The Youth Symphony opens its 51st season of concerts

Members of the New York Youth Symphony perform a concert as part of the opening season at Carnegie Hall Stern Auditorium on Nov. 24.

The New York Youth Symphony is the most awarded youth program of its kind in the nation and is recognized for its innovative, tuition-free educational programs for talented young musicians. Founded in 1963 as an orchestra to showcase the metropolitan area’s most gifted musicians ages 12 to 22, its activities have since grown to encompass programs in chamber music, conducting, composition, and jazz, with performances at world-class venues including Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Through its commissioning program, First Music, the symphony has commissioned more than 100 works from young composers since 1984.

The 51st season opens with operatic flair featuring works by Wagner and Richard Strauss. The Roy and Shirley Durst Debut Artist, pianist Michael Brown, makes his Carnegie Hall debut performing two works: a First Music commission by Katherine Blach and Mozart’s Piano Concerto in C major, K. 467.

New York Youth Symphony Orchestra performs on Nov. 24 at 2 pm; Tickets are $20 to $55.

Carnegie Hall Stern Auditorium [881 Seventh Ave. between W. 56th and W. 57th streets in Midtown; (212) 247–7800;www.nyys.org].