About NYO-China

The National Youth Orchestra of China (NYO-China) is a full symphony youth orchestra composed of approximately 100 Chinese musicians aged 14 to 21 years old. Students gather for two and a half weeks in the United States to partake in a training residency before premiering at Carnegie Hall and participating in a concert tour abroad. In doing so, China’s most promising young musicians are able to serve as ambassadors for both their country and their generation on a global stage.

NYO-China was established in 2016 with its first residency and concert tour taking place in Summer 2017, beginning with a debut concert officially presented by Carnegie Hall; the sold-out premiere, which featured renowned pianist Yuja Wang, received critical acclaim from numerous publications including The New York Times. Inspired by Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA), NYO-China was created in part to complement its American analogue, which was identified as a cultural pillar at the the US-China High Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE) that was co-chaired by Vice Premier Liu Yandong and Secretary of State John Kerry.

The entire program is provided at no costs to students; all expenses, including tuition, travel, and housing, are covered to ensure that no talented musician is ever turned away for lack of funds.

Endorsements
Robert Blocker | The Henry and Lucy Moses Dean of Music at Yale
“These young musicians are going to be playing in the great concert halls of the world, making music with some of the most celebrated artists across the globe. NYO-China will be a transformative experience for them.”
Sir Clive Gillinson | Executive and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall
“The growth of music in China is astounding. It is going to be a central part of what defines music in the 21st century world. NYO-China will be a beacon of excellence and something everyone aspires to.”
Gary Graffman | Former President of the Curtis Institute of Music
“When I listen to the extraordinary students at Curtis, I hear the bright future of classical music. Now, NYO-China is helping their Chinese counterparts contribute to that same narrative but for audiences everywhere.”
Yue-Sai Kan | Emmy Award-Winning Television Host & Entrepreneur
“All performance, from musical concerts to beauty pageants, inspires people to strive for excellence in their field. The young musicians of NYO-China will be motivated by the opportunity to perform for the world.”
Gary Locke | Former US Ambassador to China
“NYO-China will bring people together through the common language of music. It will help break down barriers that have long existed between countries and promote an understanding of each other’s culture.”
Ron Losby | CEO of Steinway & Sons
“NYO-China gives students an opportunity to perform for large audiences what they have practiced for so long. There's nothing quite like a concert experience, and it will live within them for many years to come.”
Chien Chung Pei | Chairman of the Board at the China Institute
“Music is something that gets into your blood, and something that you can’t get rid of! For all the young artists of China, this orchestra is an excellent opportunity for them to expand their whole idea of what music is all about.”
Tan Dun | Academy Award-Winning Composer
“Writing for and performing with a youth orchestra has been one of the best ways to train myself as a composer and conductor. Young musicians always inspire me. Learning from them is the reason that I'm here.”
Ye Xiaogang | President of the Chinese Musicians Association
“Through this program, China's young artists will use their astounding musical ability to take on the world! This will be a historic orchestra and a cultural phenomenon to share with both China and the United States.”
Zhang Qiyue | Ambassador & Consul General of China in New York
“NYO-China is a unique platform to present China's most promising musical talents to the American public. It will prepare these young musicians as future leaders in art and culture, in China and throughout the world.”
Our Office

810 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2000
New York, New York 10019
United States
Contact Us

General Inquiries

Vincent Accettola

Managing Director

Nicholas Brown

Director of Project Development

Peggie Zhong

Communications Coordinator

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