A New Home for Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras

In Thursday’s (4/18) Cap Times (Madison, Wisconsin), Kayla Huynh writes, “For decades, the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras rehearsed in what Artistic Director Kyle Knox called ‘the bowels’ of the UW-Madison humanities building. After the organization moved out four years ago, WYSO became scattered, with members practicing in schools, churches and even parking lots … Now, for the first time in the nonprofit’s 58-year history, the regional orchestra for young musicians has its own home at 1118 East Washington Ave…. At the building’s official opening Tuesday, Gov. Tony Evers, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, and state Superintendent Jill Underly—all of whom played musical instruments growing up—praised the organization for helping hundreds of aspiring artists grow … The new $33 million building adds to a growing youth arts corridor … WYSO, the Madison Youth Arts Center, Madison Youth Choirs and the Children’s Theater of Madison are all just steps from each other…. The building … is outfitted with community spaces, sound-proofing technology and rehearsal rooms … Founded in 1966, the organization has grown to offer five orchestras, four ensembles and the Music Makers program, which teaches over 100 students from underserved communities how to play instruments, regardless of their ability to pay.”