The American Youth Symphony was founded in 1959, and organized in its current form in 1964 by Mehli Mehta. AYS has attained a reputation as one of the nation's most prestigious artistic institutions for young people, a rigorous training program for some of the country's best pre-professional musical artists and one of Southern California's most honored cultural treasures. Talent and potential are the only criteria for admittance to the orchestra. Countless AYS alumni are currently members of some of the finest professional orchestras worldwide. During the 2004-2005 season, AYS received the rare honor of an invitation from Carnegie Hall to make our New York Debut as part of our 40th anniversary celebration. Under the musical direction of Alexander Treger, AYS continues to train and nurture young musicians, while holding them to the very highest artistic standards.