Dear Friends,

Welcome to the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra's 2023-2024 season!

Central to our mission is the spirit of teamwork. Active listening – expanding awareness beyond one's part while integrating with others – is elemental to an excellent team performance. As you observe today's concert, know that each musician processes a myriad of information each second. Mastering the art of active listening, honed through dedicated practice, equips our students with skills that extend far into their future endeavors.

Our ensembles have been hard at work honing their craft. Prelude Strings, Sinfonia, and Philharmonia are ideal environments for our young musicians to develop strong fundamentals, nurture their passion for music, and build lasting friendships.

In November, the Youth Orchestra joined the South Dakota Symphony onstage, side by side, in a performance of Bernstein's "Candide" Overture. This occasion allowed our students to gain insights from their SDSO mentors and Maestro Gier while immersed in a professional musical environment.

The timeless compositions of Beethoven serve as a wellspring of inspiration for our students: this year, we are thrilled to take a deep dive into his 7th Symphony. Building on last season's exploration of Romantic-era repertoire, the Youth Orchestra is poised to elevate their artistry with a passionate interpretation of Rachmaninoff's 2nd Symphony.

I hope you enjoy today's concert, and thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Thomas Fortner
Music Director
South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra