Manhattan Honors Orchestra
Manhattan Honors Orchestra
April 18–20, 2026 | Carnegie Hall, NYC Guest Conductor: Dr. Chung Park, St. Olaf College
Join outstanding high school musicians from across the country for a once-in-a-lifetime performance experience at Carnegie Hall. Under the direction of acclaimed conductor and educator Dr. Chung Park, the 2026 Manhattan Honors Orchestra offers an extraordinary opportunity for auditioned instrumentalists — individuals or small ensembles — to rehearse and perform iconic orchestral repertoire on one of the world’s most legendary stages.
Program Highlights
- Conducted by Dr. Chung Park, nationally recognized conductor and string pedagogue from St. Olaf College.
- Perform at one of the world’s most iconic venues — Carnegie Hall — in an unforgettable culminating concert.
- Perform alongside top student musicians in a full symphonic setting (winds, brass, strings, and percussion).
- Receive feedback from a faculty of expert music educators and professional production support throughout the event.
- Attend a Broadway show or NYC concert, and enjoy the cultural vibrancy of New York City.
- Celebrate your performance with a post-concert buffet reception, an archival video recording, and commemorative souvenirs.
2026 Repertoire

REPERTOIRE
- TCHAIKOVSKY – Marche Slave
- HUMPERDINCK – Evening Prayer and Dream Pantomime (from Hansel and Gretel)
- SIBELIUS – Symphony No. 2, Finale
Chung Park
Guest Conductor
About Dr. Chung Park
Dr. Park is a dynamic conductor, educator, and editor currently leading the orchestral program at St. Olaf College. He has directed ensembles at major universities across the U.S. and frequently conducts honor orchestras nationwide. His recent edition of Bach’s Cello Suites for viola was published by Bärenreiter-verlag, marking a significant contribution to the string repertoire.
Performance Opportunities
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Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Welcome to NYC
Arrive in New York and jump right into rehearsal at the Westin Times Square with Maestro Park.
Day 2: Rehearsals & Broadway Magic
Refine your performance in rehearsal, then enjoy an evening Broadway show or concert of your choice.
Day 3: Performance Day at Carnegie Hall
Take part in your final rehearsal and sound check at Carnegie Hall, then perform in a spectacular evening concert.
Day 4: Farewell NYC
Depart the city with lifelong memories and your Carnegie Hall performance under your belt.
Audition Requirements
Individual Applicants:
- Brass/Winds: Two contrasting etudes or solos + three major scales (two octaves)
- Percussion: One excerpt each on mallet, timpani, and snare
- Strings: One or two contrasting movements from standard concerto or sonata repertoire
Small Ensembles (10+):
- Submit two performance recordings from the past two years
What’s Included
- Professional production staff, concert Playbill, stage and house management
- Listing in the Carnegie Hall Playbill
- Archival video of performance
- Certificate of participation and MCP lanyard
- Post-concert buffet reception
- Optional hotel accommodations at Westin Times Square
- Flight coordination available for groups of 10+
Ready to Audition?
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this elite ensemble and perform on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
Apply now to secure your spot in the 2026 Manhattan Honors Orchestra!
Package Inclusions
Venue
Rehearsals with Maestro Park at Westin Times
Square Hotel. Sound check and performance
at New York City’s legendary Carnegie Hall.
Experience
Individual musicians or small ensembles from
across the United States gather in New York
City to prepare symphonic orchestra concert
repertoire (winds, brass, strings and percussion)
for a Carnegie Hall performance, attend other
portions of evening concert, listing of all players
in the Playbill, professional photos available.
Post-Concert
Archival recording of your performance,
certificate of participation for each performer,
MCP lanyard for identification and souvenir,
buffet reception.
Concert Staff
Professional production team, concert advertising and audience development, concert
and venue management, stage crew, house management and ushers, box office, marquee poster, concert Playbill.
Operations Staff
Designated associate for personal attention
regarding your package, flight assistance for
groups of 10 or larger available through travel
coordinator.