Myso’s flagship orchestra
The Senior Symphony performs standard orchestral repertoire at the highest caliber. The orchestra has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls to enthusiastic audience response.
The Senior Symphony has achieved an enviable international reputation for excellence. Tours have included concerts in China, Austria, Hungary, Spain, Italy, Scotland, Canada, and more. In 2017 the orchestra embarked on a ten-day tour to the cities of Buenos Aires and Rosario in Argentina, and to Montevideo, Uruguay.
At a Glance
- 125 members in Symphony Orchestra
- Rehearsals generally on Monday evenings
- Most students are in grades 10-12
- Over 50 years of domestic and international tours
- Music Director: Mr. Carter Simmons
Upcoming Events
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Music Director
Carter Simmons
Artistic Director and Carter Simmons has worked with the musicians and families of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) since 1992. In addition to leading the artistic and program staff, he is Music Director of MYSO’s Senior Symphony and Chamber Orchestra. During his tenure, the organization has grown to serve 7,000 students and received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award. Mr. Simmons is Music Director of Milwaukee’s Festival City Symphony and has been invited to conduct for the Milwaukee Ballet, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Starry Nights Orchestra featuring artists of the Florentine Opera, and the Wisconsin Philharmonic. He has conducted MYSO in Beijing’s Forbidden City Concert Hall and in Chicago’s Orchestra Hall, and has accompanied the orchestra for its performances in: New York’s Carnegie Hall, Valencia’s Palau de la Música, Prague’s Dvořák Hall, Budapest’s Béla Bartók National Concert Hall, Argentina and Uruguay, Ireland, and the Musikverein, home of the Vienna Philharmonic. Mr. Simmons has been appointed Music Director of MYSO’s Senior Symphony starting in the 2020-2021 season. More
Artistic Director and Carter Simmons has worked with the musicians and families of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) since 1992. In addition to leading the artistic and program staff, he is Music Director of MYSO’s Senior Symphony and Chamber Orchestra. During his tenure, the organization has grown to serve 7,000 students and received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award. Mr. Simmons is Music Director of Milwaukee’s Festival City Symphony and has been invited to conduct for the Milwaukee Ballet, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Starry Nights Orchestra featuring artists of the Florentine Opera, and the Wisconsin Philharmonic. He has conducted MYSO in Beijing’s Forbidden City Concert Hall and in Chicago’s Orchestra Hall, and has accompanied the orchestra for its performances in: New York’s Carnegie Hall, Valencia’s Palau de la Música, Prague’s Dvořák Hall, Budapest’s Béla Bartók National Concert Hall, Argentina and Uruguay, Ireland, and the Musikverein, home of the Vienna Philharmonic. Mr. Simmons has been appointed Music Director of MYSO’s Senior Symphony starting in the 2020-2021 season.
LessInterested in Auditioning?
Each student is required to audition to become a member of MYSO. Being a MYSO member is a rewarding experience that drives a student’s musical, learning, and social skills.
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