SYO Symphonic Encounters
- May 29th - 30th 2026
- Sydney Conservatorium of Music
- Learn More
A classroom like no other – Tailored for primary and secondary schools, SYO Symphonic Encounters is a genuinely unique experience, where hundreds of students interactively experience live orchestral music like never before.
Teachers receive complimentary accompanying resources and activities.
About SYO Symphonic Encounters:
SYO Symphonic Encounters uses a multi-modal approach to bring music to life! In a fun 90-minute concert, students listen to, think about and discuss music move to, conduct and sing music compose and improvise music – all with a live orchestra!
SYO Symphonic Encounters Orchestra is a full-piece orchestra comprised of the best professional musicians around Sydney, vividly bringing music to life for young minds.
Music that moves with you – experience the joy of musical energy by embodying movement and sound. Let the orchestra’s rhythm and colours inspire your mind, heart and body.
This program has been designed specifically in response to the new Stages 4-5 Syllabi, intersecting the mandatory repertoire of Jazz, Popular Music, Art Music, and Global Music. These materials will enhance your Programs and Scope and Sequence for 2026.
Each school will receive a complimentary education resource consisting of pre-concert activities, including scores, historical context, classroom arrangements, and composition activities.
Sessions:
Secondary Schools – Wednesday 29th July
Session 1 – 10:30am – 12:00pm
Session 2 – 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Primary Schools – Thursday 30th July
Session 1 – 10:30am – 12:00pm
Session 2 – 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Event Hosts:
Mark Grandison (b 1965) is a composer and music teacher, who currently leads Creative and Performing Arts at James Ruse Agricultural High School. He studied composition with Richard Meale in Adelaide, before moving to Sydney in 1994 to become Director of Music at Kambala School. Music education is a passion equal to his compositional pursuits, and he has continued to write in equal measure works for youth, amateur and professional groups.
Mark’s orchestral and chamber works have won numerous national and European composition contests. His works have received performances in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South-East Asia, and the United States. A childhood and youth absorbed in popular and then jazz music often informs his music, which aspires to create an experience that integrates developmental rigour with a surface that is sensual and dramatic.
As a leading secondary Music educator, Mark built a world-class Music Department in Sydney, whilst presenting professional development workshops for teachers and composition / musicology masterclasses for students at many schools. His senior students have frequently featured among the top students of the state, and well over a hundred student compositions and essays nominated as exemplary. The annual SYO Symphonic Encounters Series allows Mark to bring his enthusiasm and pedagogy for orchestral music to a wider audience.
Panagiotis Karamanos developed a passion for music at an early age, which led him to pursue formal studies in music teaching and conducting.
His musical journey began at the Conservatorium of Music, where he attended the Conservatorium High School starting in Year 7 in 2009. He began a Bachelor of Music Education in 2015, graduated in 2018, and most recently, commenced a Master’s degree in Conducting this year under the guidance of Dr. Elizabeth Scott.
In 2016, Panagiotis founded the Modést orchestra comprised of University students, aiming to create a collaborative and stress-free environment focused on the joy of making music. This initiative has been praised for its innovative approach and dedication to musical excellence.
Panagiotis has also been active in the Australian music scene, contributing to various projects and performances that highlight contemporary compositions and sound art. His work includes collaborations with emerging artists, providing performance opportunities for young concerto soloists, and engaging with established Australian composers on significant projects. Notable achievements include the Melbourne Tour and premiere of Odysseus Live in collaboration with Luka Lesson, as well as the recording project in 2024 with composer Mark John McEncroe.
Please note: Seating is limited, and allocation priority will be according to booking order. The organisers will distribute seating maps to schools prior to the event.
Photographs and/or video will be taken at this event. By attending, you consent to your image being used for promotional and educational purposes by the organisers. If you have any concerns, please speak with a staff member on the day.
Education Partner:
