Charleston Symphony hires Ryan Silvestri as Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra conductor

The Charleston Symphony announced Ryan Silvestri as the conductor for its new education program, Charleston Symphony Youth Strings (CSYS).  The program will launch in September of 2019. CSYS will serve as a bridge to the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra (CSYO), designed to help younger string musicians sharpen their ensemble skills and prepare for the demands of playing in a full symphony orchestra. CSYS is open to students in grades 5-9.  Students should have a good understanding of basic techniques, and the ability to read music.

Silvestri is in his seventh year as Director of Orchestras at Wando High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from Florida State University and a master’s degree in violin performance from UNC-Greensboro. He completed his string education studies with the late Dr. Michael Allen, co-author of the Essential Elements for Strings series. As a violinist, Mr. Silvestri has performed with the Charleston, Greensboro, and Tallahassee Symphonies. He has also served as Concertmaster of the Brevard Music Center Sinfonia Orchestra.

The CSYS will rehearse weekly on Sundays at the Charleston County School of the Arts from 2:30pm-4:30pm. For more information about the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra programs, please visit  www.charlestonsymphony.org/csyo.

About the CSO

This year, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra will enter its 83rd season of providing superior musical performances to the area. Founded in 1936, the CSO is the cornerstone of Charleston’s arts scene, performing at the Gaillard Center and throughout the tri-county region. Employing 24 full-time musicians and 14 full-time staff, the CSO also participates in numerous community engagement events, special concerts, and school programs throughout South Carolina.