NYO2

Outstanding young American instrumentalists form NYO2, a free orchestra program that comes together alongside the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA) and NYO Jazz each summer for intensive training and performance opportunities. NYO2 has a particular focus on recruiting musicians from communities in which fewer opportunities for high-level musical training are available. Participating musicians have the opportunity to work closely with top players from American orchestras and conservatories during a residency at Purchase College, State University of New York.

In summer 2025, the ensemble gathers from July 12 to August 6, performing at Carnegie Hall before making its European debut as one of the resident orchestras at the Edinburgh International Festival.

Ages: 14–16
Available for Young Musicians: Nationally
Season: Summer Program

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Meet the Orchestra NYO2 Details Follow NYO2 Upcoming Events More NYO Ensembles Supporters
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NYO2 Tours the Dominican Republic

In July 2023, NYO2 traveled to the Dominican Republic, embarking on its first-ever international tour. The ensemble performed concerts, presented by Fundación Sinfonía, at the Teatro Nacional Eduardo Brito in Santo Domingo and Gran Teatro del Cibao in Santiago, engaging in cultural exchange and side-by-side events with local young musicians along the way. Watch the recap video here!

NYO2 musicians wearing red pants and black tops perform on stage at Carnegie Hall
Meet the Orchestra
Meet the extraordinary young musicians of NYO2.

NYO2 Details

Application Information

Each year, NYO2 invites young musicians ages 14–16 to audition for its summer season.
Guest Artists & Faculty
NYO2 musicians are led by a stellar faculty of players from America’s top orchestras and perform with world-class guest artists.
Past Seasons
Discover highlights and favorite moments from past NYO2 seasons.

Follow NYO2

Follow NYO2 on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Upcoming Events

Carnegie Hall Presents

NYO2

7 PM Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage

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More National Youth Ensemble Information

National Youth Orchestra of the USA

NYO-USA brings together extraordinary instrumentalists ages 16–19 for intensive training with outstanding faculty and guest artists.
NYO Jazz
Each summer, gifted young jazz musicians ages 16–19 come together as NYO Jazz to train with and learn from world-class jazz masters.
NYO Alumni

Discover accomplishments of alums, who have gone on to join some of the country’s top orchestras and ensembles.
Lead Donors: Hope and Robert F. Smith, The Kovner Foundation, and Beatrice Santo Domingo.
Public support for NYO2 is provided by Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand through the U.S. Department of Education.
Global Ambassadors: Michael ByungJu Kim and Kyung Ah Park, Hope and Robert F. Smith, and Maggie and Richard Tsai.
Leadership support for NYO2 is provided by the Estate of Joan Eliasoph.
Pershing Square Foundation
Major support for NYO2 is provided by Veronica Atkins, Mercedes T. Bass, Ronald E. Blaylock and Petra Pope, Clive and Anya Gillinson, Beth and Joshua Nash, Pershing Square Philanthropies, Melanie and Jean E. Salata, Sarah Billinghurst Solomon and Howard Solomon, and the Victor and William Fung Foundation.
United Airlines®, Airline Partner to the National Youth Ensembles.
Founder Patron: Beatrice Santo Domingo.
Ernst & Young Logo
With additional funding provided by Alphadyne Foundation, Sarah Arison, Ernst & Young LLP, Mary I. and John E. Hull, Stella and Robert Jones, Martha and Robert Lipp, the Morton H. Meyerson Family Foundation, and David S. Winter.

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