Organization

Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra (FYCO) is primarily comprised of young musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments. In 2000, it started with only thirteen members, and has grown to include 120 professional artists and students. It enhances the cultural diversity and richness of American society while continuing to strengthen the Chinese community.

FYCO has not only educated youngsters in playing Chinese instruments, it has also performed many new compositions and new arrangements. In 2003, it was selected to perform in the City of San Jose Performing Arts Series as the only youth group, and performed in 2005's Festival of Cultures as the only Chinese organization.

Arts Council Silicon Valley has proclaimed FYCO to be a “local treasure.” The National Endowment for the Arts praised FYCO as “one of the very few ensembles in the USA dedicated to educating young people, their families and communities through traditional Chinese music, and carrying out its mission with great success.”

Invited by the Ministry of Culture of People Republic of China in 2004, FYCO visited and performed a joint concert with three top conservatories of music. It is the first Chinese orchestra from the West to perform in China. Its cultural exchange activities bear a special historical significance.