The prestigious Carnegie Hall stage recently witnessed a unique spectacle: teenage musicians from the National Youth Orchestra of the USA, not performing, but collectively taking selfies. This lighthearted moment marked the beginning of the orchestra's 10th anniversary celebration, a testament to its success in nurturing the next generation of musical talent.
Following intensive training at Purchase College, the young musicians, aged 16-19, assembled at Carnegie Hall to perform under the baton of renowned conductor Andrew Davis. The 2,800-seat auditorium was filled with proud family members and friends, eager to witness the culmination of their hard work.
This year's orchestra, comprised of 108 talented individuals from 31 states and Puerto Rico, is set to embark on an eight-concert tour across North America, showcasing their skills in various cities including Groton, Massachusetts; Joliette, Quebec; Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Stanford, California; and San Diego.
Davis, the esteemed former head of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Glyndebourne Festival, and Lyric Opera of Chicago, joins a distinguished list of conductors who have led the National Youth Orchestra, including Valery Gergiev, David Robertson, Marin Alsop, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Antonio Pappano.
The Friday night concert at Carnegie Hall, broadcast live and streamed by WQXR radio, featured a diverse program including the world premiere of Valerie Coleman's "Giants of Light," Barber's Violin Concerto with Gil Shaham, and Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique."
Davis described his approach to conducting the young musicians as harnessing their energy and enthusiasm to achieve a unified musical vision. He emphasized his focus on communication during rehearsals, providing detailed guidance to help them understand the nuances of each piece.
Carnegie Hall's outreach efforts to identify promising young musicians involve contacting schools, music education programs, and arts commissions nationwide. The selection process is highly competitive, with numerous applicants vying for limited spots in each instrument section. The application period opens after Labor Day and extends into November, with invitations issued in February following a rigorous review process.
The program has a remarkable track record, with alumni securing positions in prestigious orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, as well as academies of the Berlin Philharmonic and Paris Opéra.
Inspired by the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, Carnegie Hall's Executive and Artistic Director, Clive Gillinson, established the program in the U.S. Gillinson, a cellist himself, emphasized the transformative power of playing alongside exceptional young musicians.
Funded by Carnegie Hall and its donors, the program selects members through Zoom auditions, excluding students from high-level music schools like Juilliard. The focus is on providing opportunities to talented young musicians from diverse backgrounds.
The experience has been deeply impactful for the young musicians, offering invaluable mentorship and insights from seasoned professionals like Davis and Shaham. The program not only hones their musical skills but also broadens their understanding of the vast musical landscape.
The National Youth Orchestra's 10th anniversary is a celebration of its commitment to fostering musical talent and enriching the lives of young musicians across the country. It stands as a shining example of the power of music education and the enduring legacy of Carnegie Hall.
