The idea of a national youth orchestra might seem foreign to American sensibilities – dear God it’s national doesn’t that mean socialism hide me I’m afraid – but, hey, lots of countries much smaller than the United States have them, and those orchestras thrive. Sweden’s national youth orchestra is playing Carnegie Hall in two weeks, and aren’t we just as good as Sweden? You wanna let Sweden beat you, America? That’s what I thought. The new National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America will initially convene next July, under the baton of Valery Gergiev; the plan is for two weeks of rehearsal at Purchase College, then a pair of domestic performances and a short European tour. (FULL ARTICLE: Daniel J. Wakin, The New York Times)