Honoring Patricia Kelly's remarkable career with MYS

Patricia Kelly will be ending her time as String Orchestra Conductor at the end of the 2024–25 season.

For 28 years, the Minnesota Youth Symphonies has had the good fortune to have Patricia Kelly as the director of the String Orchestra. For hundreds and perhaps thousands of MYS students and families, Pat has been the person who has welcomed them into the fold, which she has done with boundless warmth, humor and humanity. She has, quite literally, changed and improved the lives of countless young people. At the heart of her work (and it's a big, big heart) is a deep, joyful love of music and its power to unite and transform communities for the better. 

Pat, on behalf of everyone whose music-making has been touched by your work at MYS, we thank you, and wish you congratulations on a remarkable, transformative tenure!

Mark Mandarano
Artistic Director and Symphony Conductor

Here is a message from Patricia:

It is with sadness yet also excitement that I end my time as a conductor with the String Orchestra with Minnesota Youth Symphonies. As I have told my students, Saturday mornings have been my "happy place" for 28 years. It has always been a place of healing, caring, creativity, humor, serious music making and hugs. I have always felt the love in this place from colleagues, parents and students. I will miss it and I have been blessed. 

But I will come to concerts, see you all at the SPCO, the MO, the Schubert Club! I continue to work with students and adults as a Community Specialist with MacPhail. I also continue to play in my quartet, run my resort, Coppersmith Lodge, and play in Tango Orchestras! Thank you all for all the great music memories. We have one more great show on the 27th! 

Remember that these young players grow up. They are our future and we are in good hands. 

—Patricia Kelly