Australian Youth Orchestra
Alumni Spotlight: From AYO’s Stages to ABC’s Airwaves, the Beat Goes On
Genevieve Lang, a distinguished harpist and broadcaster, has enchanted Australian audiences with her exceptional performances and insightful commentary. Whether on stage with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra or in her long-standing collaboration with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, her contributions to the music world are well recognised. As a founding member of the Seven Harp Ensemble (SHE), Genevieve has also shone as a soloist with orchestras across Australia and beyond.
Today, you’re more likely to hear her voice than her harp as Genevieve shares her passion for classical music as a presenter on ABC Classic. From the thrill of AYO’s 1994 European Tour to her current role at ABC, Genevieve’s story is a vibrant example of how the rhythms of one’s early experiences continue to shape a lifelong career in music. We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Genevieve to discuss her musical journey and the enduring impact of AYO on her career.
How did your time with AYO shape your career in music and broadcasting?
My AYO experiences were pivotal in forming my career path. The 1994 European Tour came in the middle of my final year of high school. It was such a rich cultural, social, and international experience that my mind was made up the minute I got back to Australia that music would be my future. I spent ten very happy years as an extremely busy freelance harpist after graduating with my BMus but then felt called to try something else. At 30, I still qualified (just!) for the National Music Camp Words About Music program, so flew off to Adelaide that year for my fourth NMC, but first as a Words About Music participant.
It was two memorable weeks of talking about, writing about, and listening to music which left me stimulated and motivated to search out more of the same. Two internships followed, one in music journalism, the other in music programming, and after a number of years working for different arts organisations, I landed at ABC Classic as a presenter.
I’ve been talking on the radio for ten years now, and love love love the job of advocating for classical music on ABC Classic. I’ll forever be grateful to AYO for helping to get me where I am today!
What are some of your most memorable moments from performing with AYO?
Performing on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the BBC Proms is an experience I will never forget. The festival atmosphere, the promenaders singing ‘Waltzing Matilda’ for us, and the roar of the crowd at the end of the concert. It’s all imprinted on my psyche forever.
Similarly memorable, on that same European tour, breaking a string in our Concertgebouw performance, just moments before I had to play a cadenza in Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnole. That called for some serious nerves of steel to get the string changed pronto! The restringing held up the whole concert, and when I was finally done, the whole audience applauded!
And the friendships formed through hijinks and shared adventures on the various camps and tours remain with me today, even though my fellow AYOers are far-flung across the world.
How has your role as a presenter on ABC allowed you to share your passion for classical music in new ways?
ABC Classic is an amazing platform from which I get to share my love and passion for classical music. Regular concert presentations at Lunchtime Concert keep me updated on what’s going on around the country, with amazing performances and artists, plus some regular spots looking after Breakfast or Drive, which really puts me in direct contact with listeners. Live concert broadcasts are a particular passion – there’s nothing like the thrill and adrenaline of going out live from the Sydney Opera House, Hobart’s Federation Concert Hall, or the Perth Concert Hall and ‘calling’ the concert as it’s happening.
It’s great to think that these live concerts often make live music available to those audience members who, for whatever reason (geography, demographic, or affordability, for instance), can’t otherwise get to hear live music-making.
What advice would you give young musicians and those aspiring to work in music administration and broadcasting?
There’s no one strict pathway to either of these pursuits. For either of them, try to get as much experience and understanding of the art form and people involved as humanly possible. Part of my secret superpower on the radio (and this is just between us, okay? <insert winking emoji>) is that I’ve sat onstage in hundreds of rehearsal hours and performances and really understand what music-making is like from the performers’ perspective. Listeners love hearing about it.
Also, look for opportunities to be mentored by the right people, say ‘yes’ a lot while you’re still unencumbered by big responsibilities (i.e., bills and family!), and don’t be afraid to give something a try.
That was basically my winning ‘formula,’ and honestly, never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined I would be where I am today.
To reconnect with cherished AYO memories and fellow alumni, join REPLA.Y.O at the 2025 National Music Camp!
Under the baton of special guest conductor Guy Noble, relive the magic of performing together as you dive into iconic works by Beethoven, Johann Strauss Jr., Tchaikovsky, and Jessica Wells. Don’t miss this unforgettable weekend of music and reunions.
Registrations close 31 October!