MYSP Announces New Executive Director

The Memphis Youth Symphony Program (MYSP) Board of Directors has appointed Brittany Cooper-d’Orsay as the Executive Director, effective July 1, 2020.  The MYSP is the premier youth symphony program in Memphis, TN serving over 150 families annually.  Founded in 1966, the MYSP has been independently operated since 2006.

After approving a new three-year strategic plan, the MYSP Board set forth to embrace the recommended organizational growth by hiring an Executive Director through an open, competitive, and rigorous search process.  “We are excited to have Brittany’s leadership experience and creative ideas to take the organization in new directions during this next decade,” says Board Chair, Dr. Courtenay Harter.  

With over ten years of non-profit arts education management experience and a musical background, Brittany Cooper-d’Orsay has been a leader in the Memphis arts community.  She has served as the Personnel Manager of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Musical Arts Coordinator at Rhodes College, the Manager of Education Partnerships at The Orpheum Theatre, and most recently the Director of Operations for PRIZM.  Brittany has an undergraduate degree in music and anthropology from Vanderbilt University and a master’s degree in music from the University of Michigan.

As with many arts nonprofits, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the MYSP’s programming efforts.  The MYSP Board of Directors will be working closely with Brittany to determine safe and creative ways to continue providing music education opportunities for Mid-South students next season.  “This is an uncertain time to be a leader of an arts organization, but I am up for the challenge,” says Brittany.  “I am passionate about growing the MYSP to provide innovate and accessible musical opportunities for all young Memphis musicians.”