About NZSO National Youth Orchestra

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is committed to the development of New Zealand’s young orchestral musicians through the NZSO National Youth Orchestra.

Since its inception in 1959, the National Youth Orchestra has played a vital role in providing a unique opportunity for the country’s most gifted young orchestral performers, many of whom have gone on to forge successful careers as orchestral players, soloists, chamber musicians and teachers.

‘With a conductor possessed of a wonderfully clear technique and real musical insight, a brilliant young soloist and a programme cleverly chosen to both display and stretch the players, this was a deeply satisfying concert’ – John Button

The NZSO is continuing to build an exciting programme of activities for the National Youth Orchestra. Each year musicians will be recruited for the orchestra for a period of 12 months and will all take part in the main concert programme. Throughout their time in the orchestra, the musicians will have the opportunity to opt into extra activities.

So far, the National Youth Orchestra extra activities have included: a repertoire workshop with Pietari Inkinen, a fundraising gala concert for Christchurch with Placido Domingo  and some Youth Music Peer Ambassadors school visits.

There will be more opportunities in the 2012 – 2013 season.

2012 PROGRAMME – Applications now being accepted

3 September – 8 September 2012

Conductor: Wyn Davies
Featuring: New Zealand Youth Choir

Programme:
Alex Taylor NYO Composer-in-Residence (World Premiere)
Michael Tippett A Child of Our Time

Concert:
Christchurch – Saturday 8 September / 8pm / CBS Canterbury Arena

This will be a residential programme. Accommodation and rehearsals will take place at Living Springs, Christchurch. Participants must be available at all times throughout the rehearsal and concert period.

IMPORTANT DATES

1 FEBRUARY Applications open and orchestral excerpts available
16 MARCH Closing date for applications
24 MARCH – 20 APRIL (various) Auditions
20 APRIL Closing date for receipt of all recorded auditions
1 JUNE Audition results mailed out
15 JUNE Final date for accepting place