Okanagan Symphony
Youth Orchestra
The Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra began as the Youth Symphony of the Okanagan in 1988, founded by renowned composer, Imant Raminsh. Over the last thirteen years, the program has been nurtured and expanded by co-conductors Dennis Colpitts and Rosemary Thomson.
As we start the program’s 35th season, we welcome conductor Zeena Zaiyouna. The OSYO program is the flagship of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra’s community engagement programs.
In honour of the OSYO’s founder, the Imant Raminsh Scholarship was established in 2013 to be awarded annually to a graduating student pursuing music at the post-secondary level. Information regarding the scholarship is available each spring.
If you have any further questions about the OSYO please contact: [email protected]
The OSYO is thankful for the support of these 2023-2024 sponsors:
Support the OSYO
Three ways to support the Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra:
OSYO Mentorship Fund
The Mentorship Fund was established in 2019 by June Nicolay in honour of the passing of her husband Dietz Nicolay to support student bursaries, sectionals, and specialized activities of the OSYO.
Chair Sponsorship Program
The OSYO Chair Sponsorship Program personalizes your youth orchestra experience and brings a new perspective to the music you love.
OSYO Program Support
Registration fees do not fully cover the operating costs associated with the youth orchestra program. Your additional support ensures that valley music students get a rigorous orchestral education.