New World Symphony Orchestra

America's only full-time orchestral academy, the New World Symphony grooms graduates from conservatories for careers in the symphony. Concerts range from classical to experimental, and quality is high: guest instructors have included Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman; past guest conductors include Sir Neville Marriner and Paavo Järvi; and founder Michael Tilson Thomas of the San Francisco Symphony often lends a hand. The symphony moved into the Frank Gehry–designed New World Center in 2011.