The BMI Foundation has presented the New York Youth Symphony with a special Outstanding Service Award and a $25,000 grant, acknowledging the organization for their "outstanding contributions to music education and excellence in performance over many decades."  BMI Foundation President Ralph N. Jackson said, "we are delighted to recognize this truly exemplary music organization, which has made a tremendous difference in the lives of so many young performers and composers and has contributed to the artisitc vitality of New York City for so many years."  Jackson also gratefully acknowledged the Music Publishers Association for their generous donation, which fully funded this special award.

The New York Youth Symphony is the metropolitan area's leading provider of tuition-free services to musicians, ages 12-22.  The award-winning programs offer teenage and college-age musicians an invaluable opportunity to make critical decisions about their future and receive training for a professional life in music.  Central to the education process is the challening and motivational dynamic of performance, and more than 20 concerts, with all tickets priced at $15, meet an important need for affordable high quality performances.

Pictured Above: Lauren Keiser, President of the Music Publishers Association, Barry Goldberg, Executive Director of the New York Youth Symphony, and Ralph N. Jackson, President of the BMI Foundaition, Inc.