Tamara Gonzalez Named Concertino East Conductor
We are excited to announce that conductor Tamara Gonzalez will join GTCYS’ artistic team to lead Concertino East, GTCYS’ new full orchestra for east metro students beginning this fall.
Ms. Gonzalez’s passion for young people and commitment to music education are reflected in her 15 years of teaching experience. A violin and viola instructor and conductor with MacPhail Center for Music, she has also served as Classical Minnesota Public Radio’s bilingual orchestra clinician, leading orchestra workshops across the state. She has performed as a member of the Chicago Sinfonietta, Sphinx Festival Orchestra, and the Stone Arch Collective chamber music ensemble here in the Twin Cities.
“Orchestra is all about community,” said Ms. Gonzalez who believes that developing strong rapport with students is the key to building a strong ensemble. “I am thrilled to join GTCYS’ conducting team and can’t wait to work with Concertino East students.”
“The GTCYS family is so happy to welcome Tamara Gonzalez, an inspiring musician and educator. She brings a wealth of experience and great passion for music and for young musicians. We are thrilled that Ms. Gonzalez has joined us and are grateful to be in a position to offer more students the opportunity to learn in our program through the new orchestra,” said artistic director Mark Russell Smith.
A formal search process for this new position was conducted this past winter and spring. Final candidates auditioned in person with Concertino (now Concertino West, still led by Daniel Mollick) in March, shortly before the COVID-19 interruption. More than 800 students recently auditioned for GTCYS’ 2020-21 season, indicating high interest for participation this fall. Concertino East is GTCYS’ tenth orchestra and represents the organization’s continued expansion in the east metro to increase access and create opportunities for more students. It also extends the learning pathway for young musicians advancing from our Harmony string instruction program, Philharmonia East, and Sinfonia East.
GTCYS is still accepting audition videos on a rolling basis through the summer. We encourage young musicians of all ages and abilities, especially those in the east metro, to audition. Learn more here. We are expanding need-based scholarships and invite all families experiencing financial hardship to apply, especially if cost is a determining factor for participation.
Please join us in welcoming Tamara Gonzalez to GTCYS!
