No conductor, no bow ties, just strings.

Now in its 12th season, SONYC (String Orchestra of New York City) has established itself as one of the leading young ensembles in New York City; with regular performances at New York's Merkin Concert Hall and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. A conductorless chamber ensemble, SONYC members rehearse in a collaborative effort that allows each musician to have an impact on the artistic process. The flexibility and intimacy of a string quartet are thus fused with the power and scope of an orchestra.

SONYC is composed of a group of dedicated chamber musicians and soloists who are members of outstanding chamber groups as well as winners of international competitions. Having given over 100 performances and over 70 educational outreach performances for children of all ages and backgrounds in NYC's public schools, SONYC is a pioneer in the concert hall, as well as in the classroom, community center, church, and museum.

A herald of new music from around the world, SONYC has given 17 World and US premieres. Pulitzer-Prize-winning composers Paul Moravec and Aaron Jay Kernis have made the following statements about the group:

"SONYC is a composer's dream" (Moravec), and "[SONYC is] opening up the world again for the audience to become more emotionally and experientially involved" (Kernis).

Winners of the 2006 Meet the Composers Residency Grant, SONYC gave performances and outreach projects throughout New York City. Also the winners of the 2005 Aaron Copland Fund for Music Recording Grant, SONYC released an all American World Premieres CD (“first takes”, under the Albany label) including the works of brilliant composers Paul Moravec, Lisa Bielawa, Michael Gatonska and Christopher Theofanidis. The group is also the feature of the award-winning documentary by William McKenna entitled "Breathing Together."

Whether performing new music or the cherished string orchestra standards, SONYC strives to inspire and educate its audiences.