NYS Baroque Young Artists, an initiative of NYS Baroque, is an emerging artist program dedicated to mentoring and supporting the next generation of professional early musicians (classical musicians who specialize in performing repertoire on period-appropriate instruments from 1600-1900). Selected through a competitive application process, these exceptionally talented young artists are already accomplished performers who are beginning to establish themselves in the professional music world.
Through NYSBYA, artists receive a professional performance fee and personalized mentorship from our Artistic and Administrative Directors, gaining valuable experience in both the artistic and practical aspects of building a sustainable musical career. From designing engaging concert programs and developing promotional materials to writing press releases, creating program books, learning the fundamentals of nonprofit development, and connecting with audiences, the program equips emerging musicians with the tools and confidence to thrive. For some, NYSBYA represents one of their first paid professional engagements, providing an important stepping stone in their careers.
Beyond supporting emerging artists, NYSBYA offers our community an incredible opportunity to experience exceptional chamber music in unique venues throughout Central NY. NYSBYA concerts are free making high-quality musical performances accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. In addition to formal concerts, we arrange outreach performances that bring these talented musicians directly into the community through visits to public schools, retirement homes, libraries, and family concerts. These experiences not only broaden access to live music but also give our emerging artists valuable opportunities to connect with diverse audiences, develop their communication skills, and discover the impact music can have beyond the concert stage.
Upcoming NYSBYA Performances:
Quartet Novalis
Music by Fanny Mendelssohn and More
All concerts are free and open to the public (except Kendal at Ithaca). All ages are welcome!
Friday, October 30, 3:00-4:00pm Family Concert
Fayetteville Free Library, Community Room AB
300 Orchard St, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Friday, October 30, 7:00pm Full program
St. David’s Episcopal Church
14 Jamar Drive, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Sunday, November 1, 2:00pm Private Concert
Kendal at Ithaca-Auditorium (Private concert for Kendal residents. Invited guests are welcome.)
2230 Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Sunday, November 1, 6:00-8:00pm “Classical Night”
Liquid State Brewing Co.-Barrel Room
620 W. Green St., Ithaca, NY
About
This season, NYS Baroque is delighted to present Quartet Novalis, performing a captivating program of works by Fanny Mendelssohn, Dvořák, Mozart, and Puccini on historical instruments. Quartet Novalis is based in New York City. Made up of Eliana Estrada, Ela Kodžas, Annemarie Schubert, and Luka Stefanović, the group seeks to bring a fresh perspective to the string quartet repertoire by uncovering old concepts of sound, rhetoric, and musical understanding while also reshaping audience expectations of the string quartet and its 18th/19th-century repertoire. The members of Quartet Novalis have an attitude of curiosity and exploration, thinking of themselves as musical time travelers.
By performing on historically-appropriate instruments and engaging historical methods, the group draws out subtle and highly nuanced textures and impressions while breathing life into repertoire that has fallen by the wayside. Drawing inspiration from their namesake, the 18th-century German polymath and philosopher Novalis whose beliefs centered around dissolving the barriers between language and the surrounding world, the ensemble views music, as language, as a living organism that not only serves as a means of communication but also as a creative and magical force with potential to transcend our reality and borders.
Quartet Novalis was in residence as the Academy Quartet at the Carmel Bach Festival (2024), was a semi-finalist in the International Van Wassenaer Competition (Netherlands, 2025), and has performed throughout New York City, at the Boston Early Music Fringe Festival (2025), and at the Utrecht Fringe Festival (Netherlands, 2025). Most recently, the ensemble was selected for the NYS Baroque Young Artists program (Ithaca/Syracuse), Pegasus Rising Artists Series (Rochester, NY), the Arizona Early Music Ensemble Residency (Tucson, AZ), and was named an Emerging Artist by Early Music America.
Recent and upcoming performances include residencies at the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music (Nelson, NH), Early Music America Summit (Seattle, WA), a return concert in Carmel, CA and alongside fortepianist Yi-heng Yang on the Roosevelt Island Chamber Music Society (New York, NY).
Past NYSBYA performances:
Magdalena Ensemble:
The Women of Magdala
Saturday, May 9– 1pm Family Concert- Fayetteville Free Library
300 Orchard St, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Saturday, May 9– 5pm Art in the Atrium,
201 E Washington St, Syracuse, NY 13202
Sunday, May 10– 12:30pm CRS Barn Studio, Triphammer Arts Inc.,
2622 N Triphammer Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
About
Magdalena is thrilled to perform their namesake program, The Women of Magdala. This program invites audiences on a sonic journey through the eyes of three women, each named Magdalena (or some variant) and portrayed through history and historical fiction. Audiences will hear excerpts from the lives of Maggie Winslow, representing England, Madeleine de Valois, representing France, and Madaléin Ní Ceallaigh, representing Ireland and Scotland.
Magdalena is a self-directed collective of early, new, and folk music specialists based on the US east coast. Through immersive storytelling, genre expansion, and interdisciplinary endeavors, Magdalena strives to make period music accessible and enjoyable to all, regardless of age or background.Debuted in 2023, Magdalena’s current musician lineup includes Mira Fu-En Huang (voice/percussion), Cole Manel (plectrum instruments), Cameron Welke (plucked strings), and Niccolo Seligmann (bowed strings).
Magdalena has performed across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, having been featured by presenters such as Gotham Early Music Scene (GEMS) Midtown Concerts, the Indianapolis Early Music Festival, and Early Music Now. The ensemble was thrilled to be selected as one of Early Music America (EMA)’s Emerging Artists of 2024, and to act as Arizona Early Music’s Emerging Ensemble in Residency in 2025.
Apply!
Become the next NYS Baroque Young Artist
Applications for our Young Artists for 2027-2028 are due by May 1, 2027. If you are a young early musician, involved in historical performance practice and beginning your professional career, and would like a chance to perform in upstate New York, send us an email at info@nysbaroque.com.
What to submit
Please submit a 1-3 paragraph proposal for a concert: this could include a snappy title, personnel/instrumentation, repertoire, a few words to explain the program, ideas for presentation, possible venues (if you have any in mind so far), and anything else you think we need to know before agreeing to present you. Please also submit a resume or bio for you and your group or collaborators, and links to audio or video of your performances. Please note: we are looking for committed ensembles or single solo instruments; for example, if you are a singer, you will need to apply with an ensemble or period accompanist, as an ensemble. Applications for the 2027-2028 season are due by May 1, 2027.
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