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A world-class musical experience, right here in Montana
An Unparalleled Experience
The 2026 Montana Youth Symphony takes place in Helena, MT and Missoula, MT from July 27 to August 2. The week-long residency has a jam-packed, energizing schedule.
The orchestra rehearses and performs a world-class symphonic repertoire under the direction of Maestro Gordon Johnson, with sectionals led by professional Montana musicians. The orchestra also travels to Jackson Hole, WY to work with members of the Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra and attend one of their concerts.Throughout the week, we offer additional activities such as musician health and wellness classes, guest artist recitals, and chamber music rehearsals and performances.
The schedule below gives you a hint of what to expect!
- Monday, July 27: Musician arrival and check-in at Carroll College in Helena, MT
- Tuesday-Thursday, July 28-30: Orchestra and chamber music rehearsals at Carroll College
- Thursday, July 30: Evening chamber music recital
- Friday, July 31: Travel to Grand Teton Music Festival for rehearsal with musicans of the GTMF and a performance of the Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra
- Saturday, August 1: Rehearsal with Sir Donald Runnicles at the Grand Teton Music Festival and travel to Missoula
- Sunday, August 2: 3pm - Montana Youth Symphony Gala concert at the University of Montana Dennison Theater
Composition
The Montana Youth Symphony invites young composers to submit original celebratory compositions for symphony orchestra. Entries will be adjudicated by three distinguished composers, and the winner will earn a cash prize in addition to world premiere performances of their piece.
Composition Information
Composition Information
Auditioning
Information and materials on auditioning for MYS are now available on our Audition page.
Interested MYS participants must complete an application form and upload their audition materials to this website. Candidates will be notified of their status by mid-April 2026.
Audition Information
Interested MYS participants must complete an application form and upload their audition materials to this website. Candidates will be notified of their status by mid-April 2026.
Audition Information
MYS Internships
The Montana Youth Symphony will hire two interns to assist in the production of the 2026 summer festival. The position responsibilities will include tasks in the realms of production coordination and orchestra management. The interns will work on-site during the festival week, and may be eligible to play in the Montana Youth Symphony, depending on a successful separate audition process.
Apply Now
Apply Now
