NWS Media
Chasing Crescendos
The New World Symphony and Great Performances joined forces to present Chasing Crescendos, a series of short documentary-style videos spotlighting NWS Fellows forging the future of the field. Viewers get a rare, up-close look at the Fellows' day-to-day lives, ambitions, triumphs and challenges during this formative stage of their careers. The series premiered February 11, 2026 on pbs.org/gperf, the PBS app and the Great Performances Facebook and YouTube channel. The series continues on New World Symphony's YouTube channel.
Amidst the palm trees and pool parties of sun-soaked South Beach is the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center, home of New World Symphony, where 87 Fellows live and practice together as they navigate an intense schedule of rehearsals, lessons, master classes and weekly performances. Each year, more than 1,000 gifted musicians audition for only 30 openings, making acceptance nearly twice as difficult as admission to Harvard or Yale. Chasing Crescendos captures the grace and passion of these young classical musicians making their way in the demanding world of classical music.
“At New World Symphony, we believe music is most powerful when audiences can connect with the people behind it,” said Clyde Scott, NWS’s Senior Vice President and Creative Director of NWS Media. “Through Chasing Crescendos, we reveal the process, personality and lived experiences of our Fellows, spotlighting not only their extraordinary artistry on stage, but also the curiosity, vulnerability and personal growth that shape each musician’s journey. We are very grateful to Great Performances for being such a collaborative and supportive partner.”
Major funding for Chasing Crescendos is provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Diane and Robert Moss. Great Performances Digital is made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Major funding is also provided by The Robert and Joseph Cornell Memorial Foundation, the Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Jody and John Arnhold, the Anderson Family Charitable Fund and the LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust.
For media inquiries, please contact pr@nws.edu.