19 September 2025
Composer Madeleine Hammond on why AYO is a community for life
Madeleine is a Perth-based composer and is Co-chair and an inaugural member of the AYO Youth Council. With an Honours degree in Composition at the Conservatorium of Music, from the University of Western Australia, Madeleine is currently completing her Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) in Music and English. A graduate of AYO’s Composition, Words about Music (now Media and Communication) and Orchestral Management programs, Madeleine has composed for several ensembles including AYO’s NMC chamber orchestra, the Australian Women’s Wind Band Prize, UWA Conservatorium of Music’s Wind Orchestra, and Voyces’ Vanguard Consort. Maddie is also a keen trumpeter playing regularly with WA Brass, the West Australian Wind Symphony and West Coast Philharmonic Orchestra.
How did you hear about AYO’s non-orchestral programs?
I was late to learn of the Australian Youth Orchestra programs. It was only in 2022 (my Honours year) that I recall some of my peers preparing auditions for the National Music Camp orchestral program which initially sparked my interest. After investigating all the opportunities on offer, I applied for the Words About Music program, now the Media and Communication program, under the tutelage of ABC broadcaster Phillip Sametz. After a successful and thoroughly enjoyable NMC experience in 2023, I was inspired to apply for other programs and attended Camp in 2024 and 2025.
What has been the most rewarding part of your AYO experience?
I can wholeheartedly say that my experience with the Australian Youth Orchestra has been life changing. AYO has been the most positive and impactful experience in my music career thus far. It is difficult to pinpoint the most memorable or rewarding post of my AYO experience however these are just some:
Having my work for chamber orchestra Ultramarine premiered in January 2025 on NMC has been the highlight of my compositional career. Hearing my work performed live in Adelaide’s Elder Hall by some of Australia’s finest musicians was incredibly rewarding. Working with renowned composer and orchestrator Jessica Wells was invaluable.
Having the opportunity to interview Umberto Clerici, James Judd, Anne Cawrse, and members of the Composition program in 2023 as part of my three-part podcast series was very special. The experience highlighted to me some of the incredible stories that musicians have that so often go untold or unheard.
More recently, having been elected the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Co-Chair alongside Noah Lawrence, has been a privilege. Representing the next generation of Australian music-makers is so exciting. I am constantly inspired by my peers and the young emerging artists who continue to champion and preserve the Western Art tradition in Australia.
It’s the friendships and connections I have made with musicians around Australia that constantly inspire me to show up to this craft every day. Witnessing the talent, hard work, and passion of my peers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my AYO experience.
How has AYO influenced or helped your musical journey?
The Australian Youth Orchestra has been a wonderful introduction to the professional sphere of Western Art practice. The AYO has allowed me to garner the skills needed for any career in music whether that be as a composer, classroom teacher, or music journalist. The AYO has made me a much more well-rounded and better prepared musician for the professional sphere.
Community is one of the greatest gifts that music has to offer. The AYO connects musicians from all around the country who share a mutual love and passion for musician. It connects musicians of all generations. It is a community for life.
What advice would you give to other young musicians thinking about applying?
Apply! Whether you’re interested in performance, composition, music journalism, sound production, or orchestral management, the Australian Youth Orchestra is the place for you. Even if you’re unsure as to where your career in music will take you, I would recommend keeping an open mind to the variety of programs on offer. Participating in programs outside of your area will help you to become a more well-rounded musician and will inform your practice and your appreciation for the Western Art tradition at large. We so often hear of the power of the portfolio career!
I will add that talking to your peers who have completed previous AYO programs is worthwhile. They can provide you with first-hand accounts as to their experience and provide some advice as to how to prepare and what is involved. Ultimately, do your research. Get talking to your peers and mentors and check out the AYO’s social media channels for more information.
What are your plans for the future?
I am now in the final weeks of my Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) majoring in Music and minoring in English teaching at the University of Notre Dame in Western Australia. I’m looking forward to working in secondary schools as a classroom music teacher and to inspire the new generation of music makers.
I was honoured recently to be named as one of four recipients of the the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Cybec 21st Century Australian Composers Program. Over the course of the program, I’m completing a new work and being mentored by multi-award-winning Australian composer Fiona Hill. I’m beyond excited that my new work for symphony orchestra will be premiered in January next year by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. I hope to continue to contribute to the Australian sound world as much as possible and hopefully to work professionally in this area.
Can you share a favourite memory from your time with AYO?
A memory from this year’s camp was watching my friends’ performance of Danzon No. 2 followed by Conga del Fuego by Arturo Marquez in Elder Hall. This concert was such a celebration of everything that the AYO embodies. Exceptional musicianship. Passion. Vibrance.
And like every other night on camp, I can recall the joy of playing card games lasting into the early hours of the morning with some of my dear friends made on camp, still revelling in the elation of the final night on camp. This was incredibly special.
Have you stayed connected with other AYO alumni?
Yes! I am frequently in contact with my friends and mentors that I met on AYO National Music Camps. Living in Western Australia, I feel fortunate to have social media to keep in contact with the connections I made on camp. Even though my friends and mentors are widespread, it is special to virtually see and hear about what people are up to. I was also lucky enough to catch up with them during the year on a trip to Melbourne. It’s wonderful to see people seizing opportunities across the country and pursuing their dreams.
What role does music play in your life today?
Music is paramount in my life. It is my career. It is my creative outlet. It is my friendships and community. It is connection to friends old and new.