17 April 2026
CSO Future Pathways emerging artist get a taste of AYO
What does music taste like? How do you calm your nerves before a concert? This were just some of the curly questions asked by the inquisitive musicians of Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s Future Pathways Program when they dropped in on AYO Symphonists participants and tutors in the nation’s capital recently.
The CSO Future Pathways Program participants (aged eight to 19) joined AYO Symphonists at Canberra Grammar School – where the AYO musicians were based for a week of intensive rehearsals and tutorials ahead of their concert on 11 April.
The joint initiative was an opportunity for the CSO participants to meet the AYO musicians, sit in on a concert rehearsal and take part in a professional development session with AYO tutors – sharing perspectives, looking at orchestral excerpts together and getting to know the ins and outs of audition preparation.
‘Incredible opportunity’
CSO Community and Education Manager, Donna Parkes said the chance to meet the AYO participants and tutors was an invaluable experience for the Canberra-based musicians. “The new partnership between the CSO Future Pathways Program and AYO has been an incredible opportunity for our young musicians to connect, learn and be inspired. Our string, brass and percussionist benefitted greatly from sharing the AYO tutors experience and knowledge, watching the orchestra rehearse, sharing a meal and connecting with musicians their age making the day feel truly special.
“These events for us were the perfect reminder that we are all part of a vibrant and supportive arts community, and I loved seeing our musicians recognising their own potential as they could see directly what they too, could achieve. I know all our students are still buzzing after last week – huge thank you the AYO team and Symphonists musicians for such a memorable experience.”
Viola tutor Jane Hazelwood, former Tutti Viola with Sydney Symphony Orchestra and who has performed with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra including on two international tours, joined Canberra Symphony Orchestra cellist Patrick Suthers, violinist Adele Ohki and AYO CEO Kimbali Harding to chat to the CSO Future Pathways strings players.
“The students were full of enthusiasm and insightful questions,” said Jane. “It is valuable for these students to hear firsthand the process of preparing and producing a video audition for the AYO programs, as it will give them the best chance of being a future participant in AYO Young Symphonists.”
“It was inspiring, when Kimbali asked for an indication of how often each of these students practise, to see that many of them practise for a significant amount of time almost every day. Hopefully, we will meet some of these Canberra students in a future AYO program.”
Curiosity welcomed
AYO CEO Kimbali Harding said meeting the CSO Future Pathways string players was a timely reminder of how powerful it is to create spaces where curiosity is welcomed and questions are taken seriously. “From the wonderfully leftfield to the highly practical realities of performance preparation and audition craft, the session reinforced for me that we should never underestimate our young people.
“The CSO musicians proved that even as young as eight years of age, these musicians are hungry not only for technical guidance, but serious insight into how professionals practise, manage nerves, and approach the ‘work’ of being a musician.
“I was personally inspired and energised by these creative and bright minds. My favourite moment was at the end of quite a long evening, the youngest of the cohort ran up to me to show me her notebook that answered the question of ‘what does Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet taste like?’ – milk, honey and popping candy – of course!”
Kimbali Harding, AYO CEO
She said the partnership between AYO and CSO create a shared framework for collaboration across our emerging artist pathways (CSO Future Pathways alongside AYO Momentum and Symphonists).
“It reflects a common commitment to strengthening the national training ecosystem by pooling specialist skills, teaching expertise, and professional context—so that young musicians, wherever they live, can access inspiration, high-quality learning, and clear next steps in their development.”
She said even little efforts like sharing resources and knowledge, looking for opportunities to amplify CSO’s great programs when AYO is in town and helping to spread awareness of initiatives helps create a connected arts community. “Ultimately, we all want to help young people recognise their potential and give them support to grow into brilliant young leaders.”