Australian Youth Orchestra
Home / AYO Programs /
Summer Season and Winter Season 2027
All your experience as a musician reaches a pinnacle when you become a member of AYO’s flagship ensemble: the Australian Youth Orchestra.
Summer Season
Dates:
6 – 14 February 2027
Venue:
Sydney and Canberra
Repertoire includes:
RESPIGHI Roman Triology
Winter Season
Dates:
3 – 11 July 2027
Venue:
Brisbane
Repertoire includes:
MAHLER Symphony No. 1
About AYO
The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) is among the world’s most prestigious
and innovative training organisations for young pre-professional musicians.
As one of the Arts8 organisations, AYO is integral to Australia’s identity as a
nation of artistic excellence. Over the last 75 years, AYO has celebrated the
wealth of talent found here in Australia, nurturing the musical development
of young instrumentalists across metropolitan and regional Australia.
Every year we create tailored training and performance programs for
aspiring musicians, composers, arts administrators and music journalists.
From AYO Symphonists to the flagship orchestra and beyond with
Momentum Ensemble, AYO provides outstanding young performers on the
cusp of their professional lives opportunities that enable them to launch a
multi-faceted career.
Summer Season Artists:
Winter Season Artists:
Successful applicants are required to participate in both the Summer and Winter Seasons.
The Australian Youth Orchestra is an annual two-part activity. Where repertoire requires, an offer to an individual season may be made, in which case the expectation is not relevant. Exemption for an individual season may be approved by the CEO on a case by case where the applicant can demonstrate sufficient personal, academic or professional merit behind the requested absence. Requests to be absent from an individual season can be emailed (following acceptance of the program position) to the Senior Coordinator – Program Operations.
AYO will advise principal players of their position in the flagship orchestra at the offers stage. Principal players are expected to attend both seasons in the year, and AYO reserves the right to re-allocate leadership position in the event of an absence request.
Cost
$1,495 per season
AYO will arrange and cover all travel, instrument freight, meals and accommodation costs associated with the program.
Financial assistance is available to help offset the program fees and ensure all eligible musicians are able to participate. Find out more here.
Eligibility:
Open to all orchestral instruments, including harp and piano.
Age:
25 and under
Inclusive as at 1 January 2027.
Standard:
Indicative performance standards are highly differentiated according to instrument type. Please contact the AYO team who will be happy to discuss any questions.
Applications for 2027 are now closed
- 11 August 2026 String auditions due
- 13 August 2026 All other applicants’ audition/portfolio submissions due
For any questions, email info@ayo.com.au