Peter Seymour Orchestra

The Peter Seymour Orchestra, named after the founder of the Sydney Youth Orchestra Association, is where many of our musicians will get their first chance to tackle major orchestral repertoire. Under the leadership of the inspiring John Ockwell (& SYO alumni), you will have the opportunity to learn the foundations of orchestral training – instrumental technique, ensemble skills, understanding of style and symphonic form, sight reading, listening and communication skills.

With a focus on classical and early romantic repertoire, PSO is an ideal training ground for aspiring orchestral musicians. This year, the Peter Seymour Orchestra will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform repertoire by some of the greatest artists of the Classical canon, including composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn.

Rehearsals: Saturday,, Santa Sabina College, Strathfield

The Peter Seymour Orchestra accepts applications from all strings, wind and french horn players, aged 11 years and approximately AMEB Grade 7 minimum standard or equivalent

John-Ockwell-BW-1200x400 — Conductor John Ockwell

PREVIOUS REPERTOIRE HIGHLIGHTS

MOZART Symphony 41, Jupiter

MOZART Idomeneo Overture

HAYDN Symphony No. 102

HAYDN Symphony No. 94

MOZART Marriage of Figaro Overture

SCHUBERT Symphony No. 4 "Tragic"

HAYDN Symphony No. 99 in Eb Major

HAYDN Symphony No. 101 "Clock"

BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor

PAST EVENTS & PERFORMANCES

The Peter Seymour Orchestra presents a number of public performances each year, including the wonderful Meet the Orchestra concerts which allow musicians to share the experience of music with young children and their families.

PAST PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Heart for HUSH, performed in the HUSH foundation’s annual fundraiser in City Recital Hall, Angel Place; with soloist Konstantin Shamray.
Main participating Orchestra in our annual Meet the Orchestra Concert Series, with performances at Mosman Art Gallery and Leichhardt Town Hall
Classical Discovery, PSO’s annual concert in Balmain Town Hall.

PETER SEYMOUR ORCHESTRA [SYDNEY YOUTH ORCHESTRA] @syorchestras rehearsal/soundcheck] HEART FOR HUSH fundraiser for HUSH FOUNDATION @hushfoundation Monday 21 May 2018 . . . #heartforhush #hushfoundation #cityrecitalhall #angelplace #sydney #Australia #hospitals #doctors #patience #families #operatingtheatres #therapy #hushfoundation #recordings #performance #singing #choirs #conducting #fundraising #composers #albums #music #strings #violins #sydneyyouthorchestra #event #eventphotography #photographer #dvp . . . BLOG EXCERPT [THE NOTES & THE SPACE BETWEEN] Music in many ways, is very much a reflection, of how we live life it. Sometimes there is a time, to do something and times not too, it’s the same in music, where notes are chosen, along with the space between them [How long each note is played, the transition between them is again like life......]. Watching musicians rehearse, learning, refining how the notes are to be played, the space between, individually and collectively, is always a joy to witness.

A post shared by DVP (@david_vagg_photography) on Jun 7, 2018 at 9:12pm PDT

TUTORIALS, SECTIONALS & MASTERCLASSES

Musicians from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, and the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra tutor each section of the orchestra on a regular basis, an association which allows members exposure to the professional music industry. SYO also offers a number of masterclasses with local and international guest artists.

PAST TOURS

2018 Central West Tour as part of the annual SYO State program.

2017 Central West Tour as part of the annual SYO State program.

2016 Central West Tour as part of the annual SYO State program.

ABOUT PETER SEYMOUR (1932-1987)

The Peter Seymour Orchestra is named after an extraordinary musical educator who, in partnership with the NSW Committee of the National Music Camp Association, founded Sydney Youth Orchestras in 1973. Two orchestras were formed that year – the Senior Orchestra and the Junior Orchestra. Peter remained as Music Director of SYO until 1977 when he left to focus on his numerous other musical endeavours, including the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs of which he was the founder and Musical Director from 1968-1987, and the National Music Camp Association (now the Australian Youth Orchestra) of which he was Director from 1973-1981 and 1985-1987. In late 1986 Peter was invited to return to SYO as Artistic Director, by which time SYO had grown to include eight ensembles, including three symphony orchestras. By early 1987 Peter’s plans included a combined SYO / SPC at Sydney Opera House to be conducted by him in July that year. Tragically Peter passed away in March 1987 following a short illness, and so the concert became a tribute to this great man conducted by the late Stuart Challender. Fittingly in 1988, the youngest of SYO’s senior symphony orchestras was re-named the Peter Seymour Orchestra to honour this wonderful man who worked so tirelessly throughout his life to bring music to everyone.

Peter Seymour Orchestra

John Ockwell - Peter Seymour Orchestra