The Australian Youth Orchestra has announced its 2024 season, one designed to showcase the next generation of Australian classical music talent.

This year, AYO will also be joined by guest artists including German conductor Christoph Altstaedt and Ensemble Offspring’s Claire Edwardes in performances of music that promises to be both challenging and transcendent.

The first assembled by incoming CEO Kimbali Harding, the AYO 2024 season balances inclusion, diversity, and innovation across a program ranging from classical and 20th century masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works.

“The 2024 season needed to be emotionally, artistically, and technically challenging, to meet the diversity and brilliance of these young people,” said Harding. “Each performance is going to be a showstopper!”

Australian Youth Orchestra 2024. Photo © AYO/Lisa Maree Williams

The season begins on 13 January with One and Free, a summer concert series presented at the University of Adelaide’s Elder Hall.

Led by conductors Ariel Zuckermann, Toby Thatcher and chamber orchestra director Sophie Rowell, AYO musicians will interpret gems of Eastern European repertoire such as Bartók’s...