Mission

     The Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra provides the opportunity for talented young musicians to learn and perform major symphonic repertoire at a high professional level, thus providing cultural enrichment for both performer and audience.

History

     The Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra performed its inaugural concert in Baltimore in June of 1964. It was founded by Angelo Gatto to bring together talented musicians from schools and colleges throughout the state to train under expert guidance. The pursuit of musical excellence continues to be the goal of the organization. Professional musicians provide sectional coaching, and the full orchestra continues to perform under the baton of its music director and conductor, Angelo Gatto.

     The Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra has performed in schools, on television and in various concert halls world wide. Programs are performed for audiences of all ages, from children to senior citizens. The Orchestra's performances abroad, promote friendship and understanding between nations, and provides unique cultural experiences for orchestra members.

     Orchestra alumni include many professional musicians and concert artists. The Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra does more than just teach and develop audiences and performers through performances and rehearsal's. the Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra also teaches self-discipline, commitment and dedication.

MYSO News

     May Concert, May 21, 2006 (see the Concert Program)
     See the latest Intrada Volume 42 for 2005-2006 season

Auditions

     Acceptance into the orchestra is by audition. To receive audition information, please contact the general manager at 410-442-5645. Auditions are by appointment and are scheduled in August and September.

Location

     Rehearsals for both the Symphony and the Symphonette take place on Saturdays at The Community College of Baltimore County Catonsville Campus (800 South Rolling Road, Baltimore, MD 21228-5317). Concerts are also typically held in the Q building's performance center.

Performing Ensembles

The Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO)

     The MYSO offers a wide variety of challenging music to it's performers. While typically the age of performers are between 12 and 18, the primary factor for acceptance is talent. Rehearsal takes place from 1:00 PM until 4:30 PM.

The Maryland Youth Symphonette (MYS)

     The MYS represents the performers that are either too young or not ready for the advanced repertoire played in the Symphony. he Symphonette is still a full symphonic preparatory orchestra that performs an assortment or styles from a wide range of composers. Most performers eventually graduate into the MYSO program. The MYS rehearses on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Ages typically range from 10 to 15 years.

Accomplishments

• After a search for the outstanding youth orchestra in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia, the MYSO was chosen to perform in Washington's Warner Theatre for UNICEF's 5th anniversary celebration, hosted by Sir Peter Ustinov.

• Traveled by invitation to perform in China, England, France, Italy, Scotland, Spain, and Taiwan.

• The MYSO has performed in concert with world-class musicians

• Sponsor of the concerto division of the International Young Artist Piano Competition. The MYSO provides prize money and performance opportunity for the winners.