Penzance Youth String Orchestra

Sound check at the MFY Proms, Royal Albert Hall, November 2018

Over the last 12 years, Penzance Youth String Orchestra have become nationally recognised ambassadors for the best of music making in Cornwall, with the players making an outstanding reputation through many popular concerts across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and regular appearances in London and Birmingham. The orchestra have performed at the MFY National Festival of Music for Youth almost every year for 9 years and PYSO have been invited to perform at the Schools Proms at the Royal Albert Hall on 4 occasions.

PYSO has a wide repertoire covering more than 3 centuries and has attracted a reputation for expanding the boundaries of music for strings. PYSO frequently partner with a wide range of musicians including string quartets and classical soloists, rock musicians, rap groups and a bluegrass band.  They have worked with members of the BBC Concert Orchestra and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. PYSO have enjoyed working closely with composers Andrew Wilson, Stephen Montague, Graham Lynch and Graham Fitkin. Truronian composer Ben Comeau has written many new works for PYSO, including original compositions and fresh and unusual remixes of familiar works including Bartok's 'Romanian Dances' and Monti's 'Czardas'.

PYSO perform an average of around 15 concerts every year, building up a wealth of performance experience.  Members also enjoy regular visits to the International Musicians' Seminars at Prussia Cove to hear masterclasses and experience chamber music rehearsals in action.