Penzance Youth String Orchestra was founded in September 2006, and its members are all resident in West Penwith.  PYSO players, who are aged between 11 and 18 years old, have included representatives from all six local secondary schools and colleges, and three schools or colleges in Truro, as well as several local primaries.  Its existence is possible because of the dedication of several local teachers over many years, a great deal of dedication from the 18 young players who meet at least once a week to rehearse under the guidance of Tim Boulton, and the support of Cornwall Music Service.  The orchestra have won an enthusiastic and loyal following in Penwith, where they perform regularly, as well as giving concerts increasingly farther afield.

PYSO rehearse and perform without a conductor, directed by Tim Boulton from the viola position.  It is part of the ethos of the group that the players should develop a wide range of skills, including those that are transferable to many areas of life, such as the ability to listen well, to be adaptable and flexible, to take responsibility and lead, develop excellent organisational skills, and strive to achieve one’s personal best.  Many people have commented on the great discipline of PYSO performances, and this is achieved within an atmosphere of individual expression and joy.  They perform a wide range of music and styles from the last 300 years until the present day.

PYSO have played several charity fundraising concerts amongst it’s many performances.  These have included concerts in aid of; Medical Foundation for the care of victims of torture at Tremenheere Gardens; at Paul Church in aid of the church's Window Restoration Appeal; at St. Mary’s Church Penzance for a church charity supporting young victims of AIDS; at the Pride of Cornwall event at Eden Project in aid of the Cornwall Children’s Hospice.  They have also performed three times at the Golowan Festival in Penzance, at the Penzance Catholic Church, at a reception given by the High Sheriff of Cornwall, and to Nick Clegg and Cornwall Liberal Democrats at their local conference in 2008.  The ensemble have twice been winners of the Youth Orchestra section at Cornwall Music Festival, and in 2009 accompanied the Concerto class and were invited to perform in the Festival Gala Concert.

The group are now planning their first trip abroad, an exchange with DalaViolinisterna from Central Sweden in August this year, and they have been invited to perform at the Church of St. Martin-in-the-fields in London’s Trafalgar Square in summer 2010.