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Since 1970, international tours have been central to AYO’s mission, providing young musicians with unparalleled global exposure and opportunities to connect across borders through music. In 1979, AYO made history as the first Australian orchestra to tour China, during a time of significant cultural and political change.
Ahead of our 2025 International Tour, we caught up with alumna Sandra Tancibudek, who was concertmaster on the China tour. Since then, Sandra has built a remarkable international career, performing with prestigious ensembles such as the Staatskapelle Berlin and the WDR Symphony Orchestra in Cologne. Earlier this year, she reconnected with AYO through REPLA.Y.O, our inaugural alumni orchestra, reminding us of the lasting impact those early experiences can have.
How has your experience with AYO influenced your career and musical journey?
The entire Music Camp experience, and by extension AYO, was pivotal in sparking my passion for making music with others. Being conducted and tutored by great musicians like Georg Tintner and Robert Pikler was deeply inspiring and influential.
What are some of your most memorable or enjoyable moments with AYO?
The international tours were exciting and culturally fascinating. I especially remember witnessing the resilient power of music in China during the late 1970s, as it emerged from the brutality and repression of the Cultural Revolution. Playing to full audiences throughout our tour, the warmth and enthusiasm with which we were received, including by our outstanding Chinese counterparts with whom we collaborated, was profoundly humbling.
What advice would you give to young musicians who want to build international careers?
To my colleagues in today’s AYO who wish to pursue careers in music:
- Apply to teachers and music institutions you admire and aspire to be a part of, including masterclasses and summer music festivals.
- Set realistic goals and pursue them wholeheartedly.
- Keep in touch with and develop connections.
- Move beyond self-promotion and focus on making music. Sharing this gift with others will keep you motivated through inevitable setbacks.
- Play as much chamber music as your schedule allows.
- Make time for other pursuits, like seeing friends, staying fit, and getting out into nature.
