The CyYSO Academy (previously named Music Workshop) was established in the early 1990’s with the task of fulfilling an urgent need to educate young performers due to the lack of state-provided musical education. It was initially organized by the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture with the support of a non-governmental organization, the Fund for Music and Fine Arts. A few years later, its administration and financing were entirely taken over by the Cultural Services and as from 2007 it has passed, along with the Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra into the hands of the newly formed Cyprus Symphony Orchestra Foundation.
Selected applicants at an age suitable for beginning (or further developing) on each instrument, after preliminary screening, are offered scholarships and are taught by experienced and highly qualified instructors.
The activities of the Music Workshop aim to form all-round educated young musicians and prepare them for higher education and come up to today’s reality. Thus all young musicians go through a wide range of training, including solo performance, chamber ensembles, orchestra experience and involvement.
Students of the CyYSO Academy participate in one of the music ensembles such as: the Strings ensemble, Percussion ensemble, Brass ensemble, Wind ensemble and the Band. In 2014, the junior ensembles formed, starting with the junior brass ensemble. As from 2015 the junior strings ensemble started its activity. The ultimate goal is to form junior ensembles over the next few years in all the sections of instruments. The ensembles of the Music Workshop are widely known and popular and are frequently invited to perform in various events of important organizations. Namely, in the last two years the ensembles have performed in more than 40 events around the island for companies ranging from the public to the private sector.
It is expected that in the forthcoming years (2016-2017) the number will increase as the ensembles are becoming more and more sought-after to perform on a much rapid basis. The expected number is 100 events per academic year with the ensembles performing a wide range of repertoire; from classical music to folk and contemporary.