Carnegie Hall in New York is one of the most celebrated concert halls in the world. And since 2013 the institution has been bringing together outstanding musicians aged between 16 and 19 to form the NYO-USA, and NYO2, an intensive summer training program for outstanding young musicians aged 14 to 17. In 2018, Carnegie Hall launched the NYO Jazz program, celebrating the big band tradition in American jazz music.

This year the 23 young musicians from 16 states in the US, led by acclaimed trumpeter Sean Jones and Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling embarked on a tour to China after a concert at the Carnegie Hall.

Speaking about the band, Clive Gillinson, executive and artistic director of Carnegie Hall, said: "The musicians who make up NYO Jazz's 2019 roster are among the finest jazz players in the nation, passionate not only about music, but also dedicated to connecting with people across cultures.

"This summer promises to be a truly memorable one of life-changing experiences through unparalleled training with esteemed jazz artists and extraordinary performances of America's beloved art form around the world as they serve as wonderful musical ambassadors for their country."