Australian Youth Orchestra
All your experience as a student and player reaches a pinnacle when you become a member of AYO’s flagship ensemble: the Australian Youth Orchestra. Selection is an acknowledgement of excellence at a national level.
This program will give you a taste of the rich possibilities of today’s world of orchestral music-making. You’ll tackle inspiring repertoire, collaborate with some of the world’s most innovative artists and perform in prestigious venues throughout Australia.
Artists
AYO Winter Season
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AYO Summer Season
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Conductor
Matthew Coorey
Matthew Coorey began his conducting career in 2003 when he was appointed Assistant Conductor to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. This initial one-year contract then became a three-year commitment when he was appointed the RLPO’s first Conductor in Residence. Debuts soon followed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony, the Philharmonia, the Hallé, Ensemble 10:10 and the London Mozart Players. Read more
Soloist
Matthew McDonald, double bass
Matthew McDonald is Principal Double Bass of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Born in Canberra, Australia, he began his studies with Max McBride at the Canberra School of Music in 1996, later continuing with Kees Boersma at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he completed his Bachelor of Music. From 2000 to 2001 he was a scholar of the Berliner Philharmonic’s Orchestral Academy, after which he was engaged as Associate Principal Bass of the Danish National Orchestra. Read more
Photo credit: Emile Holba
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Conductor
Benjamin Northey
Australian conductor Benjamin Northey is the Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the Principal Conductor in Residence of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Previously Resident Guest Conductor of the Australia Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra (2002-2006) and Principal Conductor of the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra (2007-2010), Limelight Magazine named him Australian Artist of the Year in 2018. Read more
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Repertoire to include:
AYO Winter Season
EÖTVÖS AURORA (Australian Premiere)
FORD The Meaning of Trees (World Premiere)
STRAVINSKY The Firebird Suite (1911)
What’s involved?
As a member of the Australian Youth Orchestra you will undertake two orchestral seasons alongside the best young musicians from across the country.
AYO Winter Season will be directed by renowned conductor Matthew Coorey, and will include the world premiere of a work by composer Andrew Ford. AYO musicians will also perform the Australian premiere of a work by Peter Eötvös, featuring a solo appearance by Principal Double Bass of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Matthew McDonald—himself an AYO alumnus.
Later in the year the orchestra will come together once more to present an exciting orchestral season under the baton of conductor Benjamin Northey.
