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ABOUT GTCYS: The Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS), founded in 1972, provides an exceptional youth orchestra experience for young musicians of all ages and abilities, and aids in their development as young artists and adults. Under the dynamic leadership of new Artistic Director Mark Russell Smith, GTCYS serves more than 700 students ages 8-18 from across the Twin Cities region through seven academic-year orchestras and two summer programs. With an outstanding artistic staff including coaches from the esteemed Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) and Minnesota Orchestra, students benefit from GTCYS’ comprehensive approach to education and excellence. Committed to bringing music to diverse audiences, GTCYS presents 20 annual concerts to more than 10,000 audience members through performances at Orchestra Hall and Ted Mann Concert Hall, and free community concerts at homeless shelters, schools, and care centers in the Twin Cities. GTCYS is renowned for its rich touring history and will embark on a tour to Spain to perform by invitation at the Granada International Festival of Music and Dance in June 2014. At home, GTCYS collaborates with world-class artists and organizations including guest conductors Osmo Vänskä, Roberto Abbado, and Nicholas McGegan and recent projects with the Minnesota Chorale and James Sewell Ballet. In 2011, GTCYS and the SPCO formed a unique strategic alliance that works toward the shared goals of serving the community and building classical music audiences. Dedicated to increasing access to music education, GTCYS awards $25,000 in need-based scholarships to students annually.

For more information, visit www.gtcys.org.

Please note: The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra does not perform on this program.