YOUNG CONCERT ARTISTS, INC. celebrates 50 years of launching the careers of the world's greatest classical musicians with a free TWELVE- HOUR MUSICAL MARATHON.

Founded 1961 by the formidable and tireless director Susan Wadsworth - who still leads the organization today - YCA holds a venerable place in the world of classical music. For fifty seasons, Young Concert Artists has been discovering musicians of great talent, launching careers and invigorating the cultural life of our country. Beloved by the world's most respected musical icons past and present, Young Concert Artists has been praised by Beverly Sills who said, "no music organization has a more stunning record for introducing exciting, young artists than Young Concert Artists," while Yo-Yo Ma stated simply that "the music world would surely be a poorer place without YCA."

This non-profit has had a pervasive impact on all facets of classical music with YCA alumni performing as renowned soloists, chamber musicians, conductors and composers, becoming influential teachers, founding chamber ensembles and directing Music Festivals throughout the country. More than 200 artists, including pianists Emanuel Ax, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Murray Perahia Christopher O'Riley, Jeremy Denk, Anne-Marie McDermott and Richard Goode; soprano Dawn Upshaw; composers Mason Bates and Kevin Puts; violinists Pinchas Zukerman, Ani Kavafian, Ida Kavafian and Chee-Yun; flutists Eugenia Zukerman and Paula Robison; and the St. Lawrence, Borromeo and Tokyo String Quartets, to name just a few, have achieved important careers.

YCA selects its artists through the annual Young Concert Artists International Auditions. Adjudicated by a distinguished panel of performers, many of them YCA alumni, the auditions are considered among the most selective in the world.

The winners of the annual and unique Young Concert Artists International Auditions receive a prize program unlike any other. In addition to the arrangement of debut recitals, the organization provides the opportunity for exceptional artists to take their first steps onto the stages of the concert world. Each artist receives management, publicity services, booking and career guidance for three or more years. The bond between Young Concert Artists and the chosen musicians continues long into a career, providing a lively network in the classical music community.