Australian Youth Orchestra
The AYO X Factor: 2013 Applications Open
Musicians of the Australian Youth Orchestra are living the dream as members of one of the world’s most elite pre-professional training organisations. Are you next?
For any young orchestral musician, being part of the internationally recognised Australian Youth Orchestra represents the epitome of achievement. Selection into the AYO is an acknowledgement of excellence.
It’s our mission to seek out, inspire and nurture Australia’s most talented and aspiring young musicians. The search began this week when the AYO launched its 2013 applications.
Successful applicants will join the prestigious AYO and have the rare opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading conductors, tutors, industry professionals and musicians, performing at world-class venues and festivals. Next year the orchestra will be led by celebrated international conductor Christoph Eschenbach with Grammy-award winning soloist Joshua Bell on the AYO’s 21st International Tour to Europe.
The application and auditions period is an exciting time. Knowing that there’s an international tour on the horizon spurs many young musicians on to extra dedicated hours of practice. And the competition can be tough. Last year, more than 1,000 applications were received to fill 300 places. The AYO’s programs play a vital part in developing and sustaining classical music in Australia. Given the calibre of our musicians, it comes as no surprise to learn that more than 65% of professional orchestral musicians in Australia are AYO alumni, with many of our former participants spreading their wings to join great orchestras in Australia and overseas.
The Australian Youth Orchestra’s Chief Executive Officer, Colin Cornish studied to be a musician, beginning his musical career with the AYO and later becoming a member of the renowned Australian Chamber Orchestra. “From first-hand experience, this is a life-changing opportunity,” he says.
The AYO presents tailored training and performance programs every year for aspiring musicians, composers, arts administrators, and music journalists.
Auditions are open for musicians aged between 12 and 30 years of age who meet the eligibility criteria as specified for each program and who are an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia.