Mei-Ann Chen conducts NYO2 in Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis after Themes by Carl Maria von Weber in preparation for the orchestra’s streamed performance. Photo: Chris Lee
“Each summer, New York City’s Carnegie Hall brings together more than 200 of the most talented young musicians from across the United States to train and perform as part of its three national youth ensembles: National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA), NYO2, and NYO Jazz,” reads an unsigned article in Saturday’s (7/24) Violin Channel. “The program involves an intensive three-week residency and is usually followed by an international tour.” This year the three ensembles presented a free live-streamed concert on July 24, in place of a tour. In an interview, Doug Beck, Carnegie Hall’s director of artist training programs, says, “The biggest difference in this year’s program is the level of digital production for all three groups. We’re [doing] more studio-style recording.… During the quarantine period, the NYO2 players [and] the members of the New World Symphony [discussed] the different ways to use a music degree…. Our conducting staff has run a few sessions…. We … commissioned a piece for NYO2 from a young composer called Molly Joyce, [and] we have a piece by Anna Clyne … and we are featuring several works by our apprentice composers.” The ensembles’ July 24 concert is available on Carnegie Hall’s sites.
