This April witness nearly 70 of Australia’s finest high school-aged classical stars – aged 12 to 18 – take to the stage in Canberra as they take audiences on a Voyage of Discovery at Snow Concert Hall.
Assembled from across Australia, this special concert on 11 April at Snow Concert Hall in Canberra showcases the emotional and artistic breadth of the Australian Youth Orchestra’s AYO Symphonists – featuring 68 of Australia’s finest high-school orchestral musicians with repertoire including Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet: Fantasy Overture and Elgar’s In the South.
Under the baton of Singapore’s Chan Tze Law, this talented orchestra will travel on a journey of discovery, with works that trace a path through the emotional landscapes of inner drive and romantic awakening to spiritual reflection and sense of place.
‘So much joy in the air’
For Melbourne-based double bassist, QiQi Lu, this will be their third time performing with AYO Symphonists. “AYO symphonists is an experience that you never expect to be able to be topped, and each year my expectation is broken – there is just so much joy in the air,” said QiQi, who remembers perfoming Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2 on their first AYO Symphonists program in 2023.
“I remember being absolutely shellshocked at just how amazing playing music could feel…The energy is amazing, the connection you feel with your fellow musician sharing your same goal for the music and then achieving it is an incredible feeling. I often say that making music in an environment like this is the most fun one can ever have, and I hope everyone has the opportunity to experience it at some point.”
Qiqi is most excited about playing Elgar’s In the South “because of how incredibly gorgeous and challenging it is. I’m really looking forward to hearing the Symphonists and Chan Tze Law’s spin on the piece and working together with the orchestra and tutors to blend and put together all the challenging runs, harmonies and melodies.”
Joining AYO Symphonists for her second season is trombonist Anya Sandeman from the NSW Central Coast. Anya, who recently won the 2026 Allen Family Scholarship First Prize from the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music, said she is also looking forward to performing Elgar’s In the South with the orchestra.
“It has more notes for trombone and is challenging, but I’m also interested to hear how Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet overture sounds too when we all play together,” said Anya, 17, adding that the highlight of performing with AYO is being surrounded by like-minded musicians. “Playing music with people at such a high standard is really inspiring for me and I love meeting players and just making music together.”
This year the orchestra will be led once again by 16-year-old concertmaster Samuel Hooper from Tasmania. Samuel also attended this year’s AYO’s National Music Camp in Adelaide and performed with the 2026 AYO Flagship Orchestra in Melbourne in February.
A musical journey
What better way to start this musical celebration of Australia’s rising classical stars than with Australian composer Naomi Dodd’s thrilling contemporary work Run. Bursting with youthful energy and the exhilaration of momentum, the stage is set for Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture – a timeless tale of love and tragedy. Grab your tissues and prepare to be plunged into the depths of romantic drama – rich in sweeping melodies and stormy climaxes – as Tchaikovsky masterfully paints the tragic tale of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers with visceral emotion.
In contrast, Syafiqah ‘Adha Sallehin’s Awakened offers a contemporary Southeast Asian perspective, blending traditional Malay musical elements with modern orchestral language. The piece explores themes of spiritual and cultural awakening, inviting listeners into a sound world that is both meditative and transformative. Elgar’s In the South – a tone poem inspired by the composer’s travels in Italy – closes the journey with a vivid portrait of Italy’s sunlit grandeur and historical depth.
Come along with AYO Symphonists on this musical journey of discovery!
About AYO Symphonists
AYO Symphonists (formerly Young Symphonists) represents the highest calibre of young Australian musicians of high school age (12 – 17 years). The Australian Youth Orchestra program develops musical leadership and ensemble skills that last a lifetime. Alumni of AYO Symphonists can be found leading and holding principal positions in ensembles across Australia – including AYO’s flagship orchestra, State Youth Orchestras and the nation’s major professional orchestras. The exciting and rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule comes to a triumphant conclusion with a public performance.
Since its beginnings in 2000, the AYO Symphonists program has become one of AYO’s pivotal pathways in the development of young instrumentalists. It was created to support the musical journeys of young musicians across the country, some of whom are experiencing orchestral playing for the first time. It has been life-changing in providing orchestral training access to high-achieving students from regional areas, where many participants have gone on to join our flagship orchestra and build strong careers. AYO Symphonists cover ambitious orchestral works and contemporary works across various locations in Australia and with leading conductors, providing participants with exciting, challenging performance experiences.
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What audiences have to say about AYO Symphonists
“It was a delight to see so much young talent and enthusiasm.”
“Very impressive ensemble with superb solo performances. As usual the AYO Symphonists’ energy and enthusiasm was obvious.”
“Impressive display of concentration, technique and musicianship. The overall sound was of a standard way above what would be thought possible from school -age musicians.”
“I’m astounded by the ability of these young people to produce such excellent music.”
“This concert exceeded expectations – both the repertoire and the quality of the performance.”