MADISON – Emma Boyd, a 17-year-old violinist in Madison, has earned the honor as one of the brightest young musicians in the United States. Boyd has been selected for the critically acclaimed National Youth Orchestra of the USA, with headquarters at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

With 200-plus members, the youth orchestra offers a lifechanging musical experience. The musicians will connect with their peers from across the country and work with an all-star faculty, who are principal players from top American orchestras.

Boyd attends Interlochen Arts Academy and performs with its orchestra, along with the World Youth Symphony Orchestra.

This summer, Boyd will travel to Purchase College, near New York City, for a month-long musical residency. She will play in master classes, rehearse with a full orchestra, work with stellar guest conductors and get to know her fellow musicians.

“This summer is especially meaningful, as young musicians get the chance to gather and play music together after an isolating year,” Public Relations Associate Meg Boyle said. “All program activities for summer 2021 are expected to take place in-person in the New York area with strict health protocols.”

Guest Conductors will be Carlos Miguel Prieto for orchestra one and Mei-Ann Chen for orchestra two. Sean Jones will return as Artistic Director and Bandleader of National Youth Orchestra’s jazz ensemble.

Members of the 2021 orchestra represent 41 states. Carnegie Hall clinicians have rated the young musicians among the finest players in the country, after following a comprehensive and highly selective audition process. Membership in national youth ensembles is offered free of charge, which confirms that all invited musicians can participate.

“After a challenging year in which most young musicians haven’t been able to play together, we are very happy to be able to convene these groups again in person for an unforgettable summer of music-making,” Clive Gillinson said. Gillinson is Executive and Artistic Director for Carnegie Hall.

All three national youth orchestras will play new works written specifically for them and also will create digital performances. Due to COVID-19 constraints, national youth ensembles will not tour and will not play at Carnegie Hall, which remains closed until fall 2021.

For more information, visit Facebook/National Youth Orchestra of the USA.