Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the transformative power of music — and the remarkable individuals who make our mission possible.
This year, we are proud to honor:
Miguel Harth-Bedoya
The Theodore L. Kesselman Award for Arts Education
An Emmy Award-winning and Grammy-nominated conductor, Miguel Harth-Bedoya is a masterful artist and passionate educator. His 35-year conducting career has included significant appointments with the Fort Worth Symphony, Norwegian Radio Orchestra, and New Zealand’s Auckland Philharmonia — as well as an important tenure as Music Director of the NYYS Symphony Orchestra.
Today, he serves as Resident Director of Orchestras and Professor of Conducting at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. He leads The Conducting Institute, which trains emerging conductors from around the world.
Robert J. Levine
The Johanna and Leslie Garfield Award for Arts Philanthropy
A dedicated trustee, generous benefactor, and tireless advocate for the New York Youth Symphony, Robert Levine has shaped the trajectory of our organization through his wise leadership and deep personal commitment. During his tenure at Davis Polk, he built a distinguished legal career, but it is his enduring support of music education and his profound love of jazz that have left a lasting imprint on NYYS.
Alongside his wife Joan Mirviss, Bob recently endowed the NYYS Jazz music director role, ensuring young musicians have access to world-class training for generations to come. His passion, generosity, and vision inspire us every day.
The evening will feature captivating performances by our Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble students, a festive dinner, silent auction and stunning views of downtown Manhattan from Tribeca Rooftop.
Invitations will be sent after Labor Day — tickets and tables will be available for purchase at that time.
The Gala is NYYS’s most important fundraising event of the year, supporting award-winning programs that provide exceptional training and performance opportunities to over 320 students annually. Since 1963, more than 7,000 young musicians have launched their artistic journeys through the New York Youth Symphony.
Photo Credit: Molly Higgins
Donate today and help support our students continue their journey and become a part of our community of musicians and change the landscape of what the musical world look like today.
DonateExperience all the hard work, practice and rehearsals that our students take on and show up to see them perform at one of our many concerts throughout the season.
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