Symphony
Led by professional conductor and educator Mark Russell Smith, Symphony is GTCYS’ flagship orchestra which masters major repertoire, including full symphonic works, in a supportive and conservatory-like setting. With its own concert series and professional style performance opportunities, Symphony attracts the best young musicians in the region. String players in Symphony have an average of 7 to 12 years of experience and winds/brass/percussion students have typically been playing their instruments for 5 to 8 years. Special artistic projects, sectionals, retreats, social activities, and extra opportunities provide a well-rounded and transformative experience which develops students’ musical, leadership, and lifelong skills.
2025-26 Highlights
- Rehearse weekly at Orchestra Hall from September through mid-May with Mark Russell Smith, our esteemed artistic director as well as the artistic director of orchestral studies at the University of Minnesota, music director and conductor of the Quad City Symphony, and professional conductor across the country
- Perform at 13+ exciting concerts—7 at Orchestra Hall, 1 at Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2 concerts around the Twin Cities, and 3+ on the Australia and New Zealand tour, including a capstone performance at the Sydney Opera House
- Master spectacular repertoire that challenges and inspires, including music from Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet, the overture to Richard Wagner’s opera Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, and John Williams’ Music from Lincoln: “With Malice Toward None”
- Learn from professional musicians during sectionals, with special seminars for brass, woodwinds, and percussion
- Make friends from across the region through 2 half-day retreats, social activities like treat nights, and optional bonus activities like mentoring and Student Leadership Team
Tuition & Assistance
Symphony Tuition: $1,595 for the full season. Students joining 2nd semester pay 60%, $955. Learn more about tuition and financial assistance.