About Surrey Youth Orchestra

Our History

Founded in 1976, the Surrey Youth Orchestra (SYO) has a proud history of inspiring young musicians through orchestral music education, bringing together generations of students who share a passion for music.

In the early 1970s, when Surrey was still a growing community with relatively few cultural organizations, professional violinist and music educator Lucille Lewis recognized the need for a place where young musicians could learn, perform, and grow together. Inspired by her involvement with Surrey’s Cultural Fund Committee, she established the Surrey Symphony Society and launched the Surrey Youth Orchestra in 1976 with just 17 enthusiastic members.

Under Lucille’s leadership, the orchestra flourished for 35 years, providing hundreds of young musicians with opportunities to develop their skills, build lasting friendships, and experience the joy of making music together. Her dedication helped establish SYO as an important part of Surrey’s cultural community.

In 2016, SYO celebrated its 40th anniversary with a special concert that brought alumni back to the stage. Lucille Lewis returned to conduct former students, many of whom had gone on to successful careers as professional musicians and music educators. It was a memorable celebration of the orchestra’s rich history and lasting impact.

Surrey Youth Orchestra Today

Under the artistic direction of Joel Stobbe, SYO provides high-quality orchestral training for young musicians aged 7 to 20 across five ensembles:

Our students come together each week to rehearse, develop their musical abilities, and prepare for concerts and community performances. Through engaging classical repertoire, professional guidance, and collaboration with fellow musicians, SYO provides a supportive environment where students grow not only as musicians but also as individuals.

From our humble beginnings with 17 young musicians to the vibrant organization we are today, Surrey Youth Orchestra remains committed to nurturing musical excellence, fostering friendships, and sharing the joy of music with our community.