Concert Artists Guild Announces Partnership with New York Youth Symphony to Support the Next Generation of Conductors and Arts Leaders
Concert Artists Guild (CAG) is pleased to announce a new partnership with The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS), bringing together two leading arts organizations in a shared commitment to identifying, cultivating, and advancing the next generation of orchestral conductors.
This partnership reflects a natural alignment between NYYS and CAG, both of which have long been dedicated to supporting young artists at pivotal moments in their professional development. As part of this collaboration, the organizations will work together to expand opportunities, mentorship, and visibility for emerging conductors and future arts leaders.
The announcement comes alongside the recent addition of Andrew J. Kim, the Marica and Jan Vilcek Music Director of the New York Youth Symphony, to the Concert Artists Guild roster—a significant milestone that underscores both the caliber of NYYS artistic leadership and the shared values of the two organizations.
PC: Dan Wright
“For more than 60 years, the New York Youth Symphony has been a leader in the career development of conductors, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers on the world’s major stages,” said John Kilkenny, Executive Director of NYYS. “Working closely with Concert Artists Guild allows us to further that mission, drawing on CAG’s extraordinary expertise and experience to support the growth of artistic leaders and to inform our thinking around future leadership roles at NYYS.”
Through this partnership, NYYS and CAG will collaborate in flexible, artist-centered, and responsive ways—focused on mentorship, professional growth, and long-term career sustainability rather than on prescriptive pathways. CAG will advise NYYS leadership on emerging conductors, and future NYYS Music Directors will have access to CAG's extensive network of professional opportunities. The relationship builds on decades of shared values and extends the work both organizations are already doing to strengthen the field.
“Concert Artists Guild and the New York Youth Symphony share a deep belief in the power of early, meaningful support for artists,” said Tanya Bannister, President of CAG. “This partnership reflects our mutual commitment to nurturing talent, leadership, and artistic excellence, and we are thrilled to work alongside NYYS in support of emerging conductors.”
Together, NYYS and CAG look forward to a dynamic partnership rooted in shared purpose: advancing the careers of young artists, strengthening the future of the orchestral field, and ensuring that the next generation of artistic leaders has the tools, guidance, and opportunities to thrive.
About New York Youth Symphony
The New York Youth Symphony’s mission is to educate and inspire young musicians through exceptional ensemble training and performance opportunities. At the heart of our work is the meaningful relationship between our musicians and their audiences, cultivating artistry that connects, inspires, and strengthens community.
About Concert Artists Guild
Concert Artists Guild empowers musicians and launches careers that are sustainable, unique, and relevant. Through performances and mentorship opportunities, we identify and develop young artists who will make an impact in the world through music. CAG enables artists to manifest a new definition of a professional musician: resilient citizen artists who engage with, respond to, and impact the world around them through music and service, galvanizing the fabric of society through the power of culture.