‘During AYO programs you’re there with your friends, working intensively and achieving such good and such positive results – nothing beats that feeling.’ – Elissa Koppen
It’s the time of year when we celebrate our participants’ achievements while eagerly looking forward to welcoming the next wave of young musicians to the AYO community. As we do, we are grateful for the supporters who make it possible for us to continue to offer such a rich array of training experiences for the hard-working, talented musicians who join AYO programs.
Every year our Appeal campaigns raise vital funds to make sure we can give our musicians world-class training experiences to offer the best tutors, venues, repertoire and networks that will nurture and develop our musicians’ skills. One such musician is 21 year old flautist Elissa Koppen, who this year was elated to take part in AYO’s ‘continuously exciting’ Orchestral Seasons. Elissa’s journey ranged from ‘playing piccolo in the best interpretation of Petrushka I’ve ever heard with Alexandre Bloch’ to standing ovations in China, three encores at the Concertgebouw under the ‘great energy’ of Manfred Honeck and homecoming concerts at the Sydney Opera House and Hamer Hall with proud family and friends in the audience. Read Elissa’s story here.
Every gift, no matter the size, empowers young musicians to take part in the full AYO experience. For Elissa, $10 covered a nutritious breakfast on her first day of the AYO International Tour, $300 gave her the chance to participate in two intensive tutorials with Alison Mitchell, Principal Flute in the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and $1,000 provided her accommodation for the entire AYO February Season.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far to AYO’s current appeal. For those who have not yet contributed, we encourage you to donate to AYO today.
