Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies names new artistic director

The Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies has named Mark Russell Smith as its new artistic director. The hire takes effect in June 2013.

Conductor Mark Russell Smith

Image courtesy of the University of Minnesota

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Smith is director of orchestral studies at the University of Minnesota's School of Music and music director of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra in Davenport, Iowa.

Smith, an accomplished cellist, currently serves as the GTCYS interim artistic advisor and conductor.

Smith has previously conducted the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Richmond Symphony Orchestra and Phoenix Symphony.

You can find out more about Smith and his work here, here, here and here.