Leading the way for music and orchestral teaching in the region, Music for Canberra is inviting players under the age of 25 to come and try out for a spot in the Canberra Youth Orchestra (CYO).

Auditions will be held for one day only on Wednesday 25 January. Young musicians who have experience with the Australian Music Examinations Board are encouraged to apply.

“If they are about fifth grade or above, we would love to hear from them. If they aren’t quite at that level yet, we can find a place for them somewhere,” says Conductor Louis Sharpe.

Mr Sharpe says anyone who has picked up an instrument is welcome to come and give it a go, for the opportunity to be placed in one of the ensembles.

The Youth Orchestra provides a fun, energetic, and informative environment where students learn to play their instruments and work as a team through classical music. Although he knows not everyone will go on to pursue a career in music, Mr Sharpe says the Orchestra hopes to ignite a lifelong passion for music through their inclusive program.

“We play a lot of Australian music, we champion work by female and under-recognised composers, but we also play the greats like Beethoven,” he says.

CYO plans to put on five performances in 2023 in a variety of settings, which exposes those involved to different types of practices. Mr Sharpe says this year they are hoping to include the community more in their shows and create innovative new ways to get out there.

“We want to change what the old hats used to do and do things differently,” he smiles.

For those who aren’t confident enough for auditions or would like to learn to play for the first time, Music for Canberra offers music classes for people aged from 18 months to 90 years and over. If you have any interest in playing music via instrument or your voice, they will be able to find a place for you. Enrolments for music classes are now open; check the website for more details.

For more information, visit musicforcanberra.org.au or contact the Music For Canberra team via

[email protected] or 6182 0030.

For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.