The AYO occupies a special place in Australia’s musical life, where one generation of musicians inspires the next. Inside these pages you will find orchestra lists and photos that celebrate the Australian Youth Orchestra’s rich history, its contribution to Australia’s musical life, and the achievements of thousands of Australian musicians. If you have participated in any AYO program, you are a part of our extensive alumni family.
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Click on the links below for participant lists for AYO National Music Camp and Australian Youth Orchestras from 1948 to date, photos from the archive, and the orchestra’s performance history. We hope you enjoy these pages as much as we do!
1940s
The first ever National Music Camps took place in Point Lonsdale, in 1948 and 1949.
1950s
The 1950s saw the very first AYO season, following the inaugural National Music Camp in 1948.
1960s
The swinging sixties saw the Australian Youth Orchestra congregate in Hobart for the annual National Music Camp.
1970s
The seventies were a jam-packed decade for AYO with a 1970 World Expo performance, 1975 Asia Tour and 1979 trip to the Great Wall of China.
1980s
By the 1980s the Australian Youth Orchestra had established itself as a prominent organisation supporting young musicians.
1990s
Highlights of the 1990s include the Inaugural New Zealand Tour, and the Camerata international tours.
2000s
The 2000s saw the AYO perform at Centennial of Federation celebrations and embark on multiple European tours.
2010s and beyond
Over the 2010s, Momentum Ensemble was established and AYO took on a number of exciting collaborations.
