The Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its young musicians, who have been recognized at both the national and local levels. Benjamin Posner, Dylan Slater, and Mia Montross have earned spots in esteemed national music programs, while the winners of ESYO’s 2025 Lois Lyman Concerto Competition showcase the depth of talent within the local community.
ESYO Symphony Orchestra musician Benjamin Posner (tuba) has been selected as the principal and sole tubist for the 2025 National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA), a program run by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. Following an extensive audition process, Benjamin will participate in a training residency in the U.S. with leading professional orchestra musicians before touring Japan, China, Hong Kong, and South Korea in the summer of 2025.
“Being selected for NYO-USA this year is a dream come true. I first found out about the program over the summer between 9th and 10th grade when I watched NYO-USA 2023’s performance of Berlioz’s ‘Symphonie Fantastique’ on YouTube. This was extremely inspirational for me, and I made it my goal to be a part of the program by the end of high school. When I was selected this year as a junior, I was beyond shocked and thrilled. I cannot wait to tour across Asia this summer with an extraordinary group of musicians.”
– Benjamin Posner
ESYO CHIME musician Dylan Slater has been selected for the 2025 El Sistema USA (ESUSA) Youth Ambassador Program. Dylan is one of 12 high school students chosen from El Sistema USA member organizations to participate in this national leadership program. The program includes remote training sessions from February to June, team-building activities, and an opportunity to attend the Regional Symposium at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, MD. Youth Ambassadors will also collaborate with students from the Peabody Innovation through Music Academy, developing leadership and musicianship skills.
ESYO Youth Percussion, Repertory Orchestra, and CHIME musician Mia Montross (percussion) has been selected for the YOLA National Institute, an intensive training and mentorship program run by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The institute provides high-level musical instruction and leadership development, offering young musicians the chance to work with world-class faculty and peers.
In addition to these national honors, the Empire State Youth Orchestra announces the winners of its 2025 Lois Lyman Concerto Competition, an annual event that highlights the exceptional talent within the local youth music community. Zoli Arthur was named runner-up for their performance of Hristo Yotsov’s “Concerto for Drum Set & Orchestra.” Zoli will also have the opportunity to perform a movement from the concerto with the Repertory Orchestra at the Arthur Zankel Music Center on May 3rd at 3 p.m. For more information, click here.
“We are incredibly proud of Benjamin, Dylan, Mia, Abi, and Zoli for their remarkable achievements. These opportunities—whether at the national or local level—allow young musicians to develop their artistry, gain performance experience, and inspire others in our community.”
– Rebecca Calos, ESYO Executive Director
Comments are closed.