For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Barb DeGroot, 952-443-1459 or degro035@umn.edu

Greater TC Youth Symphonies Orchestra Performs April 13 at Arboretum

Chanhassen, MN (April 2, 2014) - Like a fresh spring breeze, the Concert Orchestra of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies will perform at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on Sunday, April 13.  The concert, set for 2 p.m. in the MacMillan Auditorium in the Oswald Visitor Center, is free with Arboretum gate admission.

Founded in 1972, the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS), provides an exceptional youth orchestra experience for young musicians of all ages and abilities, and aids in their development as artists. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mark Russell Smith, GTCYS now serves more than 750 students ages 8-18 from across the Twin Cities region through eight academic-year orchestras and two newly expanded summer programs. GTCYS is renowned for its rich touring history and will embark on a tour to Spain to perform by invitation at the Granada International Festival of Music and Dance in June.

At home, GTCYS collaborates with world-class artists and organizations, including guest conductors Osmo Vänskä, Roberto Abbado, and Nicholas McGegan and recent projects with the Minnesota Chorale and James Sewell Ballet.

Seasons of Music: Ivan Konev & MN Orchestra Musicians to Play April 24

As part of the Seasons of Music Concert Series, renowned pianist Ivan Konev and Minnesota Orchestra string players Jonathan Magness, Natalia Moiseeva and Susan Janda will perform spring-themed music on Thursday, April 24, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Oswald Visitor Center.  Photographic images by the Arboretum Photographers Society will accompany the music.  Reservations are $25 Arboretum member/ $35 non-member (incl. gate fee). Cash bar and light refreshments beginning at 6 p.m.  Reserve by calling 952-443-1411.  

The series is sponsored by Essential Sessions Studio, Wells Pianos and Remax.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest, is a community and national resource for horticultural and environmental information, research and public education. It is part of the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences & is located 9 miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen. Gate admission is $12 adults; free for members & ages 12 and under.