1 October 2025
AYO offers music for all in 2026
Australian Youth Orchestra launches bold 2026 season with commitment to accessibility
In 2026, the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) invites audiences across the country to experience a season of exhilarating music-making, boundary-pushing repertoire, and a renewed commitment to accessibility. From Adelaide to Darwin, Sydney to Perth, AYO’s concerts will feature world-class soloists and international conductors, thrilling premieres, and unforgettable performances that celebrate both the greats of classical music and the voices shaping its future.
In a landmark move to make orchestral music more inclusive, AYO will offer at least 40% of tickets to every concert free of charge, ensuring that cost is no barrier to experiencing the transformative power of live music.
More than 500 of Australia’s finest young musicians will perform in 14 concerts across 7 venues and 7 cities and towns nationwide. The season includes two world premieres and showcases the work of seven contemporary Australian composers, alongside masterpieces by Beethoven, Stravinsky, Ravel, Tchaikovsky, Bartók, Shostakovich and more.
“An AYO concert is the perfect introduction to classical music and our commitment to free or affordable tickets for all, means that there really is something for everyone,” said AYO CEO Kimbali Harding.
“We are passionate about democratising music for audiences. At AYO concerts, classical music afficionados sit shoulder to shoulder with those discovering live orchestral performance for the first time.”
“From the classroom to the best concert houses, we want everyone to have access to soul-nourishing music. In 2026, at least 40% of tickets to each of our concerts will be free of charge.”
Kimbali Harding, AYO CEO
“This is to ensure that young people and economically disadvantaged members of our community can attend. We delight in welcoming new audiences of any age and will continue to seek out and support first-time concertgoers.”
AYO also supports its young musicians with generous financial assistance, removing financial and geographic barriers to participation.
“When applying to AYO, the only criterion is talent. In this way, we are able to bring together the most talented young people in the country to make the most exquisite music with internationally renowned conductors and soloists,” added Harding.
AYO: Bringing Stories to Life
Prepare to be transported to new sonic realms and moved by music at its best, as hundreds of young musicians travel beyond the ordinary, bringing stories to life.
Following a triumphant international tour in 2025, AYO begins 2026 energised, inspired, and confident in its status as a world-class orchestra. The new season expands AYO’s horizons with bold and ambitious repertoire designed to excite young performers and captivate audiences.
Led by a roster of internationally acclaimed guest conductors – Christian Reif (Gävle Symphony Orchestra) pictured left, Alan Buribayev (Astana Opera House, Kazakhstan), Antony Hermus (Belgian National Orchestra), Tze Law Chan (National University of Singapore), and Andrea Quinn – AYO continues to affirm its role as Australia’s premier training organisation for aspiring orchestral musicians and creative leaders.
Guest artists include AYO alumna and cellist Charlotte Miles, Australian Chamber Orchestra Principal Violin Satu Vänskä, and classical saxophonist Jonathan Radford.
“An AYO concert is more than just a concert. The air is ripe with discovery and wonder as our finest young musicians explore new and old music for their first time. Whether it is heroic Beethoven, Holly Harrison or something steampunk, our audiences will share that special joy.”
Lachlan Bramble, AYO Artistic Advisory Committee Chair
