About Us
Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and Choir
"Using music as a means of international dialogue and creating opportunities for engaged diversity."
In the broadcast of “The Queen’s Christmas Message 2017”, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Head of The Commonwealth (1952 - 2022), Diamond Jubilee Patron 2012 of the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and Choir, said:
“The Commonwealth has an inspiring way of bringing people together and the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and Choir is a reminder of how truly vibrant this international family is.”
The mission of the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra & Choir is to use music as a means of international dialogue, knowing no boundaries.
The Commonwealth Youth Orchestra & Choir (CYO) brings together communities across the 56 sovereign nations of The Commonwealth through music - transcending all cultural, political, social, and economic boundaries.
The CYO delivers its mission through a three-point plan: "Engage – Educate - Empower". With its pan-Commonwealth music activities, performances, and recordings, the CYO engages with musicians, choirs, orchestras, and music schools, throughout The Commonwealth, for opportunities of exchange and collaboration.
In 2011, the CYO received an unique and unanimous endorsement, without reservation, from the bi-annual meeting of all the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM). This unanimous endorsement was published in the official Final Communique of the meeting.
In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth (1952 – 2022) uniquely honoured the CYO by offering to be its Diamond Jubilee Patron 2012.
Also, In 2012, the CYO established the Commonwealth Children's Orchestra & Choir, as a tribute to the Diamond Jubilee Legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.
The CYO has performed for Queen Elizabeth II on very many occasions over many years – Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee as Head of The Commonwealth was a dynamic year of performances and recordings:
In 2019, to mark and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, the CYO established the Commonwealth Scholars’ Choir.
On Monday 7 February 2022 at 12 noon, to mark and celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, the CYO launched its Commonwealth Music Academy and Commonwealth Music Academy Orchestra and Choir, which educates, creates performing and recording opportunities and employment for musicians throughout all 56 nations of The Commonwealth and beyond.
Since 2009, the CYO and its choirs and orchestras has produced numerous recordings, including16 albums, and performances, and has been broadcast (often live) many times on national/international television. Notable amongst these broadcasts were:
- June 2012 - Live broadcast for HM Queen Elizabeth II at Mansion House, London for Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee (ITV and global broadcasters)
- December 2017 – Pre-recorded broadcast to 9 million viewers of “The Queen’s Christmas Message 2017” (BBC and global broadcasters)
- May 2022 – Live broadcast performance at The Royal Windsor Horse Show to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II (ITV and global broadcasters)
- June 2022 – Live broadcast at the Tower of London to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II ( Sky and global broadcasters)
On Friday 18th October 2013
The Commonwealth Youth Orchestra
and Children’s Choir, conducted by Paul Carroll,
performed at Buckingham Palace for
Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth (1952 - 2022)
And 350 guests from around The Commonwealth.
