Established in 1987, the organization is a training ensemble for young musicians in preparation for professional careers in classical music.

[2] In 1987, Michael Tilson Thomas established the New World Symphony, with initial financial assistance from Ted Arison, the founder of Carnival Cruise Lines.

The program offers opportunities for fellows to design and present their own concerts, which often feature seldom-heard works for unusual instrumentation.

The training also includes mock auditions, financial management, donor and media relations, as well as opportunities for teaching in local schools.

The Orchestra's 2010 tour through Umbria was documented in the book 'Feast For The Senses',[6] authored by Lin Arison and Diana Still, and featuring photographs by Neil Folberg.