YOLA currently serves more than 1,300 young musicians across four sites, providing them with free instruments, intensive music instruction (up to 18 hours per week), academic support, and leadership training. The program began as an adaptation of Venezuela’s revolutionary El Sistema music education program, but it is now an innovative model in its own right, guiding students and teachers from nearly 100 music programs around the country.

Nina Shekhar (b. 1995) is a composer who explores the intersection of identity, vulnerability, love, and laughter to create bold and intensely personal works. Described as “tart and compelling” (New York Times), “vivid” (Washington Post), and “surprises and delights aplenty” (LA Times), her music has been performed by leading artists including the LA Philharmonic, Albany Symphony, New World Symphony, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Eighth Blackbird, International Contemporary Ensemble, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, JACK Quartet, ETHEL, New York Youth Symphony, The Crossing, and Alarm Will Sound.  Her work has been featured by Carnegie Hall, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Kennedy Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, National Gallery of Art, National Sawdust, and Library of Congress. Current projects include performances by the New York Philharmonic, LA Philharmonic (with soloists Nathalie Joachim and Pamela Z), Minnesota Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony, Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), and her Hollywood Bowl debut with the LA Philharmonic. YCA represents composer Nina Shekhar for worldwide engagements.