think about your CYSO involvement?
Many are impressed, but some are shocked: “How you could give up four to eight hours of your life every weekend?” When you really love it, it’s easier than it would seem to an outsider.
Do you plan to pursue music professionally?
I think my dream job would be to write about music. That sounds like the most amazing thing in the world.
How can musicians convince us that classical is relevant?
I think there would be an audience-participation element that’s not really there now.
Photo: Erica Gannett013.mm.mu.tock.CYSO2.jpg
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Jonathan Luk, 16
Lives in Skokie
Instrument Viola
Playing for 8 years, 5 in CYSO
On his iPod Bruno Mars
What was your reaction to winning the CYSO audition?
My dad texted me when I was at school to say my envelope was here, and I sprinted off the bus. When I reached home, I literally tore the envelope in half!
What do your friends think about your CYSO involvement?
I think it’s a culture shock when you tell people you sometimes practice eight hours a day. It’s like, “How do you not just drop dead?”
Do you plan to pursue music professionally?
I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Photo: Erica Gannett013.mm.mu.tock.CYSO3.jpg
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Christine Lin, 17
Lives in Long Grove
Instrument Oboe
Playing for 8 years, 4 in CYSO
On her iPod The Strokes
What was your reaction to winning the CYSO audition?
I played a prank on my parents. They were really anxious, so I came into the living room with a really sad face and said, “Mom, Dad—[Dramatic pause] I got in, surprise!”... It’s almost like I lead a double life, coming here on weekends to play music.
Do you plan to pursue music professionally?
I’m not planning on majoring in music. If I go the business-school route, I would definitely like to involve myself with a company that focuses on the creative industry.
Photo: Erica Gannett
01/30/2012
CYSO musicians perform February 11 and March 14. The 65th Anniversary Alumni Concert happens April 9.
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