Kamau got his start on violin thanks to a communications blunder by his second-grade self. “Now, the thing I didn’t know at the time was the difference between a cello and a violin, so I thought that a cello was called a violin.”

Whether your musical journey began in your school music programs or through private lessons, you likely can already think of several people who have influenced you, and peers who became your friends because of your common goal of creating great music! 

You might expect to first encounter a harp in a sophisticated setting like a concert hall, chamber music recital, or wedding—but for MYS harpist Ben, it was TikTok that first inspired his unique musical path.

Welcome to the first in a new series called “The Conductor’s Corner” where I and the other conductors will share different ideas, perspectives and experiences with all of you throughout the year.

Anna wasn’t expecting to perform the complete Firebird Suite when she stepped onstage for her first concert with the Brevard Concert Orchestra. Conductor Ken Lam had chosen Stravinsy’s monumental work to challenge the high school musicians during their first week at the intensive summer training program, nestled in the heart of North Carolina near Asheville.

The MYS Symphony Orchestra was named as a finalist in the Youth Orchestra division of The American Prize in Orchestral Performance competition.

MYS is thrilled to welcome Kelly DeMorett, Director of Orchestras at East Ridge High School, as the next conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra!

Jim Bartsch is a pivotal figure in the orchestral community who for over three decades has been making an indelible mark on countless students' musical journeys.

”Until the End,” the latest single from Clocks & Clouds, was released last week on streaming platforms including Spotify and YouTube Music—where it’s already received nearly 5,000 views. Clocks & Clouds is a Minneapolis-based instrumental trio featuring Repertory Orchestra conductor Lucas Shogren.

Visiting Guest Artist Jennifer Frautschi will be performing with the Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, November 5. This is just one of three exciting opportunities to hear and learn from this world-class performer next week!

The MYS is pleased to welcome Melissa Morey as the new Operations Manager.

String Cosmology—a new CD from the Sinfonietta of Riverdale featuring MYS Artistic Director and Conductor Mark Mandarano—received a Five-Star review in the May 2023 issue of Fanfare Magazine.

Former MYS student, Ariana Kim of the Minnesota Orchestra, reflects on her musical upbringing in Minnesota. Read the story here.

To kick off the 50th Anniversary celebration, the Minnesota Youth Symphonies performs their first concert of the season at Orchestra Hall on Sunday, November 6, 2022 featuring guest artist pianist Bill Eddins performing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue!

The program features music by Dvorak, Smetana, Marquez and many other great classics. Guests are also invited to dress in their best 1970s-inspired attire to complete the theme! We hope you join us for this festive performance!

On Saturday morning, it was such a joy to hear music by Gershwin, Marquez, Dvorak, and so much more coming at me from all points of the compass. Congratulations on bursting the doors wide open to our 50th Anniversary Season at the first rehearsal. Thanks to you, our conductors and our staff, we're off to a terrific start!

Mark Mandarano, Artistic Director & Symphony Orchestra Conductor

After a long and thoughtful search, Lucas Shogren has been selected as MYS’s new Repertory Orchestra conductor!

We welcome Sue Fairchild to MYS as our part-time Interim Managing Director while the Board conducts a search for a new Executive Director. We are in good hands with Sue as she brings a wealth of corporate and non-profit managerial and operational wisdom to the position.

We are extremely grateful to Sue, and the entire MYS staff, for keeping things running smoothly during this transition. We look forward to kicking off our 50th Anniversary Season of MYS with you very soon! 

On the eve of our 50th Anniversary season, the Minnesota Youth Symphonies Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Mark Mandarano as its next Artistic Director and Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra!