The LYO is proud to serve over 250 music students from 16 counties in the region! We want YOU in the youth orchestra.
The mission of the Louisville Youth Orchestra is to fuel the passion and growth of young musicians through extraordinary musical experiences. LYO ensembles include 2 full orchestras, 2 string orchestras, and 4 chamber ensembles for strings, winds, brass, and percussion, as well as 2 beginning strings programs. Performance opportunities featuring a wide range of repertoire take place September through May.
The Louisville Youth Orchestra was founded in 1958. LYO students are required to participate in their school ensembles (as available) and in private music lessons. We invite you to learn more about the LYO, see the LYO video, and visit our social media.
We aim to be an inclusive community for musical enrichment and personal growth. The LYO strives to break down barriers to student participation. Generous scholarships are available each year and are awarded based on need.
UPCOMING
LYO Auditions: Aug 26 – Sept 3
The LYO invites student musicians of all ages and abilities to audition for the 2023-2024 season. Use the link above to learn more, access music excerpts, and to register.
The Louisville Youth Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has met the Better Business Bureau’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. The LYO is a BBB Accredited Charity. View the LYO’s full charity report.
The LYO benefits from critical professional and/or financial support from the following:

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to the LYO with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Team Kentucky established a Nonprofit Assistance Fund dedicated to direct relief payments to eligible nonprofit organizations in the Commonwealth of Kentucky providing services to Kentucky citizens.

Louisville Youth Orchestra programming is made possible in part with the support from the generous donors to the Fund For The Arts.
The LYO Presto! Strings Program is supported through a community-driven external agency grant from Metro Louisville.

The Cory Foundation supports local organizations and has shown great support of the LYO scholarship program.

The League of American Orchestras is dedicated to helping orchestras meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The Marshall Family Foundation supports nonprofits in the Louisville area through philanthropic gestures