Contemporary Youth Orchestra’s latest album, “Sing for the Day! Tommy Shaw & Contemporary Youth Orchestra” has debuted on the Billboard Classical charts at #5! It also hit the Classical Crossover chart at #5, the Music Video Sales chart at #8, and even broke the Top 50 on the Rock charts, coming in at #49.
Recorded during a live performance at Waetjen Auditorium in May 2016, the concert featured songs from Shaw’s entire career including his work with Styx, Damn Yankees, and multiple solo albums. Shaw is accompanied by guitarist Will Evankovich for the entire performance.
Tommy Shaw has served as the vocalist and guitarist for legendary rock band Styx since 1975. “Sing for the Day!” is his sixth solo album, and the second commercial release from Contemporary Youth Orchestra.
“Working with Tommy on this incredible concert has been an amazing experience, and for a youth orchestra to be recognized on the Billboard charts really validates our belief that providing quality music education can play a massive role in the lives of children,” said CYO Executive Director Kimberly Deichler. “We look forward to many more collaborations with rock and pop artists in the future, and the opportunities they can provide for these talented young musicians.”
Founded in 1995 by Music Director Liza Grossman, the award winning Contemporary Youth Orchestra is the only youth orchestra in the country dedicated to the study and performance of contemporary orchestral literature. In twenty-three seasons, CYO has performed over 500 world premieres and worked with rock legends such as Bootsy Collins, STYX, Ben Folds, and Melissa Etheridge.