Nonprofit youth orchestra to celebrate milestone year with “Play it Forward” giving campaign and unique performances at Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis. See more at gtcys.org/50years. ST. PAUL, Minn. (Sept. 20, 2021) — This month, Saint Paul-based nonprofit youth orchestra Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) will begin a yearlong celebration of its 50th consecutive […]

We are pleased to announce that GTCYS conductor Dr. Ernesto Estigarribia will step into the Philharmonic conductor role next fall following Gary Wolfman’s retirement this spring. Since its inception in 2018, Dr. Estigarribia (or Ernesto as his students call him) has successfully led our Sinfonia East orchestra which he will continue to do next year […]

After joining GTCYS’ artistic staff in fall 2012, Philharmonic conductor Gary Wolfman will retire at the end of this season following auditions. Mr. Wolfman’s artistic gifts have impacted hundreds of GTCYS high school students who developed a lifelong love of music and performed orchestral masterworks at a high level under his leadership. “I have greatly […]

Destyne Miller has played bass in GTCYS for four years and is currently a member of Concert Orchestra. She shares the powerful impact GTCYS has had on her life below. “GTCYS has been what I would call a blessing. It has given me the opportunity to have an outlet from my everyday life such as […]

When you play in an orchestra, you learn so much more than music. For Jayda Francis, GTCYS has been a home for her to grow as a leader and performer. Jayda transformed from her first, nervous audition, into playing confidently for others in the community. She shares what GTCYS has meant to her and the […]

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, two GTCYS alumni share their love story. Andrea and Nick Lang met their senior year in GTCYS, and what started with encouragement on an English Horn solo has led to twenty years of marriage! Music continues to be a central part of the Langs’ life. They play their instruments in the […]

Kamau Rodriguez-Pegg is a talented musician. He’s been making music since he was in kindergarten, and first joined GTCYS two and a half years ago. A current violinist in Concertino East, Kamau is also the recipient of a Roderick Cox Music Initiative (RCMI) scholarship. He shares what GTCYS means to him, and the impact the […]

The talent, passion, and dedication of students and families define GTCYS. But outside rehearsal rooms and concert halls is another equally passionate group of leaders: GTCYS’ Board of Directors. Comprised of leaders across all fields in the community, GTCYS’ board helps advance the organization’s mission by providing governance, sharing expertise, and broadening community support. Hyun […]

Steve Kriesel doesn’t just make masks. His innovations make in-person music possible during COVID-19. A GTCYS alum and current parent of a GTCYS student, Steve is the owner of the instrument case company Torpedo Bags. In response to COVID-19, he’s shifted his work drastically to develop special masks and instrument bell covers for GTCYS and […]

On Saturday mornings something special happens. Students from Riverview West Side School of Excellence gather together to make music and learn valuable life skills. They reconnect after a long summer apart. They play musical games and explore their instruments. They are challenged and they grow in incredible ways. They are Harmony. Normally a before-school program […]