Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) today announced its 2020 gala “An American in Paris,” celebrating the Gershwin classic to support world-class music education for young musicians throughout the Chicago region. Programming includes dinner, a live auction, and performances by the CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra, a 130-member ensemble made up of some of the most talented and dedicated young musicians from across the Midwest. The gala will take place Saturday, February 8, 2020 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel (120 E Delaware). This year, CYSO is pleased to present longtime 
supporter of youth education and the arts, Mark Kelly, with the “Note of Excellence” award. Lourdes Duarte, WGN Anchor and longtime CYSO supporter, will be welcomed back as the emcee for the evening.
As their largest fundraising event of the year, the Gala allows Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras to continue educating and inspiring more than 9,000 of Chicago’s next generation of leaders. Last year’s gala “Chicago Soul” was a record-breaking success, raising more than $415,000 for CYSO’s music training, education, and community engagement programs.
Festivities for the evening include a cocktail hour, dinner, live auctions, and performances from CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra, Kaiso Steel Orchestra, and Preparatory Strings. A weeklong vacation home in the South of France and a stay at the Rosewood in the Bahamas are among the many auction items to be available for bidding.
The event will be co-chaired by Kelly & Dennis Howe and Brittany Viola & Justin Bernbrock. CYSO alumna Brittany Viola shared, “It’s an honor to chair the gala this year as I believe strongly in CYSO’s mission and want to help the next generation of students’ progress in both their musical development and personal lives. As an alum, my experience has instilled a strong appreciation for musical excellence and taught me several skills that I continue to use in my professional life today."
Since 1946, the CYSO has provided high-caliber music education through orchestral programs and performance opportunities. Their nine on-site ensembles include full string, jazz, and steel orchestras and chamber music, serving over 650 on-site students. The nonprofit organization also reaches thousands of young Chicagoans through community engagement programs that offer unique opportunities and experiences to Chicago youth and families.
Individual tickets to the gala are $400 per person and will be on sale December 1. Patrons also have the option to join the Host Committee by purchasing a regular table (10 seats) for $4,000 or a VIP table for $7,500, which includes premium seating and wine, specialty dessert, and a special gift. Proceeds from the evening directly support music education for dedicated young musicians from across the Chicago region. For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact Kevin Gupana at 312-939-2207 or email kgupana@cyso.org.
This year, premium gala sponsors include Jenner & Block LLP and the Bricker Vinik Family at the Eiffel Tower Level. At the Champs-Elysees Level: Boston Consulting Group, Chapman & Cutler LLP, First Hospitality Group, and Willard E. Bransky. Event partners include media sponsor Modern Luxury’s CS magazine and wine sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
About Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras is investing in the future of music and the next generation of leaders. CYSO provides music education to more than 650 young musicians ages 6-18 through full and string orchestras, jazz, steel, chamber music, masterclasses, and music composition. Students learn from Chicago’s most respected professional musicians, perform in the world’s great concert halls, and gain skills necessary for a successful future. CYSO Community Engagement Programs support music training and access for more than 8,500 young people each year. We work with youth in diverse Chicago neighborhoods through after-school ensembles and our Ambassadors Program, which brings student musicians into CPS elementary schools to perform interactive concerts. CYSO orchestras also present free community and education concerts throughout the season.
CYSO alumni go on to play in the world’s finest orchestras and ensembles, and are also found working as doctors, lawyers, teachers, community leaders, and business professionals. CYSO was also recently recognized for a Grammy nominated commercial CD with Cedille Records. Whether or not students continue music study after graduation, they leave with increased selfconfidence, a strong sense of discipline, and a deep appreciation for music and the arts. Find out more at cyso.org
Major support for CYSO’s 2019-2020 season is provided by: The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, The Crown Family, Chapman & Cutler LLP, Julius Frankel Foundation, First Hospitality Group, Hilton Worldwide, Illinois Arts Council Agency, Jenner & Block, League of American Orchestras, MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, the Negaunee Foundation, Sage Foundation, Ross Bricker & Nina Vinik, Doug & Sharon Carroll, Pam & Dave Conroy, and Ms. Jennifer Myerberg & The Alvin & Louise Myerberg Family Foundation, Inc.