A composition of the invention is a high temperature shape memory alloy having high work output, and is made from (Ni+Pt+Y)xTi(100-x), wherein x is present in a total amount of 49-55 atomic %, Pt is present in a total amount of 10-30 atomic %, Y is one or more of Au, Pd, and Cu and is present in a total amount of 0 to 10 atomic %. The alloy has a matrix phase wherein the total concentration of Ni, Pt, and the one or more of Pd, Au, and Cu is greater than 50 atomic %.