Darren Smith is a member of the Philharmonia Orchestra where he plays violin. This July he will travel by air over 17 hours to perform with an international cadre of youth musicians at the Sydney Opera House as a part of the Honors Performance Series (HPS). Performing at Sydney Opera House is an honor reserved for elite student performers and Darren was selected as a finalist for the second year in a row based upon his nomination and musical accomplishments. He will have an opportunity to work with and learn from renowned conductors as he prepares for a performance at one of the world’s most recognized and revered performance institutions.
The 2017-18 season was Darren's first season with MYSO and each week he traveled from Natchez, MS to rehearse and perform. Since joining MYSO, he has become indispensable on and off the stage. In addition to playing beautifully with the advanced orchestra of MYSO, he also recently assisted with the complicated stage setup for the spring concert. Staying late into the night to assist the conductor, he ensured a flawless experience for all the musicians.
Darren will enter his junior year at Natchez High School this fall where he is a member of the strings program. He started playing violin in the fifth grade after hearing and then becoming enthralled with the instrument. He practices every day including the weekends for at least an hour each day. Darren is also a member of the Air Force JROTC and is on the honor roll at Natchez High School.
Darren Smith will spend six days (July 18-23, 2018) in Sydney where he will study under master conductors, experience the highlights of “the Harbour City”, and get to know accomplished musicians from around the world. It is an experience and international performance adventure he will never forget. Congratulations, Darren!