National Youth Orchestra group photo with instruments held in the air

National Youth Orchestra of USA

Introduction

Each summer, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute brings together 120 of the brightest young musicians, aged 16-19, from across the United States to form the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA). Following a comprehensive audition process and a two-week training residency at Purchase College, State University of New York, with a faculty made-up of principal players from top American orchestras, these remarkable teenagers embark on a tour to some of the great music capitals of the world, serving as dynamic musical ambassadors.

Launched in summer 2013 to great critical acclaim, the first-ever NYO-USA presented concerts with conductor Valery Gergiev and renowned violinist Joshua Bell for enthusiastic audiences in Washington DC; Moscow and St Petersburg; and at the BBC Proms, London. The New York Times remarked: “The performance exuded vitality and confidence.”

Since the inaugural tour in partnership with Askonas Holt the Orchestra has toured the USA, Europe, South America and Asia.

Tours

  • Jul 2025 - Aug 2025
    NYO USA | Asia | July 2025

    Gianandrea Noseda Ray Chen (violinist) Clara-Jumi Kang (violinist) Programme: Carlos Simon, Festive Overture, Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 Symphony Hall Osaka | Suntory Hall Tokyo | Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Photos

NYO USA
NYO USA at NCPA
NYO USA outside Carnegie Hall
NYO USA
NYO USA