Saint Paul, MN, September 12, 2011 – The unique alliance between The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies received a boost today, with $100,000 in support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. This alliance allows the two organizations to share expertise, resources and infrastructure, making both organizations financially stronger. The alliance will also provide opportunities for greater collaboration on programs. The grant will help fund the alliance’s start-up costs, including renovations to the offices at SPCO Center which are now shared with the youth symphonies, or GTCYS.  “We believe that this collaboration will result in both organizations better engaging the community at all levels, and we’re looking forward to seeing the synergies that emerge,” said Dennis Scholl, vice president/arts for Knight Foundation.

According to Sarah Lutman, president and managing director of the SPCO, “The Knight Foundation grant represents essential capital for this phase of the project. Real collaboration requires real capital and we are grateful to Knight Foundation for providing this critical support.” Amir Kats, the youth symphonies’ artistic director, said of the grant, “By underwriting the GTCYS-SPCO alliance, the Knight Foundation demonstrates a strength of vision that allows our organizations to forge new paths of musical vibrancy and relevancy in the Twin Cities. We are thrilled and grateful for their generous support.”

The new alliance is expected to take collaboration between the two organizations to new levels. The close proximity will allow the SPCO to provide GTCYS with ongoing mentoring on fundraising and management strategies, and will also make it easier for new collaboration to occur. Both organizations believe there is the potential for building and further engaging audiences as a result of the alliance.

ABOUT THE SAINT PAUL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA 

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, beginning its 53rd season in September 2011, is the nation’s only full-time professional chamber orchestra and is widely regarded as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world. In collaboration with five artistic partners – Roberto Abbado, Edo de Waart, Dawn Upshaw, Christian Zacharias and Thomas Zehetmair – the 34 virtuoso musicians present more than 130 concerts and educational programs each year, and are regularly heard on public radio’s Performance Today which reaches 1.3 million listeners each week on 256 stations, and SymphonyCast reaching 335,000 listeners each week on 126 stations nationwide. The SPCO has released 67 recordings, commissioned 127 new works, and performed the world premiere of 49 additional compositions. The SPCO has earned the distinction of 15 ASCAP awards for adventurous programming. Renowned for its artistic excellence and remarkable versatility of musical styles, the SPCO tours nationally and internationally, including performances in premier venues in Europe, Asia and South America. Launched in 1995, the SPCO’s award-winning CONNECT education program reaches nearly 6,000 students and teachers annually in 16 Minneapolis and St. Paul public schools. For more information, visit www.thespco.org.

ABOUT GREATER TWIN CITIES YOUTH SYMPHONIES

Established in 1972, the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) provides an inspiring orchestral experience for young musicians of all ages and abilities, and aids in their development both as young artists and young adults. Serving nearly 600 students each year, GTCYS’ educational programs are rigorous and comprehensive, and include: six academic-year orchestras, two summer orchestras and a string camp, chamber music with the esteemed Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Dedicated to sharing music with diverse audiences, GTCYS presents 20 annual concerts for 8,000 audience members at venues ranging from Orchestra Hall to Union Gospel Mission. Artistic Director Amir Kats forges strong relationships with music educators across Minnesota, coaching 3,000 students at school ensembles each year. Renowned for its rich touring history, GTCYS was the first western orchestra to perform in Fiji in 1992. Artistic collaborations include projects with Minnesota Chorale, Minnesota Orchestra, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and conductors Roberto Abbado, Leonard Slatkin, and Osmo Vänskä. Committed to increasing accessibility to music education, GTCYS awards nearly $20,000 in need-based scholarships every year and recently expanded its programs to the east metro and North Minneapolis. For more information, visit www.gtcys.org.

ABOUT THE JOHN S. AND JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION 

Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The foundation believes that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visitKnightFoundation.org.