What are the Americas?
The Americas are the lands of the Western Hemisphere or New World, consisting of the continents of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions.
What is Youth Orchestra of the Americas (YOA)?
Youth Orchestra of the Americas (YOA) is a multicultural world-class symphony orchestra of 100 gifted young musicians from more than 20 countries of the Western Hemisphere.
Who established YOA?
Founded in 2001 by New England Conservatory and Vision, Inc., YOA was inspired by the National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras of Venezuela created by José Antonio Abreu.
Where is YOA based?
YOA staff is based in Arlington, Virginia, USA. The majority of YOA musicians live and study in countries of the Western Hemisphere. A small percentage are based in Europe. YOA musicians travel to and from home to rehearse and perform in the orchestra’s programs throughout the year-long season.
What is the purpose of YOA?
The aim of the orchestra is to pursue musical excellence, developing young leaders with intercultural understanding, inspire a spirit of hemispheric unity, and be a catalyst for social change.
Who is eligible to join YOA?
YOA accepts musicians between the ages of 18 and 26 who are citizens of countries of the Americas. All musicians participate on a full scholarship to achieve the greatest diversity possible.
How are musicians selected?
Musicians are selected from a rigorous audition process at local, national, and international levels.
What is the signature program of YOA?
The most important program takes place in July/August, when the full orchestra gathers for a two-week residency. The musicians rehearse as an orchestra in sectionals, master-classes, and chamber ensembles. Led by principal conductors Carlos Miguel Prieto and Gustavo Dudamel, the young musicians are also tutored by a prestigious music faculty from the most respected institutions and professional orchestras in the world. This is followed by a three-week concert tour in multiple countries of the Western hemisphere, and beyond. Smaller programs take throughout the year long season.