Remembering Vicki Krueger, MYS Executive Director 1989–2016
Claudette and Manny Laureano (MYS Conductors Emeritus) with Vicki Krueger (center).
It is with sadness that we share the news of Vicki Krueger's passing on June 12, 2025. Vicki was the Executive Director for Minnesota Youth Symphonies from 1989–2016. Information about Vicki's life and memorial can be found at emblombrennyfuneral.com/obituaries/vicki-krueger.
Our condolences go out to Vicki's family, friends and community.
Here are some tributes from four of Vicki’s MYS colleagues who knew her best:
“When Vicki Krueger became head of the administrative staff of the Minnesota Youth Symphonies in 1989, we two fledgling co-artistic directors had high hopes for her future success as the new executive director, replacing Phyllis Patch who had that position since its inception. We did not imagine what a truly important and long-lasting relationship we would have, nor how vital it would be for the history of this organization.
It has been said by many that it was a trio rather than a duet that guided the shape of the organization as time went on. It was not just us who came up with ideas to build. Vicki contributed regularly on how to make MYS into an organization that would have a national impact rather than just on the local level. As more students came through our doors to audition, Vicki encouraged us to come up with more ideas, no matter how grandiose or audacious and she would keep her eyes on the purse strings in order to try to match creativity with practicality. Sometimes a daring idea was met with a firm "No", and other times, it was greeted with a hearty "Let's go for it."
Like a gem cutter, she encouraged us to introduce new facets to our audition process for talented students rather than just the typical solo pieces the young prospects would play. Scales, arpeggios, and orchestral excerpts became part of our auditions as youth orchestras looked at us and implemented the same rigorous challenges and standards. Together, the three of us would find as many ways to "polish the stone" as we could, all for the sake of giving Minnesota's young musicians the chance to make their mark.
Vicki was very clearly a driving force to get us to return to performing at Orchestra Hall and together, we fought for it to happen. With the encouragement and support of the board of directors, we did so while constantly raising the musical standards of our students so they would perform on a collegiate level, but none of this would have happened without her constant hard work and research. It is not an exaggeration to say that Vicki helped bring MYS into the 21st century.
Her retirement announcement was bittersweet, but we understood that every symphony has to end. What MYS became by the time she left in 2016 is a testament to innovation, creativity, and unbounded love for giving young people the chance to excel. As much as ours, her legacy is in the musicians who went on to play professionally and in those who remain lovers of great music, performing and attending concerts the world over while reminiscing about their "first time" playing or hearing great music. Her enduring legacy, as well as her warmth, smile, and positive nature will be missed by all those with whom she crossed paths at MYS.”
—Manny and Claudette Laureano, Conductors Emeritus
“Vicki Krueger was one of the most wonderful and capable women I have known. She was the heart of MYS for over 25 years.”
—Patricia Kelly, former MYS conductor
“I'm saddened to learn that Vicki Krueger has passed. Vicki led MYS with grace, common sense, compassion and love. Week after week, year after year, she shared her love for MYS with students, families, staff and conductors. Vicki made it possible for all of us to create an organization where we could say, ‘You'll be amazed’.”
—James Bartsch, former MYS conductor
