Founded in 1992 by visionary Artistic Director Dianne Berkun Menaker, the Brooklyn Youth Chorus has grown into one of the nation's most highly regarded ensembles. Our mission is to empower young people to discover the transformative power of their voices through unparalleled choral education. Serving over 500 students annually and having touched nearly 10,000 lives since our inception, we are dedicated to nurturing empathy, resilience, and self-expression, preparing young artists to become future leaders through music.
The Brooklyn Youth Chorus sets the standard for artistic excellence, consistently delivering captivating performances on the world's most renowned stages. As a Grammy Award-winning ensemble, led by Dianne Berkun Menaker, we are celebrated for our extraordinary versatility and polished artistry.
Our choristers regularly collaborate with an impressive range of iconic artists and prestigious organizations, including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The National, David Byrne, Sir Elton John, and Beyoncé & Jay-Z. We've graced stages from Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden to the United Nations, even performing for U.S. Presidents.
A bold commissioner and producer of new music, BYC has introduced over 120 original works and world premieres by contemporary composers like Pulitzer Prize-winners Caroline Shaw, Tania León, and David Lang, and visionary Philip Glass. Our groundbreaking original productions, such as Port(al) (premiered at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in May 2025), and the impactful Silent Voices series (premiering Off-Broadway at The New Victory Theater), define our reputation as an innovative arts producer. Our extensive recording catalogue further showcases our distinctive sound, featured in major motion pictures, commercials, and solo albums.
At the heart of the Brooklyn Youth Chorus is our world-class educational philosophy. Our comprehensive training is built upon the proprietary Cross-Choral Training® method, created by Dianne Berkun Menaker. This holistic and experiential approach integrates voice science, healthy vocal technique, music theory, sight-singing, and ear training, ensuring versatile and authentic singing across all genres.
We offer a sequential pathway for young singers aged 5-18, allowing students to enter at various skill levels and progress at their own pace:
Pre-Preparatory (Ages 5-6): A fun, no-audition introduction to music.
Preparatory, Pre-Teen, and Teen Divisions (Ages 7-18): Building foundational to advanced skills.
Performing Ensembles (Junior, Bass, and Concert): Rigorous training and extensive performance opportunities for our most advanced singers.
With professional faculty and locations across Brooklyn, we are committed to making our high-quality musical training accessible, offering subsidized tuition and comprehensive need-based financial aid to foster a diverse and inclusive community of young artists.
