Two instrumental ensembles featuring some of West Michigan’s most talented young musicians
“The GRYSO did a brilliant job under the bold, dynamic hand of John Varineau. . . . His animated style inspired wonders from his young players who performed difficult pieces with vigor and ease.”
—concert review in The Grand Rapids Press
Fall Fund Drive
The Fall Fund Drive for 2020 is underway. It is an important time for the future of the Youth Symphony & Classical Orchestra. We are in need of our patrons this fall to help with the financial funding of our season. Please read John Varineau’s letter to see how we are managing the beginning of our season with the COVID virus. Please consider becoming or continuing to be a patron of our organization.
Read the letter from John Varineau here >>
Donate here >>
Cancelled: GRYS Piano Competition and 200-Minute Practice Challenge (11/19)
We regret to announce that because of the ongoing pandemic, we have cancelled plans to hold the annual GRYS Piano Concerto Competition and the annual 200-Minute Practice Challenge for area middle school students. We look forward to reinstating these events in coming years.
COVID-19 Update: Fall Update (8/24)
Though we put contingency plans in place and were hoping for the best, the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony, in consultation with the Grand Rapids Symphony, has determined that we will not be able to meet in person for rehearsals/performance this fall. Instead, we will use a virtual format and follow an altered schedule for the 2020-2021 season. We have cancelled our annual retreat, originally scheduled for Sept. 12. We have also cancelled our Nov. 1 concert. Students can find more information on our Members Only page.
60 Years of GRYS
The Grand Rapids Youth Symphony celebrated its 60th year of existence in 2019-2020. Conductor John Varineau, who has led the organization for over half its lifetime, invites donors to help honor our past and our future with a contribution to the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony & Classical Orchestra.
Donate here >>