American Youth Symphony announces closure due to ‘insurmountable’ financial challenges

The American Youth Symphony (AYS) has today announced that it will permanently cease operation as a result of ‘financial challenges’ and an ‘inability to sustain operations’. The orchestra, which has been in existence for 59 years, will officially cease operation on Friday (15 March).

According to a press release published this afternoon, the orchestra’s financial predicament was worsened by the pandemic. Board chairman Kevin Dretzka said: ‘COVID-19 amplified AYS’s unsustainable financial infrastructure. We have exhausted every effort and hope the larger orchestral industry and classical music philanthropic community take note to shore-up these important pre-professional orchestras like AYS which directly benefit them.’

The orchestra, which offers training and fellowships to young musicians, gave its final concert on 25 February 2024 at the New Roads School. The AYS Up Close concert featured works chosen by the Fellows, including Ruth Gipps’ Seascape and Miguel del Águila’s Submerged.

AYS music director Carlos Izcaray said: ‘I am proud of the work that the staff did under incredible pressure, and will remain in awe of the progress our fellows showed throughout the last years. Many of them joined some of the best orchestras in the country, and several others became top studio musicians, composers, administrators, and entrepreneurs in the field. Unfortunately we were not able to secure the funding to pivot to a more sustainable model.’

Established in 1964 by conductor Mehli Mehta, AYS was founded with the aim of nurturing the next generation of professional musicians and ‘fostering a vibrant artistic community’. Presenting its programmes for free or at a low cost, the orchestra performed in venues including Royce Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall, as well as in its local Los Angeles community venues.

AYS’s recent achievements include the 2019 world premiere performance of composer Fil Eisler’s new violin concerto with violinist Sarah Chang in connection with the orchestra’s Korngold Commission Project and the 2020 world premiere performance of composer Kris Bowers’ For A Younger Self commissioned by AYS and performed by violinist Charles Yang.

Executive director Isabel Thiroux said: ‘We extend our deepest gratitude to our talented artists, dedicated staff, supportive patrons, and generous donors who have been instrumental in our journey. While this chapter may be closing, we are proud of the legacy we leave behind and the impact we have made in the lives of many.’