The New York Youth Symphony is one of the most awarded youth programs of its kind in the nation, including the 2022 Grammy award for Best Orchestral Performance. It is recognized for its innovative, educational programs for talented young musicians. Founded in 1963 as an orchestra to showcase the metropolitan area's most gifted musicians ages 10-22, its activities have since grown to encompass programs in chamber music, conducting, composition, jazz, musical theater songwriting and our newest orchestra, Crescendo with performances at world class venues including Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Through its commissioning program, The Jon Deak First Music Program, the NYYS has commissioned over 170 works from young composers since 1984.