The Australian Youth Orchestra has appointed Kimbali Harding as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Harding takes the reins from Colin Cornish, who has accepted the Chief Executive role at the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra after 17 years at the helm of the AYO.

AYO Board Chair Ben Rimmer said Harding was the standout candidate in a strong field of applicants.

Kimbali Harding. Photo supplied.

“Kimbali is an exceptional musician, conductor and educator who has devoted a significant part of her career to the growth and development of young musicians – and it is this devotion that is in tune with the AYO and our mission,” Rimmer said.

“She has impressive credentials as a trained concert pianist, has conducted world premieres with thousands of musicians and choral voices, and has played alongside some of the most notable names in orchestral music.”

“She is deeply committed to enhancing AYO’s role as a pre-professional training ground for the next generation of Australian professional musicians – whether they work in leading Australian ensembles, or the best orchestras of the world.”

Harding has performed on the concert stage from the age of four as a soloist and ensemble musician. Youth...