New York Youth Symphony

New York Youth Symphony
Background information
OriginNew York, New York, United States
GenresClassical, popular music, soundtrack, new-age, musical theatre, film score
OccupationsSymphony orchestra
Years active1963 – present
MembersExecutive Director
John Kilkenny
Music Director
Andrew Jihong Kim
Assistant Conductor
Adrian Rogers
Concertmaster
Ana Isabella España
Orchestra Manager
Jennifer Ahn
Director of the Chamber Music Program
Lisa Tipton
Jazz Band Director
Michael Thomas
Composition Director
Kyle Blaha
Director of Artistic Operations
Jeremiah Adriano
Websitewww.nyys.org
Notable Alumni: Marin Alsop, Gerard Schwarz, Cho-Liang Lin

The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS), founded in 1963, is a music organization for the youth in New York City,[1] widely reputed to be one of the best of its kind in the nation and world. Its programs include its flagship Orchestra, Chamber Music, Jazz, Apprentice Conducting, Composition, and Musical Theater Songwriting Programs. Its members range from 12 to 22 years of age. NYYS members are said to include the most talented young musicians in the New York metropolitan area.[2][3][4] In 2023, the New York Youth Symphony won the Grammy Award for Best Orchestral Performance at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.

The NYYS is also a leader in classical music with its innovative commissioning program called First Music, established in 1984, in which young composers under the age of 30 are selected to write works for the programs.[5] Commissions have included composers such as David Lang, Augusta Read Thomas, Julia Wolfe, and Aaron Jay Kernis.[5]

  1. ^ Vivien Schweitzer (May 28, 2013). "Still Young, Even at 50; New York Youth Symphony at Carnegie Hall". The New York Times. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
  2. ^ "Opera & Classical Music Listings for March 6–12". The New York Times. March 5, 2015. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
  3. ^ Jennifer Smith (March 5, 2015). "Youth Symphony Drops Commissioned Work, Cites Nazi Element". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
  4. ^ Michael Cooper (March 4, 2015). "Youth Symphony Cancels Program That Quotes 'Horst Wessel' Song". The New York Times. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
  5. ^ a b Corinne Ramey (May 19, 2014). "New York's Cinderella Moment, Plus the Music of Youth". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved September 6, 2017.