Carnegie Hall announced today that renowned American violinist Joshua Bell  will be featured soloist for the debut performances by the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA). Beginning summer 2013, NYO-USA will bring together the most talented young orchestral players ages 16–19 from across the United States. Under the baton of conductor Valery Gergiev, Mr. Bell and the orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto.

Joining NYO-USA will also be James Ross, associate director of The Juilliard School's conducting program and artistic director of the National Orchestral Institute at the University of Maryland. Ross will lead the NYO-USA faculty in 2013, comprising some of the finest players and section leaders from America's greatest orchestras and music schools. Following a two-week residency at Purchase College, State University of New York, NYO-USA will make its debut at Washington DC's Kennedy Center, followed by its first international tour including stops in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and London. Applications for NYO-USA are being accepted now.

For more information about the application process, review our sample audition video and downloadable audition excerpts.