background & history The Calgary Youth Orchestra was founded in 1957 by the late Frank Simpson as the Calgary Junior Philharmonic School Orchestra. The initial funding to establish the orchestra was provided by the late John Bach, a previous Director of the Mount Royal College Conservatory. In 1965, the orchestra joined the Conservatory and rehearsed at the Planetarium and the old Kirby Centre Campus on 9th Ave SW. When Mount Royal College moved to the present Lincoln Park Campus in 1973, the CYO moved along with the Conservatory. A parent association was formed in 1968. The CYO Society was incorporated in 1973, to broaden the basis for community involvement and financial support of the CYO. In 1984, artistic direction for the CYO came under the umbrella of the Mount Royal Conservatory. The CYO is now the flagship ensemble associated with the Conservatory's Orchestral Program. Over the years, the CYO Directors have been: Frank Simpson, Founding Director 1963 - 1984 John Thompson 1984 - 1988 Nicholas Pulos 1988 - 1992 Tyrone Paterson 1992 - 1993 Dr. Glenn Price 1993 - 1995 John Thompson 1996 - 2002 Edmond Agopian 2002 - General Information   |   Mission Statement & Values   |   CYO History Audition Requirements   |   Our Conductor   |   CYO Manager Upcoming Concerts   |   Members’ Pages   |   Home Page   |    The Conservatory   |   Contact Us