American Youth Symphony

The American Youth Symphony (AYS) is a prominent non-profit organization based in El Segundo, California, with a rich history spanning over 57 years. It is dedicated to inspiring the future of classical music through providing landmark fellowships to virtuosic young adults and offering exceptional, innovative, and free concerts to the Los Angeles community. The AYS operates under the tax ID 95-2076046 as a 501(c)(3) organization.\n\nFounded with the mission to nurture the concert artists of tomorrow and prepare them for leadership in 21st-century orchestras and ensembles, the American Youth Symphony has established itself as a premier training ground for young musicians. The orchestra is competitively selected and comprises around 100 musicians who represent extraordinary talent from across the globe.\n\nThe AYS is committed to creating access and opportunity for everyone to experience the beauty of classical music. It achieves this by presenting remarkable concerts at world-class venues and by maintaining a strong commitment to community engagement. Each year, the American Youth Symphony serves approximately 9,000 audience members and boasts an alumni network of over 1,900 individuals.\n\nThe programs offered by AYS include the Korngold Commission, fellowships, community programs, and the Share-A-Stand initiative. These programs are designed to provide musicians with in-depth exposure to the varied styles of symphonic music, ranging from classical masterworks to world premieres and film scores.\n\nCarlos Izcaray serves as the Music Director of the American Youth Symphony. He is also the Music Director of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and has garnered international acclaim for his work. Izcaray has won top prizes at prestigious events such as the 2007 Aspen Music Festival and the 2008 Toscanini International Conducting Competition. His expertise lies in tackling complex symphonic scores and championing historically informed performances of works from past eras.\n\nThe AYS has been recognized for its exceptional performances, including film music, which demands a high level of skill due to unconventional meters and rhythms. Despite being labeled a \"youth\" orchestra, the AYS has been acknowledged as a professional ensemble, as noted by Justin Craig of Film Score Monthly.\n\nThe American Youth Symphony is located at 2301 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 2160, El Segundo, CA 90245. For further information or to support the organization, interested parties can contact AYS via phone at 310-470-2332 or email at info@AYSymphony.org. The AYS also maintains an active online presence through various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and SoundCloud, and encourages engagement through its newsletter and opportunities to donate.\n\nIn summary, the American Youth Symphony stands as a beacon of musical excellence and educational opportunity, fostering the development of young musicians and enriching the cultural landscape of Los Angeles and beyond.