Hear Us in 2026
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Australian Youth Orchestra 2026 Season
Be moved by music at its best as AYO brings stories to life in 2026
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.
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.
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
Join AYO for this extraordinary season and experience a season of exhilarating music-making, boundary-pushing repertoire and unforgettable performances.
