Our History

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 performs three concerts per season. Our Fall, Winter, and Spring concerts bring the great young talents and achievements of all YSDP musicians to the public through performances at Wentz Hall at North Central College, in Naperville, Illinois. Our Symphony Orchestra accompanies performances by guest artists including area professionals as well as those of our talented graduates and winning concerto competition members.

In 1995 and 2012, our Symphony Orchestra performed at Chicago’s Symphony Hall.
YSDP incorporated in 1970 and established IRS 501(c) 3 and Illinois not-for-profit status. Our programs are made possible by private and business donors and other grant-making organizations.