The Orchestra Now (TŌN) is a classical music ensemble based in New York City that was founded in 2015. The ensemble is made up of young musicians from around the world who are selected through a rigorous audition process. TŌN is dedicated to performing a wide range of classical music, from the Baroque era to contemporary works, and aims to engage audiences with innovative programming and educational initiatives. TŌN was founded by Leon Botstein, the president of Bard College and a renowned conductor and music scholar. Botstein saw a need for a new kind of orchestra that would provide young musicians with the opportunity to gain practical experience and training in orchestral performance, while also engaging with audiences in new and exciting ways. TŌN is affiliated with Bard College, and its members are enrolled in a two-year master's degree program in orchestral performance. The ensemble's main members are its musicians, who come from all over the world and bring a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds to the group. TŌN's musicians are selected through a highly competitive audition process, and many have already established themselves as soloists, chamber musicians, and orchestral players. The ensemble is led by a team of experienced conductors, including Botstein himself, who serve as mentors and guides for the young musicians. Since its founding, TŌN has performed a wide range of classical music, from well-known masterpieces to lesser-known works by underrepresented composers. The ensemble has collaborated with a number of renowned soloists and guest conductors, including pianist Peter Serkin, violinist Midori, and conductor JoAnn Falletta. TŌN has also performed at a number of prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One of TŌN's most notable performances was its debut concert in October 2015, which featured works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Stravinsky. The concert was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with The New York Times praising the ensemble's "polished and confident" performance. TŌN has also received critical acclaim for its performances of lesser-known works, such as the American premiere of Franz Schreker's opera Die Gezeichneten in 2018. In addition to its performances, TŌN is committed to engaging with audiences in new and innovative ways. The ensemble has developed a number of educational initiatives, including a series of pre-concert talks and a program that brings young musicians from local schools to TŌN rehearsals. TŌN has also collaborated with a number of community organizations, such as the Hudson Valley Philharmonic and the Newburgh Symphony Orchestra, to bring classical music to underserved communities. TŌN has received a number of awards and accolades since its founding. In 2017, the ensemble was awarded the ASCAP Foundation's Leonard Bernstein Award for Educational Programming, which recognizes organizations that are dedicated to promoting music education and outreach. TŌN has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and was awarded a grant from the Sphinx Organization in 2019 to support its efforts to promote underrepresented composers and musicians. Overall, The Orchestra Now is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that is dedicated to bringing classical music to new audiences and engaging with communities in meaningful ways.

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