Chamber Orchestra

MYSO is pleased to be able to present the Chamber Orchestra as an additional performance opportunity for advanced MYSO musicians. For more than 10 years the Chamber Orchestra has provided a unique opportunity to perform repertoire that does not require the large forces of a symphony orchestra. A relatively small string section and one-on-a-part wind and brass sections enhance this exceptional experience. The group makes music on a very high level and in a very intimate setting. Past performances attest to the terrific quality of this endeavor.

Who may participate?

Everyone in Senior Symphony is eligible to participate; however, depending on the instrumentation of the repertoire selected for a particular concert cycle, the ensemble may not be able to accommodate all those who express interest. Since much of the chamber orchestra literature was written for less than the full complement of wind and brass instruments (and certainly not with 54 violins in mind!), membership may have to be limited.

Chamber Orchestra Music Director

Carter Simmons

Carter Simmons is MYSO’s Artistic Director and Music Director of the Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonia. An ardent champion of young musicians, Mr. Simmons has been recognized by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for “distinguished contributions to music education in Wisconsin” while also receiving an award for Excellence in Youth Music Instruction from the Civic Music Association.

Mr. Simmons frequently serves as a clinician, consultant and guest conductor.  He has conducted orchestras including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Racine Symphony Orchestra, Kenosha Symphony Orchestra, Festival City Symphony, Concord Chamber Orchestra, the Gathering on the Green Festival Orchestra, Cream City Concert Band, and in Europe and China.  His training included seminars conducting the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and Eastman Wind Ensemble and as a finalist of the National Symphony Orchestra’s National Conducting Institute.  He worked with conductors John Locke, Thomas Dvorak and Larry Rachleff and was influenced in classes with Elizabeth A. H. Green, John Downey, Leon Fleischer, Gustav Meier, Frederick Fennell, H. Robert Reynolds, Christopher Wilkins, and Donald Thulean among others. 

Mr. Simmons continues to create new programs and collaborations at MYSO while fostering relationships with institutions such as the Sphinx Organization, First Stage Children’s Theater, Milwaukee Children’s Choir, Present Music, PianoArts, RUACH, the Milwaukee Ballet, Danceworks, and the MSO.  Mr. Simmons was President of the Board of Directors of the Civic Music Association and has spoken on arts related subjects both locally and across the country with the League of American Orchestras.  He is married to violinist, Pamela Simmons, and is blessed to be the father of two wonderful kids.