Celebrating its 60th season in 2018–2019, the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra (GBYO) traces its origins to 1958 with the formation of the Western New York Youth Orchestra by Dr. Robert Mols, a faculty member of the University at Buffalo Music Department. This ensemble emerged from a series of four orchestral workshops held annually since 1954, jointly sponsored by the University’s music department and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

During Dr. Mols’ sabbatical, the orchestra continued for five years under the direction of Allen Sigel and Frank Cipolla, also of the University’s music faculty. Upon Dr. Mols’ resignation in 1963, the Western New York Youth Orchestra merged informally with the Community Music School Orchestra, led by Pamela Gearhart.

In 1973, the ensemble concluded its affiliation with the Community Music School and came under the sponsorship of the Youth Orchestra Foundation of Buffalo, Inc.—a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization affiliated with Arts Development Services, the Western New York representative of the New York State Council on the Arts. At this time, the orchestra adopted the name Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra.

Following the 1974 season, Ms. Gearhart resigned to accept a teaching position at Ithaca College. John Landis first conducted the GBYO in 1975 and was officially appointed Music Director in 1977. During the 1982–83 season, the orchestra was led by three interim conductors: Alan Heatherington, Joseph Bishkoff, and David Miller. Mr. Miller was named Music Director in April 1983 but resigned in February 1984. The 1984–85 season was completed under the guidance of two esteemed guest conductors, Ansgarius Aylward and Arie Lipsky. Mr. Aylward was appointed Music Director in 1986 and served until 1990.

In response to increasing numbers of highly qualified applicants, the Board of Directors established a training ensemble in 1983 to provide opportunities for talented young musicians not yet admitted to the full orchestra. This group was originally named the Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Dennis Lell. After three seasons, Mr. Lell became General Manager of GBYO, and Steven Thomas was appointed conductor. The ensemble was renamed the Repertory Orchestra in the 1986–87 season.

The GBYO has since expanded in both size and scope. It currently comprises over 140 student musicians in two orchestras, offering outstanding musical training while enriching the cultural life of the Western New York community. Membership is determined through competitive auditions held each spring.

The GBYO embarked on its first major concert tour in April 1981—an eleven-day performance tour throughout the Southeastern United States, led by John Landis. The tour received high critical acclaim and enthusiastic audience responses, including praise in Greenville, South Carolina, where the GBYO was described as “one of the finest and most prestigious youth orchestras in the nation.” A similarly successful Eastern U.S. tour followed in 1983.

During the 1985–86 season, the orchestra engaged in a series of exchange concerts with the Niagara Youth Symphony of St. Catharines, Ontario, culminating in a joint performance at Artpark in Lewiston, New York, as part of the 2nd Artpark International Festival. The concert featured guest conductor Semyon Bychkov, then Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Although a planned tour to the Soviet Union in 1989 (in partnership with the Chautauqua Institution) was ultimately canceled due to prohibitive costs, the GBYO continued to offer students enriching performance opportunities, both domestically and abroad.

Since 1977, the Youth Orchestra Foundation has sponsored the annual Senior Concerto Competition, held each fall. Winners are selected to perform as soloists with the orchestra during the winter or spring concerts. In 1986, the program expanded with the addition of the GBYO Piano Competition, established by long-time Board member Claudio Vasquez. Korean-born pianist Sung-A Han won the inaugural competition and performed in the 1987–88 season.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary in 1983, the GBYO commissioned a new orchestral work from esteemed American composer Walter Hartley of SUNY Fredonia. His Symphony No. 3 was premiered by the orchestra at Slee Hall in May 1983, conducted by David Miller. The work was dedicated to the late Cameron Baird, former Chair and benefactor of the University at Buffalo Music Department.

Following a conductor search, Gerard Floriano was appointed Music Director in 1991. Under his leadership, the GBYO embarked on two successful European tours: Italy in 1995 and Spain in 1999. A planned tour to Spain and France in 2002 was canceled due to the September 11th attacks.

From 2001 to 2007, the GBYO was honored with invitations to perform at the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration in Albany, hosted by Governor George Pataki.

A major milestone occurred in March 2005, when the orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall. In March 2006, GBYO was selected as the premier performing ensemble representing New York State at the All-Eastern MENC Conference in Hartford, Connecticut. In 2008, GBYO was invited to perform at the New York State School Music Teachers Conference in Rochester, representing Western New York.

European touring resumed in 2010, with an itinerary including Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague. Though temporarily postponed due to the eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano, the tour proceeded successfully in July of that year. Another European tour to Italy followed in 2014.

In 2015, the GBYO was conducted by Stefan Sanders, Associate Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. After a conductor search, Ansgarius Aylward returned as Music Director in 2016.

In 2018, the orchestra completed a successful tour of Salzburg, Prague, and Vienna. A highlight was a sold-out performance in Dvořák Hall at the Rudolfinum in Prague—home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Music Director Semyon Bychkov, a proud alumnus of the Buffalo musical community. Lynne Ruda was appointed conductor of the Greater Buffalo Youth String Orchestra (previously known as the Repertory Orchestra).

The 2019–2020 season was cut short in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2020–2021 season was canceled in its entirety. Following an extended hiatus, the GBYO resumed operations in September 2021.

Following a conductor search, Louis Vitello was appointed conductor of the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra in June 2023. 

In 2023, the Board of Directors, in collaboration with GBYO leaders Marielel Zych (executive director), Lynne Ruda (SO Conductor), and Louis Vitello (YO Conductor), launched a comprehensive strategic planning process aimed at expanding the organization’s reach and improving access to musical excellence for student musicians throughout Western New York.

That fall, the GBYO invested in new percussion equipment—including timpani, a xylophone, and percussion cases—to support a broader range of repertoire. Additional purchases in Fall 2024 included a tam-tam and snare drum, along with protective cases for storage and transport. The organization is committed to ongoing annual investments in musical equipment to ensure the highest quality experience for its musicians.

GBYO's partnership with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra has also deepened. The popular Side-by-Side concert with the BPO returned in the 2023–2024 season after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic.. The Board has initiated a new program to contract BPO musicians for the preparation of professional bowings for both GBYO and GBYSO string sections. In addition, the GBYSO has extended the duration of BPO coaching sessions, offering students even more opportunities to refine their musicianship.

Under the guidance of the Music Director, GBYO also piloted a chamber ensemble program, offering new performance experiences and skill development for students. In 2024–2025, this initiative became a full-fledged program, concluding with a featured concert at the Burchfield Penney Art Center. Plans are underway to expand into additional venues in future seasons.

The GBYSO also found a new performance home at the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center, a result of its steady growth. This beautiful venue not only provides an excellent acoustical and visual experience but has fostered meaningful intergenerational engagement with Canterbury Woods residents, who attend concerts and volunteer as ushers.

Looking ahead, GBYO is proud to launch its newest ensemble: the Greater Buffalo Youth Prima String Orchestra, debuting in the 2025–2026 season. Designed for the youngest string players, this entry-level ensemble will serve as a stepping stone to GBYSO. The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Greetham as conductor of the Prima String Orchestra. This expansion reflects the organization's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of talented young musicians throughout the region.