The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) has opened applications for its 2027 programs. Aspiring young orchestral musicians can apply to participate in a variety of ensembles and development programs, aimed at enriching performance and professional skills.

Australian Youth Orchestra’s Momentum Ensemble. Photo © Brett Scapin

Founded in 1948, AYO is one of Australia’s premier youth music organisations, helping to prepare the next generation of professional musicians and arts administrators for careers both in Australia and internationally.

The Australian Youth Orchestra is the AYO’s flagship ensemble and namesake. The 2027 Summer Season will be presented in Sydney and Canberra, from  6–14 Febrary, with conductor Umberto Clerici set to lead Respighi’s Roman Trilogy. The Winter season, in Brisbane from 3–11 July, features Mahler’s First Symphony conducted by Tianyi Lu.

Applications are also open for the AYO Symphonists program, representing “the highest calibre of young Australian musicians”. Formerly the Young Symphonists, the 2027 program features a new international partnership with the Singapore National Youth Orchestra, and will see its selected musicians partipate in a week-long intenstive program in Singapore, capped by a public performance.

Sharon Grigoryan and Nigel Westlake with the Australian Youth Orchestra. Photo © Claudio Raschella

The AYO’s Momentum Ensemble, which offers performance and vocational training for musicians aged 18–28, embarking on a professional career in music, is open by invitation only, as is participation in the orchestra’s Professional Immersion streams.

Taking place in Adelaide, the AYO’s two-week National Music Camp runs from 11–24 January, 2027. Next year, it offers five different streams – its Orchestral program, as well as Orchestral Management, Composition, Media and Communication and Sound Production.

Aimed at supporting primary educators in music education, the AYO’s Music in Me program is also open year-round.

More about the Australian Youth Orchestra’s 2027 applications can be found here.