Top Teen Musicians From Across the Country Selected for the 2020 National Youth Orchestra of the USA

By SBO+ Staff

Carnegie Hall has announced the names of the 115 outstanding young musicians selected from across the country for the eighth annual National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA).

The members of the 2020 orchestra—ages 16–19, hailing from 34 US states—have been recognized by Carnegie Hall as being among the finest players in the country following a comprehensive and highly selective audition process. This summer’s orchestra features 19 musicians who previously played with NYO-USA, as well as 24 musicians who gained experience through NYO2, a program for younger players ages 14–17. NYO-USA and NYO2 are offered free of charge, ensuring that all invited musicians have the opportunity to take part.

Click here for the names, instruments, and hometowns of the members of the 2020 National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America.

Following an intensive two-week training residency at Purchase College, SUNY, acclaimed conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, who has previously led NYO2 for the past two summers, returns to lead NYO-USA—joined by guest violinist Midori—at the orchestra’s annual Carnegie Hall concert and on a two-week tour of North American cities. The program includes Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring and Sibelius’s Violin Concerto, among other works. Two apprentice composers will also compose new works for the orchestra, which will be premiered during the tour.

“The musicians who make up NYO-USA’s 2020 roster are among the very best players in the nation,” said Clive Gillinson, Carnegie Hall’s executive and artistic director. “This promises to be an unforgettable summer for them—coming together to train with some of the top professional musicians in the country and challenging themselves to play at the highest level. These superb young players will also have the opportunity to connect with audiences across North America as musical ambassadors as they present extraordinary performances under the baton of conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto.”