Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) has announced its 2026 season. Visiting every mainland capital in the country and playing its first Northern Territory performance in 30 years, the 550-plus-strong youth orchestra is gearing up to offer its musicians and audiences programs featuring world-renowned soloists, landmark repertoire and two world premieres.

Australian Youth Orchestra at Hamer Hall, Melbourne. Photo © Mark Gambino

Hosted in Adelaide from 10–17 January, AYO’s annual Summer Music Festival kicks off the year with two symphony orchestras, one chamber orchestra and seven programs. Program highlights include the world premiere of works by National Music Camp composition participants, a showcase of the AYO’s brass and percussion sections, and Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloe, performed with a 100-voice choir.

The AYO heads to Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl for the free, digital-infused Fire & Fantasy program on 11 February, made up of  Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, Anna Clyne’s This Midnight Hour, Daniel Nelson’s Steampunk Blizzard and selections from Uematsu’s score for Final Fantasy IX.

For Canberrans, AYO delivers a free program on 11 April. With Singaporean conductor Chan Tze...