AYO Young Symphonists

Look at the Stars

Four spectacular works for orchestra, performed by the country’s best school-aged musicians. 

Auditioned nationwide, the Young Symphonists program brings together Australia’s rising classical music stars. With the finesse of a professional ensemble, these young musicians invite you into the wonderful world of classical music. Join us for a special concert that showcases a vibrant mix of iconic symphonic masterpieces and contemporary Australian works that explore our ever-evolving national identity.  

Be swept away by the elegance of The Blue Danube, Johann Strauss’s iconic waltz that conjures the grandeur of Viennese ballrooms. Twirl through a world of opulent charm, where bustling strings and a romantic horn call set the stage for a sequence of enchanting melodies. As the AYO flagship orchestra takes Europe by storm, this unofficial anthem of Austria will bring a touch of Viennese magic to the stage. Don your finest ball gown and let the music of Strauss’s waltz guide you through a night of sheer elegance and joyous rhythm.

Experience the vibrant evolution of Australian identity with a world premiere by First Nations composer and violist Aaron Wyatt, alongside a reimagined version of Ann Carr-Boyd’s 1988 piece Look at the Stars, originally performed by our flagship orchestra at the grand opening of Parliament House in Canberra. Carr-Boyd’s work blends uniquely Australian elements with her European influences, creating a dynamic musical dialogue. As you listen, feel the echoes of Australia’s past and present resonate in the heart of the nation’s capital, celebrating our rich cultural tapestry.

Step into Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, where music transforms into a vivid sound gallery. Inspired by Viktor Hartmann’s artworks, Mussorgsky’s suite takes you from the mischievous antics of The Gnome to the melancholic echoes of The Old Castle and the capricious energy of Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks. Maurice Ravel’s orchestration infuses each movement with dazzling colour and texture. Like a musical tour guide, the Promenade theme guides you through each evocative scene, shifting in character and mood. As the Young Symphonists bring this masterpiece to life, let the enchanting melodies and vibrant timbres paint a captivating auditory gallery before your eyes.

Young, passionate, and helping to turn the tide on orchestral programming, these young musicians prove that the future of Australia’s classical music scene is bright. 

REPERTOIRE

Jessica WELLS Uplift                                                                                            
Johann STRAUSS II On the Beautiful Blue Danube                                        
Ann CARR-BOYD Starburst (selections)                                                          
MUSSORGSKY arr. Ravel Pictures at an Exhibition                                      

Artist:

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Dr Luke Dollman

Tutor

Dr Luke Dollman

Tutor

Dr Luke Dollman has conducted throughout Europe and Australasia, working with orchestras such as the London Philharmonic, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Helsinki Philharmonic, Monte Carlo Philharmonic, Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie, Halle Staatskapelle, Lausanne Sinfonietta, and all of Australia’s professional orchestras. In the field of opera he has been a regular guest at the Finnish National Opera, and has also worked for Opera Australia, the State Opera of South Australia, and the Netherlands Opera.  Luke is a graduate of the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and furthered his studies at the Aspen Festival of Music and Accademia Chigiana in Italy. He is Associate Professor of Conducting and Deputy Director at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide.

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Anne Carr-Boyd

Composer

Anne Carr-Boyd

Composer

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Ann is an internationally recognised composer whose music is truly Australian but embraces her close connection with European music through her family of professional musicians from Bohemia. Her musical style is often classed as ‘chameleon’ and is the outcome of this inheritance.

Her works have been performed at many landmark events, including “The Bells of Sydney Harbour,” composed for the opening of the new Ron Sharp organ in the Sydney Opera House; “Images of Australia,” composed for the ABC television documentary marking the bicentenary of European settlement in Australia; the orchestral work “Look at the Stars,” performed by the Australian Youth Orchestra at the opening of the new Parliament House in Canberra; and “Beneath the Yellow Moon” in the ABC Classic FM radio series “Images of our Times.”

These landmark events, plus the constant presence of her music in radio broadcasts and concerts and the popularity of such works as Fandango for mandolins, have made her music well known and loved. For the last 20 years Ann’s piano, flute, cello and other instrumental music have been part of the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) syllabus.