Miami Youth Orchestra & Choir (MYO) was established in 2003 by María Salas.

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This organization was created as an educational institute to serve the culturally underserved, as well as providing education to the youth, historical musical programmes and promoting diversity throughout the city of Miami and Greater South Florida.

 

We are now celebrating our 19th season and we are thrilled to be able to provide young emerging artists and students the special opportunity of performing alongside some of the city’s most esteemed musicians as well as internationally acclaimed figures. Precious insights and traditions are passed down to the next generation of musicians charged with the preservation of classical and popular music.

The director, Ms. Salas, is a product from the acclaimed “El Sistema” organization in Venezuela, from which she drew inspiration to build a musical haven in the United States. She has been very committed in sharing the creative fusion of a lifetime of knowledge to nurture the youth by creating a one-of-a-kind musical experience for the audiences and all the MYO students.

 

Our organization is committed to bringing music alive in a way that allows students to develop confidence, artistry, and pivotal experiences through the discipline and craft of music-making. We expose them to many genres of music such as classical, popular, Latin, jazz, musical theatre, and tunes from all over the world as we believe these are all important for growing young and well-rounded artists.

 

We have been focused on identifying talents and evaluating students who might be in need and culturally underserved. In addressing these factors, our organization has been able to provide scholarships and instruments, based on specific case scenarios, to assist students with financial limitations in getting the music educational experience they deserve.

 

The intimacy and portability of our organization is based upon creating small ensembles, which allows us the possibility to bring thought-provoking musical programs to the broadest possible audiences and thereby serve the diverse needs of our surrounding communities.

Past season concerts include performances such as side-by-side collaborations with ensembles from Miami Dade College in Carnegie Hall, NY, and at the Boheme Festival in Prague, alongside South Florida Youth Orchestra. Our MYO students have had the opportunity to play in various televised appearances for Telemundo and Univision. We were also invited to perform in special programs for the youth by the renowned Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO). Prominent and recent artistic collaborations include luminaries such as Enrique Iglesias and Karol G.