WANTED: Tomorrow’s greats

The Australian Youth Orchestra opens applications for 2010, including three-continent international tour

18 May 2009

The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO), Australia’s premier orchestral training institution, has opened applications for the 2010 programs, including a three continent international tour with performances at some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls.

Every position in every program, including the orchestra, is declared vacant until applications close on Friday 19 June, providing all talented young musicians with the opportunity to secure a place.

Musicians as young as 12 years old are eligible to apply for AYO programs, and each program is designed to complement a musician’s existing education.

The programs are also designed to give participants the chance to work with some of Australia and the world’s finest conductors, directors, musicians and industry professionals.

According to Colin Cornish, Chief Executive Officer at the AYO, hundreds of new applications are submitted each year from emerging young musicians across the country, from Darwin to Hobart, who are either starting to show signs of a strong musical future, or on the verge of a professional career.

 “Our programs are designed to inspire and educate the next generation of professional musicians, and to see so many new applicants each year is truly exciting and reassuring – to just think of all the new talent that is being fostered throughout Australia” Mr Cornish said.

“I expect we will see an even bigger increase in applications for 2010, thanks to the opportunity to take part in an international tour,” he said.

Mr Cornish, who started his own musical career in the Australian Youth Orchestra before going on to play professionally in the Australian Chamber Orchestra amongst other achievements, said international touring is one of the most valuable and transforming experiences an emerging young musician will experience.

“This tour may be the single most important musical experience that inspires these musicians to go on and become tomorrow’s greats,” he said.

“Participating in any AYO program is a life-changing experience for so many of our musicians.  For some it is their first chance to play alongside other like-minded musicians, and for others is it a stepping stone on their pathway to becoming a professional musician.

Some 70% of Australia’s professional musicians have been through an AYO training program” he said.

Applications are now open, and for those who apply online at ayo.com.au until Friday 19 June, audition material is available immediately.

Auditions are scheduled for every Australian capital city, as well as regional audition centres of Armidale, Townsville and Orange, throughout August and September.

For more details on all of AYO’s programs, visit ayo.com.au. For more information contact the AYO on 1300 668 500 or email info@ayo.com.au.

Application deadline: Friday 19 June

Live auditions will be held in Adelaide, Armidale, Brisbane, Darwin, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Orange, Perth, Sydney and Townsville.