The Italian Youth Orchestra, affiliated to the Music School of Fiesole, is a training center for professional orchestra musicians. It was officially inaugurated in a performance in 1984 under the baton of Riccardo Muti. Every year, auditions are held to find promising young people aged between 18 and 27 who will receive training for two years. Tuition is free, as are board and lodging. The orchestra’s training is provided by world-famous conductors. During the training period, the orchestra goes on concert tours across Europe and teams up with leading professional orchestras in joint performances. More than a thousand former students have already found work as professional orchestra musicians in Italy and all over Europe. The grant was used for improvement of school facilities.