Meet the Founders

Brett and Brandon Stewart, founders of Millennial Choirs & Orchestras (MCO), grew up in Huntington Beach, California, immersed in the region’s vibrant music scene. From a young age, they studied under the guidance of renowned piano teacher Susan Bana, who fostered their technical skills and artistic development. The brothers also trained under Ted Reid, conductor of the award-winning Fountain Valley High School choral program, where they honed their choral and conducting abilities.

Their formative years included a well-rounded upbringing with family activities such as Boy Scouts, sports, and church service. After high school, Brett served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before pursuing degrees in piano performance and choral conducting at Chapman University, Brigham Young University (BYU), and the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music. Brandon also served a mission before studying at BYU and later attending The Juilliard School, where he earned recognition for his piano performance and choral conducting.

In 2007, as both brothers were nearing the completion of their graduate studies, Brett had a vision that would change their lives. In a dream, he was encouraged by his high school mentor, Ted Reid, to create a new musical organization. Brett shared his dream with Brandon, and together, they founded Millennial Choirs & Orchestras (MCO) with a focus on sacred and classical music. They began with auditions in Southern California, working out of their homes and relying on faith and a shared dream. The inaugural concert, held at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, was a resounding success and marked the beginning of MCO’s rapid growth.

Since its inception, MCO has expanded nationwide, with locations in California, Arizona, Texas, Utah, Idaho, and Kansas City. The Stewarts serve as composers-in-residence, creating much of the music performed and recorded by MCO’s choirs and orchestras. Their leadership, combined with a dedicated team of conductors, staff, and volunteers, has helped make MCO one of the largest and most respected musical organizations in the world. Through their work, the Stewarts remain committed to inspiring MCO participants and audiences to be a light to others, with a vision to continue expanding MCO’s influence globally.