The Canadian Sinfonietta Youth Orchestra (CSYO)

The CSYO is made up of two orchestras (junior strings and senior orchestra) in ages ranging from 6-21. The orchestra rehearses weekly from September to June under the leadership of Maestro Tak Ng Lai and violinist and artistic director Joyce Lai.

Each year CSYO presents at least three concerts in the Greater Toronto Area, a Winter and Spring Concert in addition to extra outreach community performances and most recently a Small Ensemble concert featuring their groups from the chamber ensemble program started in 2023.

Significant non-series events over the years include performing for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Toronto in 2002. Other notable performances include   participation in the Asian Heritage Month Festival, performing for a number of Canadian dignitaries, among them, past and present Senators and Members of Parliament, the 2013 Free the Children’s We Day event in Toronto, as well as performing at the Rogers Centre for the Canadian Airline International Chinese New Year Festival.

CSYO has also had a prolific international career! In 2013, string members travelled to Udine, Italy and Vienna, Austria where they gave many successful performances. In the summer of 2016, the group represented the City of Markham, Ontario Canada in the mission of “Music Without Borders” to cultivate and promote music appreciation in cities in China including Dongguan, Jiangmen, Naihai, and Foshan. In 2017, the group again had the opportunity to tour Italy and Austria. In addition to being warmly received by audiences in Europe, the students garnered a great deal of success through this chance of a lifetime learning experience. In the summer of 2023 CSYO again traveled to Europe and played six concerts in Austria, Germany, and Italy. A particular highlight from that trip was performing to a packed house in Salzburg where the internationally acclaimed Salzburg Festival was ongoing simultaneously! CSYO’s most recent European tour summer of 2025 included nine concerts in Sicily and Vienna with successful collaboration with soloists from the University of Messina. In April of 2026, a smaller group of CSYO performed on the stage of Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The mission of the CSYO is to build a new generation of musicians and music lovers through high level education and performance opportunities. Many past members are performing professionally all over the world including the New York Ballet, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. 

CSYO is part of the Canadian Sinfonietta, a professional musical organization that hosts full orchestra and chamber ensemble concerts.

Around Our Community

Celebrating local artistry and musical partnerships

At Canadian Sinfonietta, we believe a vibrant community thrives on shared music and culture. We are delighted to highlight these upcoming performances by our wonderful community partners and guest artists. Take a look at what’s happening locally, and don’t forget to explore Canadian Sinfonietta’s Upcoming Season to secure your tickets for our own main stage concerts!