ANNUAL REPORT, 2016/17 Season Come as you are. Leave inspired. Dear Friends, How can I begin to tell you what a wonderful experience I had in my first season with the American Youth Symphony? The orchestra itself was a thrill to lead; each and every Fellow brings their best to every rehearsal and concert. I particularly loved working with our two Concerto Competition winners, Coleman Itzkoff and Rachel Ostler, who wowed audiences with their poise and artistry; and conducting rock-and-roll legend Steve Vai and Stravinsky’s monumental The Rite of Spring at Walt Disney Concert Hall is a moment I will never forget! This year, there is so much that I look forward to sharing with these musicians, and you, our audience. ’ Don Juan is without a doubt one of the most exciting tone poems ever written, the perfect piece to set the tone for our opening concert, along with Shostakovich’s historic 12th Symphony, and Bruch’s lyrical , featuring this year’s Concerto Competition winner, Aubree Oliverson. Then, later this fall, I can’t wait to explore ’ masterful E.T. score at our annual Hollywood Project concert! In February, AYS will begin 2018 by honoring the great , as part of his centennial celebration. We then look forward to returning, once again, to the LA Phil’s Sounds About Town series, for a concert with legendary pianist Vladimir Feltsman in March. April will find us commemorating another successful AYS season with a very special Gala concert, sponsored by the NEA and presented in partnership with Human Rights Watch. In this concert, promoting justice and liberty for all, we will celebrate the lives of Spanish poet Federico García Lorca in a work by Silvestre Revueltas; Abraham Lincoln, with Copland’s iconic Lincoln Portrait, and ’s greatest spokesman for freedom: . I will also be personally composing a new work to be premiered on this occasion, which I am excited and honored to share. Finally, I want to thank you all for welcoming me so enthusiastically last year. Joining the music community while leading this inspiring orchestra has been even better than I could have imagined. I look forward to being here with you for many happy years to come. Sincerely,

Carlos Izcaray Music Director

Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters WHO The American Youth Symphony’s mission is to inspire the future of classical music by providing landmark fellowships to virtuosic young adults and exceptional, WE innovative, and free concerts to the Los Angeles community. Competitively selected, our orchestra is comprised of 100 musicians who represent extraordinary talent from all ARE over the world. By offering our community remarkable concerts at world-class venues, we remain committed to creating access and opportunity for everyone to experience the inspiration of this beautiful art form. WHAT WE BELIEVE: • Access to world-class classical music Fellowships should be based solely on merit, not financial means. • Exceptional quality orchestral performances should be accessible to all members of the community. • Classical music is not only alive and vibrant, but is relevant to all audiences. • Musicians have a responsibility to be engaged citizens in the communities they serve.

Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters AYS ORCHESTRA An elite Fellowship opportunity, AYS is designed to prepare the concert artists of tomorrow for leadership in top-flight professional orchestras and ensembles. Musicians receive in-depth exposure to the varied styles of symphonic music, from classical masterworks to world premieres and innovative film and video game scores. Each AYS Fellow receives an annual stipend ranging from $1,400-$4,000 and there is no tuition. Fellows perform at renowned venues like and Walt Disney Concert Hall, and work alongside world-class guest artists such as , Daníel Bjarnason, Glenn Dicterow, , John Williams, , , Takeshi Furukawa, and Lera Auerbach. Designed to challenge, nurture, and inspire, AYS is a musical laboratory where Fellows not only master their parts and develop a deep understanding of musical scores, but also explore their roles as musician citizens within their community. SHARE-A-STAND

The American Youth Symphony’s in-school music education program is now serving twice as many schools, and twice as many students! From performance technique to theory to composition, Share-A- Stand provides students with hands-on musical instruction and is offered at such Title 1 LAUSD schools as Markham Middle School in Watts and Robert Frost Middle School in Granada Hills. AYS musicians mentor Share-A-Stand participants on everything from how to hold a bow and maintain a successful practice routine to how to analyze favorite songs. In addition to a culminative concert given at the Share-A-Stand host schools and featuring a side-by-side with AYS musicians, the program provides participants and their families with free transportation to two AYS concerts per season.

Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters UNIQUE AND EXCITING EVENTS Members’ Priority Concerts Post-Concert Receptions

Intimate Private Events

Live-to-Picture Concerts

Q&A’s with Award-Winning Composers Celebratory Galas

Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters 12,000 TOTAL YEARLY CONCERT RESERVATIONS OUR (CONCERT SEASONS 2012/13 - 2016/17) DIVERSE 10,000

AND 8,000

GROWING 6,000 AUDIENCE 4,000 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17

1% 33% 30% 18% 48% of audience 24% 58% of 2016/17 members during the audience members 2016/17 concert season 67% of 2016/17 identified as P.O.C. were under 40 years of age 99% of concert tickets audience members Asian, Pacific Islander sold out during the Under 30 years of age were attending an Black, African American 30-39 years of age 2016-17 season AYS concert for the Hispanic, Latino 40-59 years of age first-time Multiracial Over 59 years of age 2% 34% White, Caucasian 45% 24% 12% 99% 67% 11%

Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

ASSETS FY 14/15 FY 15/16 LIABILITIES FY 14/15 FY 15/16 Cash and Cash Equivalents $156,505 $154,892 Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses $9,512 $15,421 Investments $103,692 $101,682 Contributions Recievable, Net $434,600 $184,025 NET ASSETS FY 14/15 FY 15/16 Other Recievables $800 Unrestricted $159,426 $26,639 Other Assets $2,707 $5,357 Temporarily Restricted $438,292 $449,964 Equipment, Net $8,926 $4,407 $100,000 Antique Instrument 35,000 Permanently Restricted $100,000 TOTAL ASSETS $707,230 $620,363 TOTAL NET ASSETS $697,718 $469,942

YEAR-END REVENUE & EXPENSES SOURCES OF REVENUE: Individual Contributions 14/15 15/16 Corporate and From Statement of Activities 3% 4% Foundation Grants Revenue Expenses 22% 2% Government Income 37% 23% 1,100,000 NOTE: Subsequent to June 47% Interest & Dividend 30, 2015, a donor with an 1% 1% 0.5% outstanding pledge of Income 5% 1,000,000 $350,000 decided to Events terminate their obligation 17% to AYS, as it was tied to 36% Earned Income our former Music Director. 900,000 The donor made one nal Gifts In-Kind payment of $40,000, and the remaining pledge 800,000 balance of $310 was PROGRAMS VS. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS written off in FY 2016. 14/15 15/16 20% Program Services 22% 700,000 Administrative & Fundraising Costs 600,000 80% 900,919 1,112,787 1,128,695 922,225 653,837 1,043,955 674,446 804,393 922,840 78% 1,097,391 628,584 680,660 500,000 (Accrual) (Cash) 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters Current members and alumni have ALUMNI SUCCESS also won numerous competitions, including the Berliner Music In addition to the numerous Competition, Fischoff Competition, alumni who have matriculated Irving M. Klein International String into esteemed higher Competition, Sphinx Competition, education institutions in and the Tchaikovsky International recent years, such as the Competition. Curtis Institute of Music, Former AYS principal cellist, the and Yale, we celebrate these recent, Coleman Iztkoff, won the incredible accomplishments: Gold Medal at the 2017 Beliner International Ben Adler (Clarinet 2014 - 2015) - Music Competition, Milwaukee Symphony, Assistant Principal, 2nd and E-flat Clarinet and Grand Prize Brice Burton (Principal Percussion 2014 - 2017) at the 2017 Charlotte Symphony, Principal Percussion Classics Alive Stefani Feldman (Clarinet 2014 - 15) Artists Competition 2016 Fulbright Scholar

Yuiko Grace Nakano (Violin 2014 - 2017) Tucson Symphony, Assistant Concertmaster Natalie Hoe (Principal Clarinet 2012 - 2015) “I’d just like to thank everyone at the American Youth Florida Symphony Orchestra, Principal Clarinet Symphony from the bottom of my heart for all of the wonderful opportunities and music making from these past three years. Philip Marten (Concertmaster 2015 - 2016) I’ll cherish the memories forever and carry them with me as I , First Violin proceed with my career into the future. AYS provided me with Signe Somer (Clarinet 2015 - 2017) - opportunities to play great repertoire with great conductors, as Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Principal Clarinet well as encouragement to be a strong ambassador for the art

Katie Velasquez (Flute, 2015 - 2016) outside of performance. “ Midland Odessa Symphony, Principal Flute Julian Zheng (Horn 2012 - 2017) -- Coleman Itzkoff, Principal Cello 2014 - 2017 Shanghai Philharmonic, Principal Horn 2016 AYS Concerto Competition Winner

Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters What people are saying about the “I didn’t think I cared about classical music, until I saw that performance and found myself crying. It was so beautiful!” AMERICAN YOUTH SYMPHONY: -- Audience Member (September 24, 2017)

“LOVE having an opportunity to take young ones to the symphony. Terrific introduction to the world of classical music.” -- Audience member (February 12, 2017)

“It was the best concert we have ever attended there. Best concert anywhere.” -- Audience Member (September 24, 2017)

“[AYS] continues to remind me that... we have the power to shape the next generation, create exciting concerts in our Los Angeles community, and grow as more entrepreneurial, forward-thinking musicians.” -- Aija Mattson, french horn (2014- Present)

“The American Youth Symphony... gave a remarkable performance of ‘Heaven Earth Mankind’... they embraced the work’s formidable demands with winning virtuosity, producing rich-hued sonorities.” -- The LA Times on sold-out performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall (March 14, 2016)

“ conducted members of the American Youth Symphony in a stirring rendition of Williams’ theme from Schindler’s List.” “Absolutely stunning. The music was fantastic… I love that [AYS] can pick -- Variety Magazine on AYS tribute such eclectic pieces and perform them so well.” to John Williams (June 10, 2016) -- Audience member (November 17, 2016) “The American Youth Symphony stands high, mastering the challenge of “Thank you, AYS, for coming. The music was beautiful and you all inspired me performing film music with all its unconventional meters and rhythms.Don’t to want to go to college and study music. You make me want to play music for the rest of my life!.” be deceived by the label of ‘youth’ orchestra; the AYS is the real deal.” -- Student (Markham Middle School) -- Justin Craig, Film Score Monthly “This is my daughter’s first concert. Mine too. She’s only in kindergarten, but I guess I’ve already given her a better life than I started out with.” “[AYS] is the finest youth symphony on Earth.” -- Parent (Transfiguration Elementary School) -- Jim Svejda, KUSC

Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters Music Board Executive Director Chairman Director Carlos Izcaray Kevin Dretzka Varina Bleil Resident Chairman Honorary Conductor Emeritus President Juan Felipe Molano Herbert M. Gelfand Board of Directors Advisory Council Krystyna Newman, Vice Chairman Sarah Chang Deborah Rutter David Papale, Treasurer Robert Cutietta Esa-Pekka Salonen Peter Mandell, Secretary Glenn Dicterow Alan Silvestri Sarah Coade Mandell Chad Smith Shoshana Claman David Newman Zubin Mehta Jean-Yves Thibaudet Mary Levin Cutler Doreen Ringer-Ross Anne Akiko Meyers Edward Yim Beverly Gelfand Richard Rosenthal Russ Lemley Peter Rotter Staff Saul Levine Wendy Ruby Isabel Thiroux, Director of Orchestra Operations Steven Linder William Sullivan Alice Dutton, Director of Community Engagement Lea Pandy, Development Associate Mario Acosta, Programs & Administration Associate

Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters Camille and Arnon Adar Zubin Mehta Diana K. Ayres Judson Mock Lionel and Terry Bell Patricia Mock THANK YOU Irma and Benjamin F. Breslauer Jason Subotky & Anne Akiko Myers The American Youth Symphony is deeply Linda and Maynard Brittan James and Ilene Nathan grateful to our community, Shoshana Claman and Bill Sheinberg Margo Neal and Lavern H. Schenkelberg including these generous supporters: Dan Coleman Anthony Nesburn and Christina Kenney Mary Levin Cutler Krystyna and David Newman AFM & SAG-AFTRA Fund Craig Darian Randy and Gretchen Newman Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation Silvia and Kevin Dretzka Joan and Fred Nicholas Broadcast Music Inc (BMI) Brittany DuBay Elisa and Michael O’Hara The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Dixie Eger Edward M. Ornitz The Cecile and Fred Bartman Foundation Gail and Jim Ellis David Papale Charles Schwab Bank Irwin Field Diane and David Paul Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation Larry Field Bradley and Stephanie Penenberg Colburn Foundation Charles and Joan Fox Gertrude Pomish Dwight Stuart Youth Fund Thomas and Christine Frisina Neil and Lisa Quateman Ella Fitzgerald Foundation Sanford Gage Lois Rosen Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund Michael and Lisa Gaines Richard J. Rosenthal & Katherine Spillar Flora L. Thornton Foundation Alison Gardner Hartig Laura and James Rosenwald The Flourish Foundation Beverly and Herb Gelfand Doreen Ringer Ross Fuller Family Foundation Maria Giacchino Geri Rotella and Peter Rotter Gorfaine Schwartz Agency Michael Giacchino Cynthia Ruby The Green Foundation Wendy G. Glenn Wendy and Ken Ruby Hennings-Fischer Foundation Gloria Gold Alizia Gur Schrager The JDS Fishing Foundation of The Dayton Foundation Marion Goldenfeld Maureen and Harry Selvin Carol Heather Goldsmith Lorraine and Sid Sheinberg The Kaman Foundation Donors $1000+ Donors Michael Gorfaine George and Christy Short Lady’s Secret Foundation Annie Gross Barry F. Silverman Leo Buscaglia Foundation Steven Linder and Michael Hanel Alan and Sandra Silvestri Liquid Music, Inc. Carol and Warner W. Henry Herb Simon Los Angeles County Arts Commission Sue and Larry Hochberg Theodore J. Slavin Association Michelle Horowitz Michael and Colette Spencer & Corporations Foundations Marc and Eva Stern Foundation James Newton and Annica Howard Stephanie Spencer Milken Family Foundation Terri and Jerry Kohl Randy Spendlove National Endowment for the Arts Flo Robins and Dolph Kornblum Barbara and Lawrence Tenan NBC Universal Michael Koskoff Isabel Thiroux and Gina Satriano Paramount Pictures Sheila Krasnoff Steve and Pia Vai Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts Russ and Brenda Lemley Jane Wang Beck and Christophe Beck The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Saul Levine Hope Warner The Rose Hills Foundation The Estate of John Liebes Catherine Weary Ruth/Allen Ziegler Foundation Anika Lorber Edna Weiss Shapiro Family Charitable Foundation Sonia Jean Luna John Williams Sidney Stern Memorial Trust The following list recognizes contributors of $1000 or more between July 1, 2015 and July 1, 2017) and July 1, 2015 July $1000 or more between contributors of recognizes list The following ( Sarah and Peter Mandell Marilyn Ziering Sony Interactive Entertainment America Ruth Flinkman and Ben Marandy Wells Fargo Bank

Music Our Mission, Our Our Our Fiscal Alumni AYS Our Our Director Our Vision Programs Events Audience Responsibility Spotlights Testimonials Tea m Supporters Together, we dare to DREAM BIG, are Grateful & Celebratory, Move audiences into ARDENT FANS Promote PROSPERITY INSPIRE Spread JOY Break Industry Barriers LISTEN & HELP OTHERS Are Forward-Thinking ENGAGING & INCLUSIVE 5150 Wilshire Blvd #506, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (310) 470-2332 Honor INTEGRITY & www.AYSymphony.org Evolve Through Learning