From strings to swing: Schaumburg Youth Orchestra to conclude season with 3 concerts May 3

On Sunday, May 3, the Schaumburg Youth Orchestra will conclude its 2025-26 season with three performances at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, showcasing the talent of local student musicians.

The concert schedule is as follows:

• 1 p.m.: Schaumburg Youth String Ensemble and Sinfonia Strings. SYO’s beginner and intermediate musicians take the stage in a strings-only performance highlighting their growth and artistry.

• 3 p.m.: Schaumburg Youth Jazz Orchestra. Enjoy an afternoon of swinging selections performed by SYO’s high school (and high-energy) jazz ensemble.

• 7 p.m.: Schaumburg Youth Concert Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra. The program culminates with a performance from SYO’s advanced ensembles. This concert also marks the retirement of Symphony Orchestra director Kevan Kosobayashi, who concludes a distinguished tenure with the SYO. The Illinois Council of Orchestras will also honor former Cultural Department assistant director Rob Pileckis, who will be presented with the ICO’s 2025 Executive Director of the Year Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership in the field.

Tickets are $9 in advance or $11 at the door; and $5 in advance or $7 at the door for ages 18 and younger.

The Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, soon to be the Al Larson Cultural Center, is at 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Visit prairiecenter.org or call the box office at (847) 895-3600.

Scholarship winners

In addition, the Prairie Center Arts Foundation will be presenting three $1,000 college scholarships to seniors in the program who were awarded through an application and jury process. Those winners are:

• Jiho Park: The Leo Chan Alumni Award, sponsored by SYO Alumni Leo Chan

• Abraham Thomas: The Ruth Park Senior Music Scholarship, in memory of Ruth Park

• Aaron Trenery: The Kelliher-Miller Scholarship, sponsored by former Schaumburg Village Trustee George Dunham

The Young Artists programs continue to provide high-quality performing arts education and performance opportunities for students throughout the region. Families interested in getting involved can learn more at prairiecenter.org/youngartists.