Teddy Bears and Toys

David Dust, Guest Conductor

Our winner of the 2022-23 Silent Auction, "Conduct the GVO" will make his first appearance with the orchestra. David Dust is currently a 5th grader who enjoys playing the violin and is a member of GTCYs (Greater Twin Cities Youth Orchestra).  When David is not playing his violin, or going to school he enjoys video games and reading. Please help the orchestra welcome David to the podium!

Pauline Huey-Fen Hsu, Soprano

Pauline Huey-Fen Hsu is a Taiwanese soprano and makes her first appearance with the Golden Valley Orchestra.

Receiving the title of “New Voice Rising Star” from the Association of Vocal Artists of Taiwan, Ms. Hsu has also received many awards and scholarships in the US and Taiwan. This includes awards from/in The Wonderlic Voice Competition in Maryland, National Taiwan Student Music Competition, Taichung Student Music Competition, Nan-hai Rotary Scholarship Awards Competition in Vocal Music and Tunghai University’s Concerto Competition.  Ms. Hsu has also been the recipient of a merit-based scholarship from Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University and was recently awarded a full scholarship and teaching assistantship from the University of Minnesota.

Performing actively in the University of Minnesota Theatre, Ms Hsu has sung many leading roles, including “Adele” from Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, “Queen of the Night” from Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, “Madame Herz” from Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor and “Flora” from Britten’s The Turn of the Screw. Ms. Hsu has also appeared with many choruses and orchestras as a soloist, including singing Mozart’s Mass in C minor, K.427, “The Great” and performing Poulenc’s Gloria with Peabody Symphony Orchestra.

Ms. Hsu got her Master of Art (MA) from Tunghai University in Taiwan, and Master of Music (MM) from Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Vocal Performance at The University of Minnesota, studying under the tutelage of Professor Jane Giering-De Haan.

Dale Alexander, Drummer

Dale Alexander is an American drummer, songwriter, pianist, and music director. Originally from the Minneapolis area, Dale’s career began early when just after graduating from high school - Dale performed with the nationally known soul group the Temptations. During this time Dale also was in his first band - a trio with Prince and Andre Cymone, where he recorded with Prince on the 94 East Street CD project right before Prince signed his solo contract. Subsequently Dale went onto tour with Prince on the Sign ‘O the Times World tour as the drummer for Madhouse (the opening act for the tour). ​

While touring and in his twenties, Dale studied with Marvin Dahlgren and Dr. Reginald Buckner from the University School of Music and was recently recognized by the University of Wisconsin with the National Jazz Education Award for his outstanding individual performance as a percussionist.

In the late 80's Dale turned his sights toward studying piano with Manfredo Fest and became the Musical Director for Andiamo’s, a world class jazz club in Aspen in the 90's where he worked and lived until moving to the Los Angeles area.

In 2010, Dale was nominated for a Grammy as composer and musician for “Singularity” – a song he wrote for the legendary songwriter of “Light My Fire”, Robbie Krieger of the Doors. Dale met Robbie while Krieger was in production for the movie “The Doors”, directed by the great Oliver Stone. “As a songwriter, this is a moment we wait for – to be nominated by your peers”, stated Dale. “I was fortunate enough to perform with Robbie on multiple recording projects, toured with him as a drummer and when the personnel changed became his pianist. What a great experience to tour the world with a legend who’s known for his work as a member of The Doors”.

Today, Dale continues to accept local, national, and international engagements to either perform as a drummer, pianist, or music director. With performances and recordings with well-known rock and jazz artists such as; George Benson, Everett Harp - Larry Graham, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Frank Morgan, Billy Eckstine, John Heard Herb Ellis, Phil Upchurch, Eric Burdon (War), Buddy Miles (Jimmy Hendrix), Edgar Winter, Jimmy Smith, Diane Reeves, Barbara Morrison, Glen Frey, Jimmy Buffet, Billy Taylor, The Temptations, Sheila E, Prince, Andre Cymone, Slash (Guns & Roses), Jimmy Jam, Terri Lewis, Glen Frey (Eagles), Robbie Kreiger (The Doors), Marilyn Manson, John Denver and Motown recording legend Wa Wah Watson - Dale’s career experiences continue to grow.

Dale notes that being home in Minneapolis has offered the opportunity to meet the next generation of performing artists, share his knowledge of the music business, and what it takes to navigate through the musical experience.

Ines Guanchez, Mistress of Ceremonies

Ines Guanchez is an associate digital producer at YourClassical Minnesota Public Radio. A graduate from the University of Minnesota, she holds master’s degrees in mass communications and piano performance. Ines has worked closely with major Twin Cities music organizations since 2016, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Cedar Cultural Center.

As an associate digital producer, Ines aims to increase the visibility of minorities in classical music. Some of her previous projects include hosting the Hispanic Heritage Month Stream, narrating the first Spanish YourClassical Storytime episode, and hosting national specials on the topics of Latin American classical music. An accomplished pianist, she founded the Dúo Ávila with fellow Venezuelan violinist Sofia Schutte, an ensemble that focuses on music by composers outside of the classical canon.

Please welcome Ines as she makes her first appearance as Mistress of Ceremonies with the Golden Valley Orchestra.