The Juilliard School, established in 1905, stands as a beacon of excellence in the performing arts realm, located in the heart of New York City's Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. This prestigious institution offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in music, dance, and drama, making it one of the most competitive performing arts schools in the world. Juilliard's mission is to provide the highest caliber of artistic education for gifted musicians, dancers, and actors from around the globe, so they may achieve their fullest potential as artists, leaders, and global citizens. Did You Know? The Juilliard School was originally founded as the Institute of Musical Art by Dr. Frank Damrosch, who aimed to rival the European conservatories of the time. It wasn't until 1926 that it adopted the name "The Juilliard School," in honor of textile merchant Augustus D. Juilliard, whose substantial bequest helped to fund the institution. Another fun fact is that Juilliard has produced a ple...

Read More

The New York City Ballet (NYCB) is a world-renowned ballet company based in New York City. Founded in 1948 by the legendary choreographer George Balanchine and arts patron Lincoln Kirstein, the NYCB is one of the foremost dance companies globally, known for its athletic and contemporary style. The company performs at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, an iconic venue that has been its home since 1964. The NYCB has a vast repertoire, with approximately 90 dancers and over 150 works, including many pieces by Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, another influential figure in the company's history. The company is also committed to fostering new talent and innovation in ballet, regularly commissioning new works from contemporary choreographers. Did You Know? The New York City Ballet was the first ballet company in the world to have two permanent homes: one at the David H. Koch Theater in New York City and the other at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, New Y...

Read More

The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is a world-renowned American orchestra based in Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1881, it is one of the five major American symphony orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five." The BSO performs most of its concerts at Boston's Symphony Hall, a venue acclaimed for its outstanding acoustics, and it spends summers at the Tanglewood Music Center, its summer home in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts. The orchestra has a rich history of musical excellence, having been led by a distinguished list of conductors, including its founder Henry Lee Higginson, Serge Koussevitzky, Charles Munch, Erich Leinsdorf, Seiji Ozawa, and, most recently, Andris Nelsons, who took on the role of Music Director in 2014. Under these maestros, the BSO has premiered works by a plethora of composers, contributing significantly to the development of American music. The BSO also has a strong commitment to education and community engagement, offering a vari...

Read More

The American Ballet Theatre (ABT), founded in 1937, is one of the foremost international dance companies in the world. Based in New York City, it has been a beacon of classical and contemporary ballet, showcasing a repertoire that spans the full spectrum of the ballet genre. ABT is known for its association with some of the greatest names in dance, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Misty Copeland, and Isabella Boylston, among others. ABT was designated as "America's National Ballet Company" by an act of Congress in 2006, highlighting its unparalleled contributions to the arts landscape in the United States and its role in representing American culture on the global stage. The company performs annually at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City during its Spring season and tours the U.S. and the world the rest of the year. Did You Know? The American Ballet Theatre has a unique training program, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, named after the former First Lady who was a ...

Read More

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is a world-renowned American orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1891, the CSO is one of the oldest and most prestigious orchestras in the United States, often referred to as one of the "Big Five" American orchestras. The orchestra performs at its home, Symphony Center, located in downtown Chicago, and is celebrated for its powerful and precise sound. Over the years, the CSO has been led by a distinguished list of conductors, including its first music director Theodore Thomas, who established the orchestra's high standards, and more recent directors such as Sir Georg Solti and Riccardo Muti. Under their leadership, the CSO has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, showcasing its excellence in performance and recording. The CSO also has a significant educational impact, offering a variety of youth and community engagement programs. These initiatives aim to inspire and nurture a love of music in younger generations a...

Read More

The Philadelphia Orchestra, founded in 1900, is one of the preeminent orchestras in the world, renowned for its distinctive sound and acclaimed performances. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this American symphony orchestra has a rich history of musical excellence and innovation. It performs at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and has a strong association with the Academy of Music, which is the United States' oldest opera house still used for its original purpose. Under the baton of Fritz Scheel as its first conductor, the orchestra quickly rose to prominence. However, it was under Leopold Stokowski, who served from 1912 to 1941, that the Philadelphia Orchestra became famous for its lush, string-heavy sound, often referred to as the "Philadelphia Sound." This unique sound profile has been preserved and developed by subsequent music directors, including Eugene Ormandy, Riccardo Muti, and currently, Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The Philadelphia Orchestra has a storied history ...

Read More

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, founded in 1958 by choreographer and dancer Alvin Ailey, is a cornerstone of American modern dance. Based in New York City, the company has played a pivotal role in promoting the African American cultural experience and modern dance worldwide. Ailey's vision was to establish a multi-racial dance ensemble that could serve as a vehicle for the expression of the African American cultural experience through dance. The company's first performance took place at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. One of the hallmark pieces of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is "Revelations," choreographed by Alvin Ailey himself in 1960. This piece, deeply rooted in African American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs, and holy blues, vividly explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul. "Revelations" has gone on to become one of the most well-known and frequently performed modern dance pieces in the world. Did You Know? The Alvin Ai...

Read More

The San Francisco Ballet, founded in 1933, holds the prestigious title of being the oldest professional ballet company in the United States. Based in the heart of San Francisco, California, this illustrious institution has played a pivotal role in the development and popularization of ballet in America. The company makes its home at the War Memorial Opera House, a historic venue that has witnessed countless breathtaking performances. Under the artistic direction of Helgi Tomasson since 1985, the San Francisco Ballet has gained international acclaim for its ambitious repertoire that includes both classical ballets and contemporary works. The company's commitment to innovation is evident in its commissioning of new works from leading choreographers, making it a beacon of creativity in the ballet world. Did You Know? The San Francisco Ballet made history in 1944 with the first American production of "Nutcracker," transforming it into a cherished holiday tradition in the United Stat...

Read More

The Joffrey Ballet is a world-renowned American ballet company, which has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances and innovative choreography since its founding in 1956. Established by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino in New York City, the company later relocated its headquarters to Chicago, Illinois, in 1995, where it has since become an integral part of the city's vibrant arts scene. The Joffrey Ballet is celebrated for its diverse repertoire, which includes classical ballets, modern dances, and original works. The company has a history of pushing the boundaries of ballet, embracing contemporary music and social themes in its productions, which has helped to make ballet more accessible and relevant to modern audiences. Did You Know? The Joffrey Ballet was the first dance company to perform at the White House at the invitation of Jacqueline Kennedy, and it was also the first to appear on television, further cementing its role in bringing ballet to the foref...

Read More

The Los Angeles Philharmonic, often referred to as the LA Phil, is a world-renowned American orchestra based in Los Angeles, California. Established in 1919 by William Andrews Clark, Jr., a philanthropist and amateur musician, the LA Phil has grown to become one of the most contemporary and innovative orchestras globally. It performs its winter season at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, an architectural marvel designed by Frank Gehry, and its summer season at the Hollywood Bowl, an iconic outdoor amphitheater known for its picturesque setting under the Hollywood sign. Under the leadership of various esteemed music directors, including the current director Gustavo Dudamel since 2009, the LA Phil has expanded its repertoire to include not only classical music but also contemporary, jazz, and world music, making it accessible to a broader audience. The orchestra is also committed to education and community outreach, with numerous programs designed to bring music into the community and sc...

Read More