Our Story

Zion’s Youth Symphony & Chorus was founded as a small string orchestra in 2003 by music teachers Jenny Jackson, Terilyn Taylor, and Jeremy Woolstenhulme. Since that time, the talents of numerous individuals have helped the organization grow to the world-class symphony and chorus it is today, performing alongside acclaimed guest artists such as David Archuleta, GENTRI, Sandra Turley, Jordan Bluth, Kaitlynn Kleinman, Melinda Pfundstein, Ezekiel Andrew, Yaphet Bustos, Katie Kern, Michael R. Hicks, Benjamin D. Hale, Dallyn Vail Bayles, and many more.

See Our Past Performances

Terilyn Taylor 6/25/24 Terilyn Taylor 6/25/24

Spring 2024: Joseph Smith the Prophet

Composer Rob Gardner's masterpiece, "Joseph Smith the Prophet," beautifully unfolds the narrative from his visionary moments in the Sacred Grove to the solemn martyrdom in Carthage Jail.

This captivating performance by Zion’s Youth Symphony & Chorus features arrangements of cherished hymns like "The Spirit of God," "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief," and "Praise to the Man."

Terilyn Taylor 10/1/23 Terilyn Taylor 10/1/23

Fall 2023: In the Beginning: 20 Years of ZYSC

Zion’s Youth Symphony & Chorus is turning 20, and you’re invited to the celebration! Join the exceptionally talented 90-piece orchestra and 160-member chorus as they present “In the Beginning: Celebrating 20 Years of Zion’s Youth,” showcasing some of the best-loved arrangements from their two decades of inspiring concerts as well as some exciting new numbers that are sure to become crowd favorites.
Conducted by Music Director David Skouson, this anniversary concert features veteran Zion’s Youth soloists Brandon Albright, Kaylyn Taylor Baldwin, Joey DeBenedetto, Katie Kern, and Kaitlynn Kleinmann, as well as a few surprise guests artists from Zion’s Youth history. With melodies ranging from fun and lively to inspirational and sublime, this musical stroll down memory lane will pay tribute to the group’s phenomenal growth from humble beginnings and the potential for new beginnings and expansion in all of us.

Terilyn Taylor 6/10/23 Terilyn Taylor 6/10/23

Spring 2023: Lamb of God

A sacred musical retelling of the final days of the life of Jesus Christ, His Atonement and Resurrection. It recounts the events through the eyes of those who loved Him and knew Him best: Peter, John, Thomas, Mary and Martha of Bethany, Mary Magdalene, and His mother Mary.

Guest artists for this production included: Kyle Olsen - Peter, Joey DeBenedetto - Accuser / Judas / Narrator, Cordell Cole - John, Malia Morris - Mary Magdalene / Bethany, Katie Kern - Martha, Melinda Pfundstein - Mary, Mother of Jesus / Narrator, Brandon Albright - Thomas, and Jared Downey - Cello Soloist

Composer Rob Gardner made a surprise visit at this performance.

Terilyn Taylor 11/14/22 Terilyn Taylor 11/14/22

Fall 2022: Gift of Christmas

Zion’s Youth Symphony and Chorus joyfully announces “Gift of Christmas,” its long-awaited holiday concert brimming with Christmas favorites old and new.

The concert will feature international vocalist YAPHET BUSTOS, a former lead singer in the award-winning a cappella group Vocal Point and featured performer in multiple worldwide broadcasts of Luz de las Naciones. A native of Chile, Yaphet has appeared in concerts across China, in Thailand, at the Kennedy Center, on YouTube, and with music stars Colbie Caillat and Ben Rector, among others.

Terilyn Taylor 1/31/22 Terilyn Taylor 1/31/22

Spring 2022: House of the Lord

Zion’s Youth Symphony and Chorus presents House of the Lord, an original oratorio about the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Southern Nevada and the importance of temples to Latter-day Saints.

Terilyn Taylor 1/31/22 Terilyn Taylor 1/31/22

Fall 2021: Grateful

“Grateful” is a live musical celebration of the blessings of life. ZYSC will present seasonal favorites such as “Over the River and through the Wood,” as well as “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” The concert will also feature tenor Nathan Pacheco performing signature favorites, including the operatic tour de force “Nessun Dorma.”

Terilyn Taylor 1/31/22 Terilyn Taylor 1/31/22

Spring 2021: Dr. Ryan Murphy Workshop

Dr. Ryan Murphy was appointed associate music director of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in 2009. Zion's Youth Symphony & Chorus commissioned a new work from Dr. Ryan Murphy and Wendy Randall titled Hear Him.