Calling Australia's Top Young Stars of Classical Music

Auditions for the Australian Youth Orchestra now open May 10 – June 11

May 10, 2010

Australia’s most talented and aspiring young musicians are invited to apply for the 2011 programs offered by the Australian Youth Orchestra, the world’s most prestigious and innovative orchestral training organisation for gifted young musicians.

Those successful in the annual auditions will have the chance to work with some of Australia’s – and the world’s – finest conductors, directors, musicians and industry professionals.
Many of those who train with the AYO become professional musicians and CEO Colin Cornish said that every year the Australian Youth Orchestra receives hundreds of applications from across the country.
“The AYO has been inspiring Australia’s young classical musicians for over 60 years to become tomorrow’s greats and last year alone, we’ve received over one thousand applications for our programs,” said Cornish.

Cornish himself studied and performed as a musician, beginning his musical career with the Australian Youth Orchestra and later becoming a professional musician.

“From first-hand experience and speaking to AYO participants, the AYO programs are a life-changing experience. For many young players, the AYO is part of their journey to becoming a professional musician and for others it represents the opportunity to work with musicians of their calibre,” added Cornish.

Auditions are scheduled for every Australian capital city, as well as regional audition centres in Orange, Townsville and Armidale in August and September 2010.

To be eligible to apply for the Australian Youth Orchestra’s innovative programs, musicians must be between 12 – 30 years old and applications open May 10 and close June 11.