The Australian Youth Orchestra brings country’s top young musicians together for amazing concert series

Concerts taking place at Llewellyn Hall, Canberra, between January 9 and 17, 2010

1 January 2010

Around 250 of Australia’s top young stars of classical music are coming together to perform an amazing concert series during the Australian Youth Orchestra’s esteemed national training program, the AYO National Music Camp, in January.

The country’s most gifted and aspiring young musicians, composers, music journalists and arts administrators are now spending a fortnight of intensive training with renowned international conductors and tutors during the AYO National Music Camp.  Their achievements will be displayed in a series of free concert performances at Llewellyn Hall.

The Australian Youth Orchestra’s chief executive officer, Colin Cornish said: “AYO’s National Music Camp is a chance for talented young musicians to totally immerse themselves in the world of music and to be surrounded by other like-minded individuals over two weeks of intense but rewarding rehearsals, tutorials, performances and broadcast opportunities.”

“The result of their hard work is presented for the public’s benefit during the celebrated free concert series. This will be a one-off opportunity to listen to the country’s most accomplished young musicians in a variety of ensembles and orchestras.”

This year ‘rhythm’ will be a focus of the camp and is being led by renowned percussionist Tim White who is originally from Canberra.

In addition to directing this year’s music camp, Tim White attended the program early in his career and commented: “My first National Music Camp changed my life – it was an inspirational event for a shy triangle player from Canberra.

“I urge all music lovers to come to Canberra and watch this inspiring and beautiful concert series.”

There are eight concerts for the public to enjoy ranging from orchestral extravaganzas featuring all the musicians, to smaller percussion ensembles, brass ensembles, advanced chamber music concert and a composition concert whereby students compose the music in their debut performance.

Concert performances will be held at Llewellyn Hall at the Australian National University School of Music between January 9 and 17, 2010. Tickets are free of charge. For more information visit www.ayo.com.au.