It's a busy time of rehearsals in the Hudson Valley for hundreds of young musicians who are fulfilling a very special and rare opportunity.

They are part of an intensive that gives them the opportunity to travel and learn from internationally renowned conductors while also training with their peers.

It also includes youth ensembles from around the world.

"It is quite a selective audition, we got kids from all over the country who want to be a part of this," says Doug Beck, who works in artistic training at Carnegie Hall.

Rehearsals have been underway at the Performing Arts Center on the campus of SUNY Purchase College.

The big performances will be at Carnegie Hall starting Thursday.

For two of the young musicians, they tell News 12 performing at this venue is an honor and a dream.

"It is a very surreal feeling, I'm looking forward to it," says Gavin Hardy, who plays the double bass.

"It's really exciting, it's a huge name, everybody knows it. The acoustics there are just magical," says Gabriela Salvador Riera, who plays the violin.

You can read more about the upcoming performances and the program here.