Julien Benichou, The Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director has been awarded the prestigious title and medal of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters). The honor was bestowed upon him by His Excellency Ambassador Laurent Bili on Thursday, June 20, during a distinguished ceremony at the residence of the Ambassador of France.

The Order of Arts and Letters, established in 1957 by the French Ministry of Culture, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the enrichment of the arts and literature in France and around the world. Julien Benichou's knighthood is a testament to his exceptional influence and dedication to the field of music, both as a conductor and educator.

"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the French government," said Benichou. "It is a privilege to be acknowledged alongside so many remarkable artists and cultural leaders. This accolade not only celebrates my personal achievements but also highlights the incredible work of the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Washington Opera Society. I am grateful to all my colleagues, mentors, and students who have supported and inspired me throughout my career."

Julien Benichou's dynamic leadership and innovative vision have transformed the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra into one of the most vibrant and respected youth orchestras in the region. Simultaneously, his tenure with the Washington Opera Society has been marked by critically acclaimed performances and a commitment to expanding the reach of opera to diverse audiences.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from the arts and diplomatic communities, including fellow musicians, cultural advocates, and representatives from various artistic institutions. Ambassador Laurent Bili, in his address, praised Benichou's contributions to the arts and his role in fostering cultural exchange between France and the United States.

The evening was further enriched by musical performances, highlighting the talents fostered under Benichou's guidance. Collin Kassal, principal cellist of the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra's Symphony, delivered a poignant rendition of Gabriel Faure's "Élégie." Other notable performances included Dariusz Skoraczewski, principal cellist of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and soprano Maggie Polglaze, each contributing to the celebratory atmosphere with their exceptional artistry.

As a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, Julien Benichou joins an illustrious group of artists, writers, and musicians who have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the arts. This accolade not only honors his past accomplishments but also anticipates his future endeavors in advancing the world of music.

The Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) is pleased to announce auditions for its upcoming 2024-2025 season. The CYSO is a highly regarded organization dedicated to providing exceptional music education and performance opportunities to talented young musicians in the Chesapeake Bay region. Interested musicians should visit the CYSO website to complete an online application form and schedule an audition time.

The CYSO welcomes musicians from all backgrounds and abilities. Auditions are open to students who play orchestral and jazz instruments including violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion and piano.

The CYSO offers nine ensembles, each tailored to the needs and skill levels of the musicians from ages 8 to 21. Next season the CYSO is thrilled to announce that in addition to the abundance of opportunities, master classes, theory classes, side-by-sides, and performances the CYSO hosts, the Symphony Orchestra will be returning to do a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Also, the Jazz Ensemble will be attending the Jazz Education Network National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

“We are thrilled to announce auditions for our 2024-2025 season,” said Julien Benichou, Music Director of the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra. “The CYSO has a long history of providing outstanding performance opportunities for young musicians in our region, and we are excited to continue and expand that tradition with our upcoming season.”

The CYSO has a reputation for excellence and has performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and toured both nationally and internationally. Members of the CYSO have gone on to attend some of the most prestigious music schools in the country.

To learn more about the CYSO and to apply for an audition, please Click Here