History of YSDP

• Youth Symphony of DuPage began in 1963 as the Wheaton Youth Symphony. It was founded by area music educators Hazel Wunsch, Dr. Harold Best of the Wheaton College Conservatory and others to give advanced young musicians a broader and more challenging ensemble learning and performing experience. A second training orchestra was initiated in 1968, reaching out to younger musicians. YSDP today serves over 150 members, with a full orchestra complement of musicians from bassoon to xylophone, in our Preparatory and Symphony Orchestras.

• YSDP incorporated in l970 and established IRS 501(c) 3 and Illinois not-for-profit status. Our programs are made possible from private and business donors as well as grants from the Illinois Arts Council and other grant-making organizations. Meng-Kong Tham was appointed YSDP's Music Director and Conductor in 1976.

• Our Winter and Spring concerts bring the great young talents and achievements of all YSDP musicians to the public through admission-free performances at Edman Memorial Chapel, in Wheaton, Illinois. A fund-raising concert, by the Symphony Orchestra, was added to our program in March, 1992. The rehearsal schedule was expanded at that time to give our musicians the opportunity to successfully learn and perform a broader repertoire.

• Youth Symphony of DuPage has performed at Chicago's Symphony Hall (in 1995) as part of a program celebrating the Allied victories in WWII, at Preston-Bradley Hall and other venues in the area. We have presented original works by area composers, and accompanied performances by guest artists including area professionals as well as those of our talented graduates and members of local high school choruses.