Jennie Oh Brown is comparatively new to the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra (cyso.org), having been named the org’s executive director in May 2023. But the veteran musician and music educator has taken to the role with aplomb, championing its mission to inspire and cultivate excellence through music. As Brown and her team celebrate the success of the CYSO’s Feb. 15 gala, she caught up with Datebook to share what makes her so passionate about the organization.
Why is the CYSO’s work important to you?
The CYSO experience is transformative—it’s far more than musical training. It’s a launching pad from which young artists soar, developing into leaders who excel not only in music but across countless professional fields. This is why I am passionate about ensuring that every aspiring young musician, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the transformative power of music education.
What is your favorite part of your job?
At the heart of CYSO’s success lies an extraordinary synergy between people and music. Our remarkable artistic and administrative staff brings unparalleled dedication and passion to their work every day, going above and beyond to nurture young musical talent. But what truly makes CYSO special is our families—they are the gravitational center of our musical universe, creating a supportive ecosystem that enables our young artists to thrive.
How does being a musician yourself help provide perspective?
As an international concert flutist, I’ve experienced the transformative power of performance across diverse venues and contexts. More than two decades of collegiate and private teaching have deepened my understanding of music education’s profound impact, while my administrative leadership roles have honed my ability to guide teams and organizations toward excellence. Throughout these varied roles, one constant has remained: my dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Now, as CYSO’s Executive Director, I have the privilege of bringing this comprehensive perspective to serve our extraordinary young musicians.
What has been your proudest moment so far in your tenure?
Working alongside our exceptional Board and dedicated team, we’ve undertaken the vital yet often unsung work of modernizing CYSO’s operational foundation. While implementing new systems and streamlining processes may not sound glamorous, this behind-the-scenes transformation has been truly energizing.
What exciting news can we expect from the CYSO in 2025?
The future is bright with extraordinary opportunities for CYSO. [On our] upcoming tour to Spain, [our students] will share their artistry on an international stage while immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of this musical nation. [And] I’m absolutely thrilled about several prestigious performance opportunities on the horizon that will showcase our musicians’ exceptional talents.
Photography by: Forestt Strong Lafave
