Media Release:  For Immediate Release 

Sydney Youth Orchestras hits the road for the Youth Orchestral Camp in Armidale in April 2023 

The Sydney Youth Orchestras (SYO) is thrilled to announce its upcoming Youth Orchestral Camp, which will be held in Armidale from April 11-15, 2023. This unique camp will provide young musicians from metropolitan and regional areas with the opportunity to come together and develop their orchestral skills under the guidance of some of Australia’s leading music educators and conductors. 

Launching as part of SYO’s 50th year celebrations, SYO’s Youth Orchestral Camp will see the Symphonic Wind Orchestra (SWO), Peter Seymour Orchestra (PSO), Western Sydney Youth Orchestra (WSYO), and Richard Gill Chamber Orchestra (RGCO) collaborate with 80 regional musicians from across NSW for a five-day residential camp. 

The Youth Orchestral Camp is open to young musicians aged between 12-25 who play an orchestral string, woodwind, brass or percussion instrument at an intermediate to advanced level. The camp will feature rehearsals, tutorials, sectionals, workshops and masterclasses, and will culminate in a series of public concerts showcasing the progress made during the camp. 

On Saturday April 15, in Armidale, nearly 300 of NSW’s finest young orchestral musicians including the Richard Gill Chamber Orchestra, Western Sydney Youth Orchestra, Peter Seymour Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Orchestra and 80 regional guest musicians, led by John Ockwell, Kate Morgan, Aija Draguns, Tyler Wilkinson and James Pensini will perform works from composers including Mozart, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky, Vaughan-Williams and Holst. 

Smaller community Meet the Orchestra concerts will take place on Friday 14 April at Glenn Innes (1:30pm), Gunnedah (2pm) and Quirindi/Werris Creek (2pm).  

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this unique opportunity to young musicians from regional areas,” said SYO CEO Mia Patoulios,  “The Youth Orchestral Camp is a chance for participants to develop their skills in a supportive and inspiring environment, and to connect with other like-minded young musicians from across the state and share the joy of creating music together.” 

The Youth Orchestral Camp program has been established with the support of the NSW Government through Create NSW and all regional musicians have been provided full scholarships from the Department of Regional Youth. SYO’s residential Youth Orchestral Camp provides young musicians from across regional NSW with the opportunity to access high-level orchestral tuition through large ensemble rehearsals, instrumental tutorials and performances. 

About the Sydney Youth Orchestra: The Sydney Youth Orchestras is one of Australia’s leading training grounds for young musicians. Founded in 1973, and now in its 50th year, the SYO has provided high-quality music education and performance opportunities for generations of young musicians. The SYO comprises over 650 musicians aged 6-25 across a range of ensembles, from beginner string orchestras to the flagship Symphony Orchestra. 

Contact:  

Sydney Youth Orchestra Phone: +61 2 9251 2422  

Email: [email protected] 

Website: www.syo.com.au