The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS) was founded in 1963 as the Youth Orchestra of New York. Its first performance at Carnegie Hall included music by Wagner and Britten performed by 80 young musicians, as well as the Beethoven Violin Concerto featuring a young Israeli violinist, Itzhak Perlman. Now in its 56th season, the NYYS is heralded as a leader in music education, performance, and commissioning in the metropolitan area. It is nationally recognized for innovative programs in orchestral training, conducting, chamber music, jazz, composition and musical theater composition, all of which are tuition-free made possible by over $1 million dollars in scholarships. More than 220 musicians ages 12-22 enroll through merit-based auditions each fall and participate in its high-impact programs. The NYYS is proud to provide teen- and college-age musicians invaluable opportunities to train for professional careers and prepare for life while making pivotal decisions about their future. The educational model uses public performance as the crucible to motivate students in their learning process as well as in their application of musical skills and presentation. In addition, the NYYS provides guidance on applying to schools, careers in the arts, audience engagement, and physical health. Critically acclaimed concerts are given for more than 8,500 people in Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, Queens College, Weill Recital Hall, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. The performances offer affordable, high-quality opportunities for a wide range of concert-goers, including senior citizens, students, disadvantaged families, and people with disabilities. An extensive outreach program offers more than 2,500 complimentary tickets annually.