Symphony Side-by-Side with Minnesota Orchestra Details

Dear GTCYS Symphony Families,

Your special side by side event with the Minnesota Orchestra is coming up on Thursday January 8. Thomas Søndergård, Music Director of the Minnesota Orchestra, will lead two combined ensembles:

• The Minnesota Orchestra side by side with GTCYS.
• The Minnesota Orchestra side by side with the Minnesota Youth Symphonies (MYS).

GTCYS Symphony students will learn by participating in GTCYS’ rehearsal on stage with the Minnesota Orchestra, and by listening to MYS’ rehearsal with Maestro Søndergård.

Please read the following details carefully and report your absence by Wednesday, December 17 if you are not able to attend.

SCHEDULE
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 5:30–8:30pm
Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

• 5:30pm: All students’ call time at the Stage Door. Check in, pick up a nametag, follow signs to unpack your instrument, and wait for instructions to move on stage.
• 5:45pm (approx): GTCYS students to on stage and warm up.
• 6:00–6:50pm: GTCYS Symphony rehearses Wagner’s Die Meistersinger: Prelude with the Minnesota Orchestra.
• 6:50–7:10pm: Stage reset and transition. GTCYS students exit the stage, pack instruments, and move to the audience.
• 7:10–8:00pm: Listen to MYS rehearse Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture with the Minnesota Orchestra.

REPORT ABSENCES BY DECEMBER 17

• This special event is required for GTCYS Symphony muSsicians, but if you must be absent, please complete a Symphony Absence Form by Wednesday, December 17 at 5pm.
• Please note that any absences from GTCYS’ rehearsal block on stage from 6:00–6:50pm will affect seating for the evening, so please complete the absence form ASAP if you will miss any part of the event.
• GTCYS’ portion of the event will occur two shifts. The absence information that you provide by next Wednesday will help us determine the seating charts for each shift.

Please contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions. I hope that you enjoy this spectacular opportunity to learn alongside the musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra!