19 September 2025
AYO staff recognised for contributions to music education
Congratulations to Warren Lenthall and Bernie Heard, who have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the Australian Youth Orchestra and its transformative Music in Me program respectively, with the conferral of new titles that reflect their impact and dedication.
Warren Lenthall has the new title of Director of Programs at the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO). Warren began his career at AYO as Operations Manager in 2015 and was promoted to Director of Operations two years later. He has overseen AYOs training programs for the past eight years, including pandemic-adjusted versions of National Music Camp in 2021 & 2022.
“With two AYO international tours under his belt and a decade of delivering excellent programs for thousands of musicians, Warren’s new title is a fitting description of the skill and care Warren takes in overseeing not only the logistics of our activity, but also the quality of the experience for participants, mentors and guest artists alike,” said AYO CEO Kimbali Harding.
“This new role will enable Warren to bring his deep operational insight and strategic vision directly into the heart of program development, ensuring AYO continues to deliver transformative musical experiences that inspire and empower the next generation of Australian musicians.”
AYO is currently recruiting for the position of ‘Manager – Program Operations’. Details can be found on the AYO website, with applications closing on Monday 29 September.
Bernie Heard has the new title of Director of Music in Me. An experienced senior arts executive, Bernie joined AYO as Manager, Music in Me (formerly the National Music Teacher Mentoring Program) in 2022.
Since then, Bernie has taken the program, founded by her former colleague and mentor, the late Richard Gill AO, from strength to strength: fostering partnerships within the public and private education sectors, delivering hugely successful in-person professional development and networking opportunities, and advocating at state and federal levels to ensure every child has access to quality music education. Recently, Bernie was honoured with an invitation to give the Occasional Address at the graduation ceremony for the Sydney Conservatorium, of which she is a proud alumn.
Bernie’s previous roles include Executive Director of Gondwana Choirs, CEO of Sydney Youth Orchestras, Director of Operations at Think & Do Tank Foundation and senior Education and Artist Development roles with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, working with the late Richard Gill AO.
Bernie completed a Churchill Fellowship in 2007, the Australia Council Emerging Leaders Program in 2012 and an MBA at University of Sydney, Business School in 2025.