The GDYO is the most advanced orchestral ensemble in the program. A full symphony orchestra, it is comprised of 108 string, woodwind, brass and percussion players who are high school seniors or younger. The GDYO is "one of Dallas' treasures" according to Scott Cantrell, classical music critic for the Dallas Morning News. Directed by Maestro Richard Giangiulio, the GDYO performs four concerts annually at the Meyerson Symphony Center.

Repertoire

Programs include a variety of music - Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, and Modern. The GDYO repertoire includes major orchestral works such as Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 and Beethoven's Eroica Symphony as well as the music of living composers such as David Dzubay and Robert Xavier Rodriguez, who conducted the GDYO performances of their own compositions.

Holiday Magic

Each December, the GDYO performs a "Holiday Magic" concert with the Children's Chorus and Youth Chorus of Greater Dallas. This opportunity allows musicians and audience members to experience great choral masterpieces such as Vivaldi's Gloria and Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols.

Soloists

Each season, famed international soloists such as violinist Cho-Liang Lin, violinist Maria Schleuning, cellist Nathaniel Rosen, hornist Gregory Hustis, baritone Donnie Ray Albert and pianist Alessio Bax perform with the GDYO. These artists enlighten and inspire GDYO musicians and audiences alike.

Competition

The annual GDYO Concerto Competition cultivates solo performance. Dallas area professional musicians judge orchestra members. The winner receives an opportunity to solo with the GDYO during the March concert and is featured on the concert poster and other advertisements.

GDYO and DSO

The GDYO maintains close ties to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO). Andrew Litton, former Music Director and Conductor of the DSO, has been a guest conductor and current conductor, Jaap Van Sweden has rehearsed with the ensemble. Members of the DSO and other local musicians serve as coaches for GDYO sectionals. The GDYO performed its most recent side-by-side concert with the DSO in June 2008.

International Tours

Since 1994, the GDYO has had five highly successful European tours. In the summer of 2004, the GDYO traveled to Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. The GDYO traveled to China in 2007.

Rehearsals and Requirements

GDYO rehearsals take place during the season on Sunday evenings at the Sammons Center for the Arts, from 5:00 to 8:30 pm. All GDYO musicians are expected to participate in their school music programs.