http://brooklynyouthchorus.org/sing

Brooklyn Youth Chorus, 179 Pacific Street, New York, NY (2026)

09/19/2026

What a week. What a milestone.

Performing John Adams’ On the Transmigration of Souls with the under the baton of at David Geffen Hall has been nothing short of transformative. Having the composer himself join us backstage, sporting his very own Brooklyn Youth Chorus shirt, was the ultimate full-circle moment.

Twenty-four years ago, Brooklyn Youth Chorus had the profound honor of premiering this historic elegy commissioned after September 11, a recording that went on to earn the Chorus a Grammy Award. Returning to this piece for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 meant carrying that history forward with a completely new generation of choristers, young artists who were not yet born in 2001.

In preparation for these performances, alumni from the original 2002 premiere returned to mentor and share their experiences with our current singers. That dialogue bridged two generations through shared purpose: using music not to erase grief, but to remember, honor, and offer comfort to our city.

To hear Mr. Adams speak directly to our students about the power and beauty of their sound in the hall, and to witness the connection between our past and present choristers, is a testament to the civic and artistic heart of what we do.

Thank you to John Adams, Gustavo Dudamel, and the New York Philharmonic for welcoming our voices back to this extraordinary work.

📸: John Adams and Founder & Artistic Director Dianne Berkun Menaker with Brooklyn Youth Chorus backstage at David Geffen Hall.

09/19/2026

“I wish that each one of you could just be out in the hall to hear what it sounds like, because it’s really, really beautiful.”

An unforgettable moment backstage at David Geffen Hall as composer John Adams visited our choristers to share his gratitude. Performing his Pulitzer Prize–winning On the Transmigration of Souls alongside the and has been an experience we will carry forever.

09/17/2026

Opening night magic. ✨

Hear straight from our choristers, past and present, right after stepping off the stage with New York Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel for John Adams’ On the Transmigration of Souls.

From holding that breathtaking silence to sharing this stage together, an unforgettable start to this run.

09/15/2026

Does Brooklyn Youth Chorus offer financial aid? The short answer: yes, absolutely. 💛

We believe every child who loves to sing belongs in our community, regardless of their family’s budget. If cost is something you’ve been wondering about, here is how we make sure our doors stay open to everyone:

✨ 100% Subsidized Tuition: Every single enrolled singer benefits from tuition subsidized below actual operating costs, thanks to generous community donors.

✨ Need-Based Aid: Over 35% of our families receive additional need-based financial assistance.

✨ Simple & Confidential: Our application process is quick, private, and painless.

✨ Flexible Payments: We offer manageable monthly payment plans to fit your household routine.

Cost should never stand between a young singer and their potential.

Swipe through to see how it works, then visit www.bychorus.org/101 for our full parent guide, or head to www.bychorus.org/aid to learn more about tuition assistance.

Low-stress placement auditions are open throughout September—find your singer's voice with us this season at www.bychorus.org/sing!

09/14/2026

This week at David Geffen Hall, Brooklyn Youth Chorus takes the stage with the New York Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel for an extraordinary series of performances: John Adams’ Pulitzer Prize–winning On the Transmigration of Souls (September 16–19).

For our Chorus, this week marks a profound, historic return.

Twenty-four years ago, in September 2002, Brooklyn Youth Chorus joined the NY Phil to premiere this monumental elegy commissioned in the aftermath of 9/11. Incorporating the text of missing-person posters and spoken tributes, our recording went on to win a GRAMMY® Award for the Chorus.

Listen to the original recording here: www.bychorus.org/transmigration

Now, as our city marks 25 years since the attacks, a new generation of choristers, none of whom were alive in 2001, brings this work back to the Lincoln Center stage for only the second time in NY Phil history.

To bridge this 24-year divide, alumni from the original 2002 premiere returned to share what it meant to sing through grief with our current singers:

✨ “We were able to use our voices to represent the fallen and bring comfort to the survivors. The performance taught me that one voice could represent many... It allowed me to understand the true power of the arts.” — Anneka T., ’02 Alumna

✨ “I felt as if I was bringing something positive to the world despite the chaos and immense grief... I think we were incredibly brave to sing about a topic so grave and deep.” — Jasmine T., ’02 Alumna

✨ “[It] is still one of the most formative experiences of my musical life. I hope it gives them a new perspective on an event that may have happened before they were born, but that has had lasting impacts on how we all live today.” — Patrice K., ’02 Alumna

Through music, memory becomes a living bridge across generations. We invite you to join us for this unforgettable week of music and remembrance.

www.bychorus.org/adams

09/10/2026

In 2002, Brooklyn Youth Chorus joined the New York Philharmonic for the world premiere of John Adams’ On the Transmigration of Souls, a piece born from the grief of September 11 that earned our young choristers a GRAMMY® Award and tied our voices indelibly to the civic heart of New York.

This September, history comes full circle.

None of our current choristers were alive on September 11, 2001. Yet this month, they take up the mantle of remembrance: singing the National Anthem at Ground Zero for the official 25th anniversary commemoration, followed by a return to David Geffen Hall (September 16–19) to perform On the Transmigration of Souls once again with the New York Philharmonic, this time under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel.

In preparation, alumni who premiered this work returned to mentor the new generation, bridging two eras through shared memory, responsibility, and song.

Looking back, alumna Anneka Turner shared: “We were able to use our voices to represent the fallen and bring comfort to the survivors. The performance taught me that one voice could represent many... It allowed me to understand the true power of the arts.” Fellow alumna Jasmine Thomas reflected: “I felt as if I was bringing something positive to the world despite the chaos and immense grief... I think we were incredibly brave to sing about a topic so grave and deep.”

For alumna Patrice Kugler, the premiere remains “one of the most formative experiences of my musical life,” adding: “I hope it gives them a new perspective on an event that may have happened before they were born, but that has had lasting impacts on how we all live today.”

Read the full letter from Founder & Artistic Director Dianne Berkun Menaker and Executive Director Megan Lemley on how our choristers are carrying the spirit of New York forward at www.bychorus.org/circle

09/08/2026

What do young singers actually learn at Brooklyn Youth Chorus?

A lot of parents wonder: Does chorus just mean singing classical music? Will my child learn real musical skills, or are they just singing along?

At Brooklyn Youth Chorus, we believe music education should be both comprehensive and versatile. Our students don’t just memorize songs—they build real, lifelong musical literacy:

✨ Healthy Vocal Technique: How to sing safely across a variety of genres—from contemporary music and pop to jazz, folk, and classical.
✨ Music Literacy: How to read sheet music, count complex rhythms, and blend in multi-part harmonies.
✨ Lifelong Confidence: Finding their authentic sound, working as an ensemble, and taking pride in performance.

Swipe through for a peek inside our classrooms, then visit bychorus.org/101 to discover our full program guide, neighborhood rehearsal locations, and schedules.

Ready to start? Friendly, low-pressure placement auditions are happening throughout September. Comprehensive financial aid and subsidized tuition ensure cost is never a barrier to singing.

Visit www.bychorus.org/sing to learn more and book an audition slot!

09/03/2026

Curious about Brooklyn Youth Chorus? Welcome to BYC 101! 🎶

If you’re wondering whether chorus is right for your child, you probably have a few questions: Does my child need prior experience? How big of a weekly time commitment is it? What if we need financial support?

Here’s the short answer: there is a welcoming place for every young voice to enter, learn, and grow at their own pace.

Swipe through to see the journey for each singer, then head to bychorus.org/101 for our complete parent guide, covering neighborhood rehearsal locations, schedules, tuition assistance, and what to expect.

Ready to see where your young singer fits in? Placement auditions are open throughout September. They are friendly and low-stress, designed simply to find the right place for your child. Plus, subsidized tuition and comprehensive financial aid ensure cost is never a barrier.

Find a placement audition at www.bychorus.org/sing

09/02/2026

What begins with a single rehearsal can lead to the world’s greatest stages. 🎶✨

Our performing ensembles are officially back for Intensive Week, getting into the groove and gearing up for an unforgettable 2026–27 season.

For the 25th anniversary of 9/11, our Concert Ensemble kicks off the season performing John Adams’ Pulitzer Prize–winning On the Transmigration of Souls with the , conducted by Gustavo Dudamel at David Geffen Hall (Sept 16–19). Twenty-four years after BYC premiered this Grammy-winning work, a new generation carries its memory forward.

And this October, our Bass Ensemble returns to Directions for Making a Round Ark, bringing back an audience favorite from last season.

Want to sing with us this season? It’s not too late to find your voice.

- Free Intro Week (Sept 19–25): Young singers ages 5–18 can experience a live rehearsal with zero cost and zero commitment.
- September Placement Auditions: Supportive, low-stress auditions are running all month. (Ages 5–6 skip the audition entirely and can enroll directly into Pre-Prep!)

Financial aid is available. Come find where your voice can take you.

👉 RSVP for a Free Intro Week Class or schedule a placement audition at www.bychorus.org/sing

05/28/2026

📍 WHERE TO FIND US THIS SATURDAY! 🌳 Swipe for the location in the park!

Heading to the BYC Jamboree in the Park on Saturday? We are setting up in Prospect Park, right between the Picnic House and the Tennis House. When you arrive, just look for the Brooklyn Youth Chorus t-shirts to find the group!

You are invited to a joyous afternoon of community, song, and celebration hosted by Brooklyn Youth Chorus. We welcome you to join us for an open-air potluck with games and music. Bring your favorite dish or beverage—and if you play guitar, ukulele, or any sing-along style instrument, we’d love for you to bring it along and join the music-making!

The heart of the event is our group sing-along from 12:00 – 12:30pm, where everyone is invited to lift their voices to well known classic songs. Lyrics will be provided.

✨ ALL ARE WELCOME!

📅 Date: Saturday, May 30th
⏰ Time: 11am – 1pm (Group sing-along from 12-12:30pm)
📍 Location: Prospect Park (Between Picnic House & Tennis House)
👕 What to look for: The Brooklyn Youth Chorus t-shirts!

👉 Learn more and RSVP at: www.bychorus.org/jamboree

Brooklyn Youth Chorus

09/19/2026

09/19/2026

09/17/2026

09/15/2026

09/14/2026

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05/28/2026

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