World Youth Symphony Orchestra


World Youth Symphony Orchestra

Led by world-renowned conductors, WYSO plays advanced repertoire chosen from traditional and contemporary masterpieces, as well as other influential genres, in this challenging and extraordinary orchestral experience.

Students accepted into WYSO play with the world's most talented young musicians. You'll learn from the nation's foremost conductors and concertmasters and play in breathtaking settings. As members of Interlochen Arts Camp's preeminent music ensemble, WYSO performers develop lifelong friendships and a deep passion for the arts. 

WYSO Conductors

The World Youth Symphony Orchestra conductors hail from some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, ensembles, and conservatories. Under the guidance of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Cristian Macelaru, the WYSO conductors lead the ensemble in daily rehearsals and provide insights about the historical context and musical interpretation of the repertoire. They also serve as mentors, coaches, and inspirations to our talented students and bring decades of real-world experience to Camp each summer.

Please note the gallery may showcase previous conductors.

Jader Bignamini

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

JoAnn Falletta

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

Delyana Lazarova

Winner of the 2020 James Conlon Conducting Prize

Cristian Măcelaru

Orchestre National de France

Matthew Straw

Strasbourg National Opera

Rebecca Tong

Jakarta Simfonia Orchestra

The Rep

The repertoire for World Youth Symphony Orchestra includes some of the most challenging classical and contemporary pieces performed by young musicians. Each summer, we strive to offer diverse, compelling repertoire for tomorrow's creative changemakers.

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World Youth Symphony Orchestra Interlochen Arts Camp

Valade Concertmasters

Selected from the ranks of America’s finest orchestras, the Valade Concertmasters serve as mentors and role models for World Youth Symphony Orchestra violinists. They participate in rehearsals and tap into their many decades of orchestral leadership experience to teach our violin players and future concertmasters.

Please note the gallery may showcase previous concertmasters.

Celeste Golden Boyer

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Martin Chalifour

Los Angeles Philharmonic

Jeff Thayer

San Diego Symphony

Valade Fellows

The Valade Fellows are elite musicians and teaching artists who provide guidance and mentorship to the World Youth Symphony Orchestra’s woodwind, brass, percussion, and string students. Like the Valade Concertmasters, the Valade Fellows attend rehearsals, lead sectionals, and offer instrument-specific perspectives on a variety of musical and professional topics.

Please note the gallery may showcase previous instructors.

All Faculty

Matthew Roitstein

Matthew Roitstein

Principal Flute
St. Louis Symphony

Sharon Sparrow

Sharon Sparrow

Assistant Principal Flute
Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Dwight Parry

Dwight Parry

Principal Oboe, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; Valade Instructor of Oboe, Interlochen Arts Camp

Linda Strommen

Linda Strommen

Professor of Oboe
Indiana University

YaoGuang Zhai

YaoGuang Zhai

Principal Clarinet
Baltimore Symphony

William Short

William Short

Principal Bassoon
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra

Brad Gemeinhardt headshot 2022 closeup 400x600

Brad Gemeinhardt

Principal Horn
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra

Bruce Henniss

Bruce Henniss

Associate Professor of Horn
Ohio State University

John Aley

John Aley

Principal Trumpet
Madison Symphony Orchestra

Valade Fellow, Trumpet
Interlochen Arts Camp

Vincent DiMartino

Vincent DiMartino

Valade Fellow, Instructor of Trumpet

Philip Sinder interlochen arts camp

Philip Sinder

Professor of Tuba and Euphonium
Michigan State University

David Zerkel

David Zerkel

Professor of Tuba and Euphonium
University of Michigan

Natalie Helm

Natalie Helm

Principal Cello
Sarasota Orchestra

Melissa Kraut

Melissa Kraut

Cello Department Co-Chair
Cleveland Institute of Music

Larry Hurst

Lawrence P. Hurst

Professor Emeritus of Strings
Indiana University

Kurt Muroki

Kurt Muroki

Professor of Double Bass
Indiana University

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Camp with a free digital viewbook

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In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about: 

  • Each of our seven arts areas 
  • Various programs 
  • Renowned faculty 
  • A day in the life of a student 
  • How to apply and financial aid information 
  • And more

Join the Ensemble

For hundreds of professional musicians, performing with the World Youth Symphony Orchestra was a pivotal moment in their careers, igniting a lifelong passion for orchestral performance. Today, former members of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra can be found among the ranks of top orchestras in the United States and around the world.