Celebrating an unforgettable journey of historic firsts
The Australian Youth Orchestra’s 2025 European Tour was a landmark journey – one defined by artistic excellence, cultural exchange, and a series of historic firsts. For the first time in six years, AYO’s Flagship Orchestra took to the international stage, performing in six of Europe’s most prestigious venues and culminating in a triumphant Homecoming Concert at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday 31 July.
Led by former Sydney Symphony Orchestra Chief Conductor David Robertson, and joined by tour soloists William Barton (didgeridoo) and Christian Li (violin), the orchestra began its journey with a residency at the Akoesticum in Ede, Netherlands. From there, they performed at the Mecklenberg-Vorpommern Festival, Vienna’s Musikverein, Graz’s Stefaniensaal, Het Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Rheingau Musik Festival, and the Grossensaal RBB in Berlin. The tour marked the first time AYO has performed in Austria in its 50+ years of international touring.
AYO CEO Kimberly Harding captured the spirit of the tour in her Homecoming speech after the Sydney Opera House concert, describing it as a moment of global recognition for Australian music and culture:
“This was the first time the fabled Golden Hall of Muskiverein had heard the sound of the didgeridoo – and the first time AYO performed there – and also the first time the art of our partner Ikuntji and the Western Desert Dreaming was worn in Europe.”
Viennese audiences quickly warmed to AYO’s distinctive sound with standing ovations after every piece. The tour also included the European debut of Australian composer Alice Chance’s Through Changing Landscape and for many AYO musicians, including Concertmaster Robert Smith, this was their first time in Europe.
Australia’s Ambassador to Austria, Ambassador Ian Biggs, thanked the orchestra after its concerts in Vienna and Graz for partnering with the Australian Embassy in Vienna to showcase Australian cultural and artistic excellence, including First Nations Australians. “It was a true honour and delight to listen to the young, talented musicians of the AYO performing to a full house of over 1,150 guests at the Musikverein’s Golden Hall – one of the most prestigious concert halls of the world. The performance was magnificent and highlighted the modern, highly professional and extraordinary standard of Australian musical talent in the contested artistic world of Vienna.”
For Australian soprano Sophie Salvesani, who lives in Germany and attended the Berlin concert, the event was a nostalgic reminder of home. “Sculthorpe’s Earth Cry made me feel as if I were back home. It was honestly quite moving and made me realise the immense talent of our Australian musicians. I couldn’t be prouder,” she said.
Alyssa Deacon (front row, left) with the double bass section at Vienna’s Muskiverein Concert Hall.
AYO double bassist Alyssa Deacon reflected on the Vienna concert: “Being part of AYO’s first performance at the Musikverein was truly special, and I feel honoured to have shared in that milestone. I’m sure AYO will return one day, but I’ll always treasure being part of that incredible first experience.”
Kimbali reflected on the deeper meaning behind the acclaim, emphasising music’s power to unite:
“I really enjoyed the smiles on the 92 young musicians’ faces when they took their bows across Europe and were recognised as being truly world class. What the AYO performances really showed is that music connects people. It speaks to people across countries, across cultures, across backgrounds. “
The ‘sound of optimism’
The Homecoming Concert at the Sydney Opera House was a celebration of this journey, attended by over 2,000 guests – a nearly full house of families, supporters, donors, alumni, and music lovers. Kimbali spoke with pride about the musicians’ growth and the joy of seeing Australian talent recognised on a global stage:
“For me, when I hear the AYO perform, I hear the sound of optimism, of a bright, bright future.”
William Barton, Maestro David Robertson, Christian Li and AYO CEO Kimbali Harding. Photo: Lisa Maree Williams
She said of the most touching moments of the tour came when Maestro David Robertson handed the podium to young assistant conductor, Australian Carlo Antonioli allowing him to make his debut in Vienna’s fabled Golden Hall.
“It was really quite beautiful and made Carlo’s life. It was quite extraordinary,” Kimbali shared.
Maestro David Robertson praised the young musicians’ ability to adjust to vastly different acoustic environments and thanked the tour supporters and donors.
“Working with AYO musicians I knew would be a pleasure because I know many AYO alumni in different orchestras throughout the world – and the spirit of the orchestra goes with the musicians, even when they’re no longer under the aegis of the AYO itself.
“One of the things which was really wonderful on the tour was to see the sort of development and the taking of chances — both of soloists and of groups within the sections,” said David. “The quickness with which everyone made adjustments to radically different acoustics was wonderful to behold.”
He also spoke of music’s unique ability to enrich both the performer and the listener: “We, as musicians, were enriched by the giving. And everyone who heard was enriched by the hearing.”
David closed with heartfelt gratitude to the supporters who made the tour possible. “Your support allows these musicians to have experiences that will mark their lives in an incredibly positive way.”
From the lavish halls of Europe to the warm embrace of the Sydney Opera House, the AYO musicians not only performed, they transformed. They brought Australian compositions to new audiences, collaborated with world-class mentors, and embraced every challenge with grace and energy.
The tour culminated in a homecoming filled with gratitude, celebration, and hope. As Kimbali noted, the sound of AYO is the sound of a bright future.
Sign up for all the latest AYO news straight to your inbox
