For Young Musicians

NZSO National Youth Orchestra

Te Tira Pūoro Rangatahi

Tomorrow’s performers today 

We are committed to developing New Zealand’s young orchestral musicians through the NZSO National Youth Orchestra.

Formed in 1959, the National Youth Orchestra has played a vital role in providing unique opportunities for the country’s most gifted young orchestral performers. NYO players have the opportunity to learn from and perform with leading conductors, artists and musicians of the NZSO. Many have gone on to forge successful careers as orchestral players, soloists, chamber musicians and teachers. 

ApplicationThe 2025 NZSO National Youth Orchestra

2026 PROGRAMME (Sun 28 Jun – Sat 4 Jul) 

Dane Lam Conductor

Jack Bewley New Commission (World Premiere NZSO NYO 2026 Composer-in-Residence)
Britten Four Sea Interludes From Peter Grimes
Michael-Thomas Foumai Raise Hawaiki: Kealaikahiki (NZ Premiere)
Debussy La Mer

CONCERT

Wellington
Fri 03 Jul, 6.30pm
Michael Fowler Centre

Auckland
Sat 04 Jul, 7.30pm
Auckland Town Hall

In association with

NZSO Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor Gemma New.

The brilliance and passion of our young musicians gives a burst of energy and inspiration to audiences around New Zealand, as we tour the next generation of artistic talent.

The NYO consists of young musicians under the age of 25 who meet annually to rehearse and perform a large symphonic repertoire in Wellington over the course of a week.

The musicians are selected by taped audition, and for many, this is the one occasion each year when they get to work with a full orchestra and professional conductors and soloists. 

The Fame Trust
Fehl Charitable Trust