Do you want to perform among some of Australia’s best young musicians? Applications for the Australian Youth Orchestra program, which has nurtured the talent of several Central Coast Conservatorium of Music students and alumni, open from 30 May.
The Australian Youth Orchestra offers specialised training pathways to nurture the musical development of gifted young instrumentalists, from school-aged musicians to those on the verge of a professional career. Applications for its 2025 program open on 30 May, so if you’re looking to take your love of music to the next level, AYO could be the path for you.
Alongside its renowned orchestral programs (AYO Young Symphonists, AYO National Music Camp and the Australian Youth Orchestra – AYO’s flagship ensemble) AYO also offers training in music journalism, orchestral management, sound production and arts administration.
Central Coast Youth Orchestra Concertmaster, Kaito Deed, Central Coast Con piano accompanist and former student, Kimberly Gilbert and bassoon student Xavier Cardozo have all taken part in AYO programs.
In January 2024, Year 12 Gosford High School student and violinist Kaito was invited to participate in AYO’s National Music Camp in Adelaide – the highlight of the year for many young Australian musicians. The two-week residential camp included workshops, expert tutoring with internationally-acclaimed artists and conductors, chamber music opportunities and several concert performances.
In September 2023, Xavier travelled to Bathurst to play contrabassoon in the AYO’s Young Symphonists program. The intensive week-long residential program aimed at high-calibre high-school aged musicians culminated with an evening concert at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, under the baton of Queensland Youth Orchestra Music Director Simon Hewett.
“Australian Youth Orchestra Young Symphonists allowed young musicians to elevate their skills within an orchestra and gain new experiences in performance opportunities, such as chamber music,” said Xavier. “Some of the highlights were challenging myself with an advanced repertoire and musician development workshops with professionals.”
In 2022 pianist Kimberly performed Richard Strauss’s heroic masterpiece An Alpine Symphony, in AYO’s Winter Series with concerts in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
“The Alpine Symphony is a pretty spectacular piece. To perform alongside some of Australia’s best young musicians is an incredibly humbling and rewarding experience. The sheer power and brilliance of the sound that surrounds me as I sit on stage is exhilarating and to know I play a part in creating it is nothing short of magical!” said Kimberly.
This year, AYO is also offering a full waiver of the application fee for First Nations young people.
To apply visit www.ayo.com.au/applications/
