This July, Carnegie Hall brings together more than 200 of America’s top teen instrumentalists to perform as part of the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA), NYO2 and NYO Jazz.
Upon arrival, all three ensembles will take part in an intensive two-week training residency at Purchase College, State University of New York (SUNY) before performing at Carnegie Hall and embarking on tours on three continents, marking the first time that all three ensembles are simultaneously touring internationally.
In total, 208 musicians take part in this year’s program, representing 40 states plus the District of Columbia and Guam.
After launching NYO-USA in 2013, Carnegie Hall built on this national program’s success by introducing two additional ensembles — NYO2, a sister orchestra for younger musicians, in 2016, and NYO Jazz in 2018. Each of these highly selective, free programs is dedicated to the proposition that talented young musicians thrive when they have the opportunity to expand their musical, social and cultural horizons and share their artistry with audiences around the globe.
Since 2013, more than 1,500 musicians have taken part in the program and more than 100 alums have gone on to join professional orchestras and ensembles.
“We are thrilled to welcome the remarkable musicians of NYO-USA, NYO2 and NYO Jazz this July,” said Clive Gillinson, Carnegie Hall’s executive and artistic director. “It is a truly joyful experience to bring together America’s finest young musicians, as they are poised to begin a summer filled with tremendous musical growth, community-building and cultural exchange. These young musicians — who come from nearly every part of the country — remind us of the bright future ahead. We look forward to another summer of nurturing the talents of young people from across America and inspiring them to take their playing to even higher levels as they prepare to share their love of music with audiences at Carnegie Hall and worldwide as stellar music ambassadors for their country.”
In addition to full ensemble rehearsals at Purchase, the young musicians take part in sectional rehearsals, master classes, private lessons and more.
This summer’s NYO-USA is comprised of 96 members — ages 16-19 and hailing from 29 states plus the District of Columbia — who have been recognized by Carnegie Hall as being among the finest players in the country, following a comprehensive national audition process. This summer’s roster features 29 musicians who previously gained experience through NYO2.
Among the musicians is violinist Leila Warren, 16, of Ponte Vedra Beach. The Ponte Vedra High School student is involved with the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra. She also speaks American Sign Language and is inspired by Stan Getz, Berlioz, Ted Jasper, Lana Del Rey and Augustin Hadelich. She is a previous member of the NYO2.
