Organized by Ceasar Lamonaca in 1945-1946[1], this musical group has been the origin of a musical education for hundreds of new musicians.[2]
The group performed only summer concerts for its first 10 years. By 1955 there were over 80 musicians in the group.[3] At the same time a number of other groups came into existence. In the 1950's Lamonaca moved on to other endeavors. Dr Charles Campbell transitioned the group to performing holiday and year-round concerts
In 1958 composer and pianist Robert Strassburg formed the Youth Symphony of Coral Gables to provide practice and the study of classical repertoire.[4] It was renamed the All Miami Youth Symphony and eventually the Greater Miami Youth Symphony.
By 1959 Strassburg had over 70 musicians and weekly rehearsals. [5] Strassburg left to become dean at a university but the organization continued to grow and thrive.
In 1966 the Greater Miami Youth Symphony had grown into the area's preeminent academy for classical music. Led by Dr. Lucas Drew and with conductors including Dr. Frederick Fennell and Dr. Phillip Fink, the GMYS was adopted as the pre-collegiate music academy for the University of Miami.
The GMYS now has several chamber ensembles, and six preparatory orchestral instrument programs at different locations in South Miami-Dade County.
Distinguished alumni
edit- Navah Perlman
- Sharon Aguilar
- Ceasar Lamonaca Jr.
External Links
editReferences
edit- ^ Steiner, Marty (6 September 2021). "The Role of the Youth Symphony Orchestra". SBO Magazine. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
- ^ Steiner, Marty (Jul 2018). "Symphonic Youth". School Band & Orchestra. 21 (7): 32-34.
- ^ "What Practice Does". Miami Herald. Aug 21, 1955. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
- ^ . Miami Herald. Miami Herald. Aug 10, 1958 http://www.herald.com. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
{{cite news}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ Reno, Doris (Dec 13, 1959). "Toscanini keeps an eye on young musicians". Miami Herald. Miami Herald. Retrieved 15 June 2024.