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ABOUT AYS

OUR MISSION

To inspire the future of classical music by providing landmark fellowships to virtuosic young adults and exceptional, innovative, and free concerts to the Los Angeles community.

90

MUSICIANS IN THE AYS ORCHESTRA

9,000

AUDIENCE MEMBERS SERVED EACH YEAR

1,900

AYS ALUMNI AND GROWING

57

YEARS OF HISTORY

ABOUT US

Competitively selected, our orchestra is comprised of 100 musicians who represent extraordinary talent from all over the world. By offering our community remarkable concerts at world-class venues, we remain committed to creating access and opportunity for everyone to experience the inspiration of this beautiful art form. An elite fellowship opportunity, AYS is designed to prepare the concert artists of tomorrow for leadership in 21st-century orchestras and ensembles. Musicians receive 

in-depth exposure to the varied styles of symphonic music, from classical masterworks to world premieres and unforgettable film scores. 

CARLOS IZCARAY

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Carlos Izcaray is Music Director of the American Youth Symphony and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Praised by international press, he won top prizes at the 2007 Aspen Music Festival and later at the 2008 Toscanini International Conducting Competition. Since then he has appeared with numerous ensembles across five continents and is now firmly established as one of the leading conductors of his generation. Throughout his career Izcaray has shown special interest and prowess in tackling some of the most complex scores in the symphonic repertoire, while also championing the historically informed approach to works from past eras.

“The American Youth Symphony stands high, mastering the challenge of performing film music with all its unconventional meters and rhythms. Don’t be deceived by the label of ‘youth’ orchestra; the AYS is the real deal.”

JUSTIN CRAIG, FILM SCORE MONTHLY

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