YOA Orchestra of the Americas 

is a world-class symphony orchestra of gifted young musicians, ages 18 to 30, representing 25 countries in the Western Hemisphere. Since the beginning in 2001 YOA’s mission has been to empower young musical leaders to transform lives across the Americas and beyond. YOA brings renowned artists - from Yo-Yo Ma to Martha Argerich, from Plácido Domingo to Philip Glass - into the lives of young musicians, and diverse audiences. YOA has performed in settings that range from the most prestigious concert halls of Europe, China, and the Americas to outdoor venues not often associated with symphonic music. YOA has reached millions through live performances, television and radio broadcasts, CD recordings, print media, and documentary films. The season centerpiece is a July - August Residence and Concert Tour held each year in different regions of the world. Musicians, Faculty, Conductors, and Guest artists gather for a 2-week Residence of daily full orchestra and sectional rehearsals to prepare diverse and challenging repertoire to take on a month-long Tour. In 2016 the tour will be joined by musicians form the Baltic region. YOA is also organizing the Global Leaders Program which is an annual yearlong training course that supports the transformation of exceptional musicians into leading social entrepreneurs. The Program combines unique on-site leadership development in diverse international settings with a remote classroom curriculum guided by a world-class pioneering faculty. Participants grow simultaneously as cultural entrepreneurs, teaching artists, and performers. The impact of YOA stretches far and wide. Participants return to their native countries to share experiences and gained knowledge with their communities. YOA connects musicians to institutions of higher learning and professional job opportunities. YOA has served as the model for music education programs in Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, Saint Lucia, the United States, and Uruguay.