The Australian Youth Orchestra

The Australian Youth Orchestra

The Australian Youth Orchestra are on the look out for some bright new stars!

Applications now open to join prestigious orchestra The Australian Youth Orchestra have announced the launch of its 2012 application process with a mission to find, inspire and nurture Australia’s most talented and aspiring young classical musicians.

Forget cheesy TV shows like Australia's Got Talent - this is the real deal!

Successful applicants will join the prestigious AYO and have the rare opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading conductors, tutors, industry professionals and musicians including Simone Young and Christopher Hogwood.

For those not in the know, The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) is one of the world’s most prestigious and innovative training organisations for young pre-professional musicians.

Their training pathway has been created to nurture the musical development of Australia’s finest young instrumentalists across metropolitan and regional Australia : from the emerging, gifted, school-aged student, to those on the verge of a professional career.

The AYO presents over a dozen tailored training and performance programs each year for aspiring musicians, composers, arts administrators and music journalists aged 12 to 30.

Last year, more than 1,000 applications were received to fill almost 220 places.

"The AYO is a vital element in developing the classical music industry in Australia. Many of those who train with us become professional musicians and our alumni is a who’s who of professionals working with Australian and international orchestras" said AYO CEO Colin Cornish.

Cornish himself studied and performed as a musician, beginning his musical career with the AYO and later becoming a member of the renowned Australian Chamber Orchestra.

“From first-hand experience, this is a life-changing opportunity,” he said.

The AYO presents more than a dozen tailored training and performance programs every year for aspiring musicians, composers, arts administrators and music journalists.

To be eligible to apply for the AYO, applicants must be between 12 – 30 years old.

Applications open May 16 and close June 10, 2011. For more information on the AYO visit www.ayo.com.au