World Youth Symphony Orchestra


World Youth Symphony Orchestra

Led by world-renowned conductors, WYSO plays advanced repertoire chosen from traditional and contemporary masterpieces, as well as other influential genres, in this challenging and extraordinary orchestral experience.

Students accepted into WYSO play with the world's most talented young musicians. You'll learn from the nation's foremost conductors and concertmasters and play in breathtaking settings. As members of Interlochen Arts Camp's preeminent music ensemble, WYSO performers develop lifelong friendships and a deep passion for the arts. 

WYSO Conductors

The World Youth Symphony Orchestra conductors hail from some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, ensembles, and conservatories. Under the guidance of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Cristian Macelaru, the WYSO conductors lead the ensemble in daily rehearsals and provide insights about the historical context and musical interpretation of the repertoire. They also serve as mentors, coaches, and inspirations to our talented students and bring decades of real-world experience to Camp each summer.

Please note the gallery may showcase previous conductors.

Cristian Măcelaru

Orchestre National de France

Jader Bignamini

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Louis Langrée

Théâtre national de l’Opéra Comique

Delyana Lazarova

Winner of the 2020 James Conlon Conducting Prize

Earl Lee

Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

Matthias Pintscher

Kansas City Symphony

The Rep

The repertoire for World Youth Symphony Orchestra includes some of the most challenging classical and contemporary pieces performed by young musicians. Each summer, we strive to offer diverse, compelling repertoire for tomorrow's creative changemakers.

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World Youth Symphony Orchestra Interlochen Arts Camp

Valade Concertmasters

Selected from the ranks of America’s finest orchestras, the Valade Concertmasters serve as mentors and role models for World Youth Symphony Orchestra violinists. They participate in rehearsals and tap into their many decades of orchestral leadership experience to teach our violin players and future concertmasters.

Please note the gallery may showcase previous concertmasters.

Celeste Golden Boyer

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Martin Chalifour

Los Angeles Philharmonic

Jeff Thayer

San Diego Symphony

Valade Fellows

The Valade Fellows are elite musicians and teaching artists who provide guidance and mentorship to the World Youth Symphony Orchestra’s woodwind, brass, percussion, and string students. Like the Valade Concertmasters, the Valade Fellows attend rehearsals, lead sectionals, and offer instrument-specific perspectives on a variety of musical and professional topics.

Please note the gallery may showcase previous instructors.

All Faculty

Sharon Sparrow

Sharon Sparrow

Assistant Principal Flute
Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Camp with a free digital viewbook

Camp 2025 Viewbook Graphic

In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about: 

  • Each of our seven arts areas 
  • Various programs 
  • Renowned faculty 
  • A day in the life of a student 
  • How to apply and financial aid information 
  • And more

Join the Ensemble

For hundreds of professional musicians, performing with the World Youth Symphony Orchestra was a pivotal moment in their careers, igniting a lifelong passion for orchestral performance. Today, former members of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra can be found among the ranks of top orchestras in the United States and around the world.