The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus was founded in 1991 to raise awareness of choral music-making in the schools of northeastern Ohio, and to encourage more students to continue their choral activities through college and into adulthood. The Youth Chorus comprises approximately 100 members in grades 9 to 12 and representing some 40 schools and communities. Like their colleagues in the Youth Orchestra, they are chosen through competitive auditions.
The Youth Chorus presents an average of five concerts each season and collaborates with other musical ensembles such as The Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. In addition to performances at Severance Hall, their activities include concerts and community engagement programs throughout the greater Cleveland area, as well as workshops and masterclass opportunities with highly regarded choral directors and clinicians.
The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus has been led by Gareth Morell (1991-98), Betsy Burleigh (1998-2006), Frank Bianchi (2006-12), Lisa Wong (2012-17), and Daniel Singer (from 2017). The ensemble has been widely praised as one of the top high-school-aged choral performing ensembles in the state of Ohio.
Initial funding for the Youth Chorus was provided by the W.O. Frohring Foundation, the Edward and Ruth Wilkof Foundation, and the Sears Family Foundation. Ongoing support is provided by the Edward and Ruth Wilkof Foundation.
