The Colorado Young Sinfonia is a chamber orchestra for advanced students and young professionals based in Lakewood, Colorado. Founded in 2000 by Colorado Symphony Principal Viola Basil Vendryes, the group plays 3-4 programs a year, each presented at least twice at locations around the Denver metro area.

The core of the CYS is a string ensemble, and most concerts feature string works. Recent programs have included string music by Mendelssohn, Mozart, Bloch, Purcell, and Corelli. The group is frequently expanded to include winds, brass, and tympani—often guest musicians from the University of Colorado, the University of Denver, and the Denver School of the Arts—which allows the performance of works for full orchestra.

The CYS gives talented and serious young players the experience of working and making music at a professional level. The age range is 13-30. Most members are middle- and high-school students, but we welcome older musicians as mentor-players in the orchestra. The emphasis is on excellence and standards are high. Alumni have gone on to professional music careers, including positions in the Utah Symphony and Chicago Symphony.

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